The concept of attending school in Hogwarts Castle, geeking out in the Ravenclaw library, or relaxing in the Gryffindor common room was a significant component of the Hogwarts magic that captured our imaginations and inspired some fanciful study-abroad dreams for those who grew up obsessing over the latest Harry Potter books and re-watching the movies.
Here are some of the top universities in the UK and Ireland that offer the ideal Hogwarts study experience while also granting you a prestigious degree that you can justify to your parents and position you for international success. This will assist in turning your muggle aspirations into reality.
The University of Edinburgh
#20 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings
#30 in the 2020 Times Higher Education World Rankings
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is the adoptive hometown of author J.K. Rowling. J.K. Rowling composed the majority of the Harry Potter novels in the cafes of this city, which is not surprising given that Edinburgh is the world’s first UNESCO city of literature.
Edinburgh is the site of numerous inspirations for Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, including the Gothic architecture and eerie graveyards of the city, as well as the narrow medieval stores on Victoria Street that served as the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
And if you intend to reside in Edinburgh, The University of Edinburgh is the most viable alternative. The Gothic-style Teviot Row House, one of the university’s older buildings, is reminiscent of Hogwarts and the Potter world. For those seeking a more literary experience, the Edinburgh Writers’ Museum is a mere brief walk from the university.
Edinburgh is an ideal study destination for fans who will contend that the book is superior to the movie (and will unfriend you if you disagree) and for anyone who enjoys reading and literature.
University of Glasgow
QS World University Rankings 2021: #77
#99 in the 2020 Times Higher Education World Rankings
Rowling maintains that the illusive Hogwarts Castle is supposed to be situated in the Highlands of Scotland. For many, the University of Glasgow is the closest analogy to Hogwarts.
The University of Glasgow is a university that is over 500 years old and is both gorgeous and breathtaking. Given its hilltop location, gothic spires, verdant lawns, inner courtyard, and majestic great halls, it is unsurprising that numerous students and visitors perceive similarities between the university’s primary structure and Hogwarts Castle.
Additionally, there are numerous cobblestone alleyways and streets that will evoke the sensation of being in Diagon Alley or sipping a butterbeer pint at The Three Broomsticks.
Durham University
#86 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings
#133 in the 2020 Times Higher Education World Rankings
If you are a devotee of the Harry Potter universe, which is populated by muggles, wizards, and magical creatures, this university may be the most appealing option on your list for two compelling reasons.
Initially, Durham University was one of the earliest universities in the United Kingdom. This implies that, similar to Hogwarts Castle, you will be attending university in a castle. Indeed. A castle that is legitimately listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There will be no other opportunity in your life to say, “I attended college in a medieval castle.”
Secondly, it is feasible to pursue Harry Potter as a subject. The School of Education at Durham University provides the Harry Potter and the Age of Illusion module. This implies that you have the opportunity to exercise your Harry Potter fandom while simultaneously honing your investigation and critical thinking abilities. After that, no one will be able to question your dedication. No one.
University of Oxford
#5 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings
Number one in the 2020 Times Higher Education World Rankings
For those who identify as Ravenclaws, the University of Oxford is likely to be their preferred institution.
In addition to being the world’s top-ranked university according to the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2020, it is home to the Bodleian Library, which is one of the most renowned libraries in the world. In all honesty, what more could a Ravenclaw who is diligently studying desire?
The Potter connection does not conclude at this point. The modest university city of Oxford is closely associated with the film industry due to the numerous film locations and set design inspirations.
The Bodleian Library and Christ Church College are among the numerous Hogwarts film locations that were filmed at Oxford University. Consequently, Harry Potter movie enthusiasts will always find something to enjoy.
University of Exeter
#164 in the QS World University Rankings 2021 (51-100 for English Language and Literature)
#146 in the 2020 Times Higher Education World Rankings
This will be the apparent choice if you are interested in the real-life story behind the magic of Harry Potter.
Rowling’s literary journey began at Exeter, despite the fact that she confessed to spending more time reading Tolkien and Dickens than doing schoolwork. She is a self-proclaimed Gryffindor author. She was admitted in 1982 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in French and Classics in 1986.
Rowling has become one of Exeter’s most cherished alumni since the worldwide success of Harry Potter, and it is rumored that many locations in the novels were inspired by sections of the university and surrounding areas.
Therefore, the most straightforward approach to begin your journey toward becoming the world’s most successful author is to enroll in the same university.
Additionally, you will not be alone. By participating in the University of Exeter Student’s Guild Harry Potter and Quidditch Society, you can showcase your fervor for Rowling and represent your team in a genuine Quidditch match. How is that for an incentive to eventually participate in college sports?
University of College Cork (UCC)
#286 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings
#301 350 in the 2020 Times Higher Education World Rankings
The University College Cork (UCC) is a self-proclaimed “Hogwarts of Ireland,” a title that is well-deserved, as they take their Potter mythology seriously.
Therefore, if you have selected Ireland as your preferred study destination, UCC shares numerous similarities with Hogwarts, including the limestone quads that resemble the corridors of Hogwarts and the Gallery of Portraits, among other things.
Finally, the UCC Harry Potter Society is a thriving student organization that is dedicated to the recreation of the events that would occur at Hogwarts. It is a popular organization that is comprised of enthusiastic members.
The UCC Harry Potter Society is magically restricted in its ability to send out winged objects.
Acceptance letters or pair you with magical owls (or cats and rats), there is a Yule gala and a sorting hat ceremony to fulfill your childhood aspirations.
Selecting the appropriate university can elevate the once-in-a-lifetime experience of studying abroad to a magical realm that is directly out of your childhood fantasies.
Therefore, if you are committed to pursuing your study abroad aspirations, please contact an IDP muggle to identify the ideal program for you.