Did you know that the United Kingdom has five distinct categories of universities, some of which date back to the year 1096? Investigate them here!
The United Kingdom (UK) has consistently been recognized for its exceptional education system on a global scale. The United Kingdom draws a significant number of international students annually due to its exceptional quality of life and exposure, as well as its numerous high-ranking universities. That is why it is a difficult task to select the optimal university from the 130 in the UK, which includes both modern and millennia-old institutions that provide a wide range of opportunities. It can be concluded that the United Kingdom has a university that caters to the needs of all individuals.
So, what are the types of universities in UK?
It is important to be aware that the United Kingdom has five distinct categories of universities. In this article, we will investigate each of them.
Ancient universities
The following universities have been in existence since the medieval and Renaissance periods, approximately 1096 to 1582. Lecture rooms and corridors are frequently located in structures that are hundreds of years old at these universities. Although they continue to provide tutorials in addition to lectures, this is due to their historical significance, which enables students to establish connections with faculty members in smaller, distinct groups.
The following are examples of ancient universities and their respective years of foundation:
| Member universities | Year of foundation |
| University of Oxford | 1096 |
| University of Cambridge | 1209 |
| University of St Andrews | 1413 |
| University of Glasgow | 1451 |
| University of Aberdeen | 1495 |
| University of Edinburgh | 1582 |
| University of Dublin (in Ireland) | 1592 |
The Redbrick or civic universities
In response to the increasing demand for university-level education in disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, and design, these universities were established in major industrial centers during World War I in the 19th century. Regardless of their religious affiliation or heritage, these non-collegiate institutions admitted students and concentrated on imparting “real-world” skills.
The most appealing aspect of these universities is their location, which is situated in the heart of the cities on undefined campuses (occasionally with public roadways passing through them). This remains the case to this day. International students favor all six red-brick universities, which are also members of the Russell Group.
What are the six red-brick universities?
The table below displays the six red-brick universities and the year in which each university achieved this status:
| Member universities | University status granted on |
| University of Birmingham | 1900 |
| University of Bristol | 1909 |
| University of Leeds | 1904 |
| University of Liverpool | 1903 |
| University of Manchester | 2004* |
| University of Sheffield | 1905 |
*Established as a result of the closure of Victoria University and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology
Plate glass universities or 1960s universities
These universities were established between 1963 and 1992 in accordance with the Robbins Report on Higher Education (1963) and as part of education reforms to increase the number of universities in the United Kingdom. In the areas of syllabus, examination, administration, teaching methods, and discipline, these universities were sufficiently progressive to implement novel initiatives. As a result of their architectural style and the fact that the majority of them are constructed on designated green-field sites, such as self-contained US-style campuses, they are commonly referred to as the Plate Glass group.
| Member universities | University status granted on/ formed on |
| Aston University | 1966 |
| University of East Anglia | 1963 |
| University of Essex | 1964-65 |
| University of Kent | 1965 |
| Lancaster University | 1964 |
| University of Sussex | 1961 |
| University of Warwick | 1965 |
| University of York | 1963 |
New universities or Polytechnic and metropolitan universities
As part of the education reforms that occurred between the 1980s and 1990s, these universities have developed from Polytechnics, Further Education Colleges, Teacher Training Colleges, University Colleges, and other higher education institutions. Despite the fact that they have only recently been granted university status, their educational foundation is centuries old. These universities are expanding significantly and are in competition with other older institutions in terms of modern facilities and a forward-thinking perspective.
The following are a few of the new universities, along with their areas of specialization:
| Member universities | Facilities and specialty |
| Arden university | Concentrate on online and distance education. Focus primarily on Business Studies and related disciplines. |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | Tourism Management and Food Technology are the most frequently taken courses. |
| University of Chichester | Media Studies, Production, and Music Composition courses are the most well-known. |
| Plymouth Marjon University | The departments of Education, Creative Arts, Health Sciences, and Sport are highly regarded at the university. |
| University College Birmingham | Tourism, Events, and Hospitality Management courses are exceedingly popular at the undergraduate level. |
Russell Group universities
The Russell Group is a collection of the top 24 British research universities, which are frequently contrasted with the Ivy League institutions in the United States. Its member universities are frequently considered the “best” in the UK, and the group is renowned for obtaining two-thirds of all research grant funding from the government.
Additionally, the portfolio comprises a few of the most prestigious civic universities, 19th-century universities, and some ancient universities, including:
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bristol
- University of Cambridge
- Cardiff University
- Durham University
What’s the best type of university in the UK that you should choose?
When selecting the appropriate university, ensure that the university’s offerings align with your requirements and preferences. Each of these universities in the United Kingdom will possess a distinctive quality. For example, students who are not adequately prepared for an intense burden may find ancient universities to be prohibitively demanding, necessitating grades that exceed the norm. In the same vein, Russell Group universities prioritize social welfare, research, and the provision of exceptional courses, while new universities are the ideal location to cultivate a professional and personal network while pursuing one’s interests.
We comprehend that conducting an exhaustive investigation on your own can be a daunting endeavor, and you may experience additional confusion. However, there is no need for concern. Our team of seasoned international education specialists is capable of assisting you in identifying the most suitable institution for your needs. In fact, our specialists are now available virtually, and you can schedule a complimentary counseling session to obtain guidance at your earliest convenience.
Alternatively, you may reach out to us at this time to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.