If you’ve started your research into studying at university in the UK, you may have heard about the Russell Group. However, you may not be certain what is actually means to be a part of this group or why you should care.
In this guide, we’ll be exploring what the Russell Group actually is, which universities are a part of it and why you should consider all of this when applying to university. If you’re ready, let’s get started.
What is the Russell Group?
Established in 1994, the Russell Group is an organisation that represents and funds the operations of 24 universities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In some ways, it is comparable to the Ivy League in North America, which is also a group of universities unified under a set of core values.
The name Russell Group came from the location of the initial formation, the Hotel Russell in London, where 17 institutions were originally included. From this initial meeting, various factors defined what it means to be a Russell Group university:
What Defines a Russell Group University
Research
One of the key strengths of Russell Group universities is their heavy focus on research. Faculty and students at these institutions pride themselves on tackling the most pressing issues in our society currently, including Net Zero, AI Safety, supporting the NHS and much more.
This research not only supports the development of a better future but also contributes greatly to the needs of today through employment and revenue. The Russell Group states that over 200,000 staff are employed across their universities, 1,200 ‘spin-out’ companies have been supported throughout the group and between £38 billion is generated annually into the UK economy through their research operations.
High Standard of Teaching
The universities supported by the Russell Group are considered to be some of the best in the country, with some even ranking among the best in the entire world. Each Russell Group university is commonly seen at the top of any university ranking table, and this is due to the high expectations that the group places on each institution.
The funding provided by the group is used by each university to ensure students have access to the best resources, the most skilled academic faculty and plenty of opportunities to learn through real-world experience and research opportunities.
High Entry Requirements
With what we’ve seen so far, it’s expected that these universities would be looking for the best students possible. This is true, which means high entry requirements are put in place to ensure only applicants with the highest academic potential are admitted.
While some of these universities are more competitive than others, the minimum you should expect to face when applying to one is a high-grade requirement for A-Levels/equivalents. Beyond this, some universities implement admissions tests and interviews to further refine the applicant pool. Although over 750,000 students study at Russell Group universities, they are generally not easy to get into.
You should now have a better sense of what the Russell Group is in a general sense, so it’s time to take a deeper dive and learn about which universities are included in it.
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What Are The Russell Group Universities?
As stated above, there are 24 universities currently a part of the Russell Group. Each has a unique ethos and feeling while still fitting in with the overarching Russell Group standard, so let’s take a look at them to see which ones may appeal to you:
Russell Group Universities
- London School of Economics (LSE)
- University of Manchester
- Newcastle University
- University of Nottingham
- University of Oxford
- Queen Mary University of London
- Queen's University Belfast
- University of Sheffield
- University of Southampton
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Warwick
- University of York
University of Birmingham
Located in the heart of Birmingham, this university offers a wide variety of degrees in STEM and Humanities. The university was founded in 1900 as one of the original ‘red brick’ universities and currently operates two Birmingham campuses and an international campus located in Dubai. Birmingham was a founding member of the Russell Group.
Being a member of the Russell Group, the university is unsurprisingly revered for its research, though its medical school and business school are particularly popular among students. The business school specifically hold the prestigious ‘Triple Crown’ accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB).
University of Bristol
This Bristol-based university was founded in 1876 and was another of the founding Russell Group members. Bristol is particularly note-worthy for its international connections and. High rate of non-UK students and faculty. It’s stated that around 25% of students and 20% of the faculty come from outside the UK.
The university’s Engineering faculty is among its most popular, teaching a wide variety of disciplines. However, the university’s selection of degrees is much wider than that, covering everything from Criminology to Film and Television production. Its medical and law schools are also among the highest-ranked in the UK.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is one of the most famous and most respected universities in the world and far outdates the formation of the Russell Group (of which it was a founding member). Paired with the University of Oxford as one-half of Oxbridge, Cambridge is known across the world as one of the top universities in the world to attend.
It frequently competes with Oxford for the top spot of university ranking lists and is one of the most difficult universities to get into. The subject selection is far more limited compared to other Russell Group universities, with only around 30 available for undergraduates. This lack of courses, combined with the smaller class sizes, gives Cambridge a very low acceptance rate.
The courses that are taught mostly have a long legacy at the university and are considered world-class options for students. Some of the most popular degrees taught include Natural Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Economics. However, you’ll have to be prepared to complete admissions tests and interviews to get in, as Cambridge implements one of the most demanding application processes in the UK.
If you do get your offer, though, you’ll have the chance to attend one of over 30 iconic colleges, work within some of the most famous architecture in the UK and engage in the centuries-old traditions that are still in place to this day. On top of all of that, a degree from Cambridge is highly valuable to employers, meaning your prospects will be greatly improved after graduation.
Cardiff University
As Wales’ sole Russell Group University, Cardiff University is a great option for anyone looking to study in the country. Founded in 1883, Cardiff wasn’t a founding member of the Russell Group but joined in 1998.
As with any other Russell Group university, Cardiff excels in research and education, but it was also ranked as having the 2nd best student union in the UK. Among its various departments, the university is well known for its School of Journalism, Media and Culture, a field many other Russell Group universities don’t cover in depth.
Durham University
Founded in 1832, Durham University is one of the older English institutions within the Russell Group. Durham was one of the last universities to be included in the Russell Group, only being admitted in 2012 among three others.
The university excels in both STEM and Humanities subjects, with its teaching in Theology and its research in Physics being particularly revered. It’s also one of the best universities for rowing in the UK, regularly competing with other top universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
University of Edinburgh
As the top university in Scotland’s capital, the University of Edinburgh is one of two Scottish universities in the Russell Group. Its history dates back as far as 1583, making it older than most other universities in the group. It was also a founding member of the Russell Group.
The university is known for its pioneering medical school, which is one of the oldest in the English-speaking world, its School of Informatics and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. However, its reach can be seen in many areas of society and plays a large role in many Scottish Cultural events, including the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe Festival.
University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is one of the newer universities in the Russell Group being founded in 1995, but its achievements in research and education are still highly impressive. Exeter was another of the four universities to join the Russell Group in 2012, and its research output has since been highly rated (98% of said research is stated to be of ‘international quality’). Among the research being conducted, Exeter has been recognised as a leading force in Clean Water, Climate Action and Responsible Consumption & Production according to Time Higher Education.
The theme of sustainability can be seen in various courses taught at the university, although it has a wide variety of departments, with some of the most revered being its Business School and selection of Humanities and Arts departments.
University of Glasgow
Glasgow houses the second Scottish Russell Group University, which was founded in 1451 and was another of the original members of the Russell Group. As the 4th oldest university in the UK, Glasgow has had plenty of time to refine its research output, with 31% of its output now being considered world-leading. The university also boasts an extremely diverse faculty and student base, with 27% of students and 31% of academic staff coming from outside of the UK.
Among its wide variety of courses, the most popular areas of the university are the medical school, the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Adam Smith Business School. Outside of teaching, other notable aspects include the campus’s 100+ listed buildings combined with all the essential amenities for high-performing modern students.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is the first London-based university we’ve covered so far, and it’s one of the most popular. Established in 1907, Imperial was a founding Russell Group member and is one of the five members of the G5 universities (which also include Oxford and Cambridge). However, Imperial is also one of the most unique universities in the Russell Group due to the courses it teaches.
Other than the recently created Economics degree, all degrees taught at the university fall into the field of STEM (Economics is also sometimes considered in this field). While this creates a big restriction in what’s available to students, Imperial still manages to see over 25,000 applicants each year, more than Oxford or Cambridge.
Among the courses it teaches, the Faculty of Engineering is particularly popular due to the wide range of fields covered. Meanwhile, the medical school is considered the best in London to some. Imperial has become so popular that they recently introduced a more comprehensive admissions process in the vein of Oxford and Cambridge. More applicants than ever will need to complete admissions tests and attend interviews to be given an offer on to their course, many of which have extremely low acceptance rates.
King's College London
Another highly-praised London university, King’s College London offers a wider selection of degrees to students than Imperial, although it is not an official member of the G5. King’s was established in 1829 and was a founding member of the University of London, though it didn’t join the Russell Group until 1998.
Among the research conducted at King’s one of the most recognised is its work in the fields of Psychology, Psychiatry & Neuroscience, for which its dedicated research centre (IoPPN) is one of the largest in Europe. As for teaching, subjects where it has garnered respect include Dentistry, Law, Nursing and War Studies, one of the most unique departments at the university.
University of Leeds
Founded in 1904 and being an original Russell Group member, the University of Leeds is one of the bigger universities in the UK, housing over 38,000 students. The university boasts a student population coming from over 150 countries and many international partnerships.
Leeds offers a wide variety of courses, with the Business School and Engineering departments being two of the most highly praised. The School of Earth and Environment is popular, combined with the Institute of Climate and Atmospheric Science being an internationally recognised research provider for climate science and environmental sustainability.
University of Liverpool
Although it has a history dating back to 1881, the University of Liverpool became a fully-fledged university with a Royal Charter in 1903. The university was another founding member of the Russell Group and was the first university to ‘establish an autonomous university in China’, the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.
Among the university’s many departments, exceptional examples include the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, the School of Veterinary Science and the Management School. It specialises in ‘interdisciplinary research’, including work in Zoonosis and Renewable Energy, over 75% of which is rated internationally excellent.
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London School of Economics (LSE)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is another G5 University, a constituent college within the federal University of London and a founding Russell Group member. Like Imperial College London, Lee specialised in a specific sector, although their courses do range beyond the two areas highlighted in the university name.
As expected, LSE’s most popular courses cover Economics and Politics, although Law, Mathematics and various humanities subjects are all taught. LSE has a comparable small cohort of just 4,400 undergraduate students and 6,200 postgraduate students. It has a highly diverse faculty, with around two-thirds coming from overseas. It has strong links with organisations from around the world, including the United Nations and World Bank.
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester, founded in its current form in 2004, has history dating back to 1824 and was a founding member of the Russell Group. It has the distinction of being the largest single-site university in the UK.
The university prides itself on its interdisciplinary research and push for social responsibility as a core goal, with 83% of its research ranked as world-leading. Much of this research is scientific, with some of the most notable work coming from the Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) and the School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science.
Popular departments at the university include the Alliance Manchester Business School, which is one of the largest business schools in the UK, and the School of Social Sciences.
Newcastle University
Newcastle University is one of the youngest universities in the Russell Group but was a founding member. However, its history as a medical school dates back to 1834. The university’s 28,000+ students come from over 140 countries, while the university itself offers over 500 different degrees for undergraduates and postgraduates.
Having roots in medicine, the university’s medical school is naturally one of its best departments, though the School of Engineering and School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape are both well regarded for their education and research as well.
University of Nottingham
Established in 1881, the University of Nottingham was a founding Russell Group member and now has campuses located in China and Malaysia, as well as the UK. Interestingly, the university was originally a constituent college of the University of London.
The Nottingham University Business School and Faculty of Medicine are among the highest-regarded departments at the university, while the university is also recognised for its research in environmental science and sustainability.
University of Oxford
Oxford is the oldest university in the UK (founded in 1096), a founding member of the Russell Group and the second half of the Oxbridge pair. With its immense legacy and universal acclaim in all fields that it teaches, Oxford is one of the most recognisable and well-regarded universities in the world.
As previously stated, the competition between Oxford and Cambridge is strong (though friendly), but Oxford generally excels in subjects like PPE, Classics and English. Just like Cambridge, Oxbridge applicants will need to be prepared for admissions tests and interviews, which contribute to an incredibly low offer and acceptance rate each year.
Those who do get admitted will be able to enjoy the unique university experience, with much of your time spent at your college, of which there are over 35 to choose from. Just like at Cambridge, students take part in the many historic traditions that have formed in the nearly 1,000 years of its existence.
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London has the oldest legacy of any London university in the Russell Group, dating back to its roots as the London Hospital Medical College in 1785 before being established as a full university in 1885. Despite its origins in medicine, the university has since expanded to teach a wide variety of subjects in both humanities and STEM.
Although it’s one of the older institutions on this list, Queen Mary wasn’t inducted into the Russell Group until 2012. However, its research efforts at the medical school (Barts and The School of London of Medicine and Dentistry) had remained strong for many decades prior. In terms of teaching, The School of Law is also highly revered within the UK.
Queen's University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast, established in 1845, is the only member of the Russell Group in Northern Ireland and was not inducted until 2006 as the 20th member. The university has five key areas of focus within its research which aim to provide a better future for all through health, data, environment, community and economy. Of this research, 88% is currently ranked as world-leading, while the university is considered one of the best in the country.
University of Sheffield
Since 1905, the University of Sheffield has been one of the largest universities for research in the UK, housing nearly 30,000 students. It was a founding member of the Russell Group and has consistently been recognised for its work in a variety of fields, including sustainable farming, nuclear reactors and social media protection.
For students, Sheffield’s various degrees in engineering, medicine and social sciences are some of the best-regarded at the university, while its student union is often ranked the best in the UK.
University of Southampton
Another founding member of the Russell Group, the University of Southampton dates back to 1862 before being fully established in 1952. It has seven campuses in total, located in Southampton, Winchester and Malaysia, where students have the chance to study engineering, one of the university’s most well-regarded subjects.
The universities research is ranked among the bets in the UK, while its historical impact can be felt through the development of optical fibre technology. This has led to the university’s reputation within computer science, which has since expanded in AI technology. However, as a university by the coast, it also has a strong presence in the field of Oceanography and Maritime Studies. The National Oceanography Centre in the city is the leading oceanographic institute in the UK.
UCL (University College London)
University College London (UCL) is the last London-based university in the Russell Group and another of its founding members, as well as a member of the G5. Since 1826, the university has become one of the largest research-focussed universities in the UK and houses an incredibly diverse student and faculty population, with 40% of staff and 38% of students being international.
Among the top departments at the university are the medical school, the Bartlett School of Architecture and the Institute of Education, making UCL one of the top universities in a wide range of subjects.
University of Warwick
This university is the youngest founding member of the Russell Group, being established in 1965. Despite its age, the University of Warwick made a significant impact on the West-Midlands Region and UK research as a whole, including the impact from the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG).
As for studies, the university is particularly known for the Warwick Business School, Department of Mathematics and various engineering and physical science departments. However, there is a wide range of subjects to choose from, including Medicine and Law.
Is Warwick Leaving the Russell Group?
No, Warwick will remain a part of the Russell Group. On April Fools Day of 2024, an article was published stating that the University of Warwick would be leaving the Russell Group and replaced by Coventry University. However, it was confirmed at the end of the article that this was a joke, so there are no planned changes to membership of the Russell Group currently announced.
University of York
The University of York, founded in 1963, is the last of the four universities inducted into the Russell Group in 2012. The university implemented a collegiate system, which is fairly rare in the UK outside of Oxbridge.
Subjects that York excels at include Archaeology, Politics, Psychology and Computer Science. Meanwhile, its research efforts in Environment and Sustainability are particularly well regarded.
Applying To Russell Group Universities
Now that we’ve seen all of the universities within the group, let’s consider whether you should apply to them. There are many factors to consider when choosing your university options, although there may be additional considerations depending on where you’re applying.
Entry Requirements
Firstly, you need to consider if your application and academic performance will be strong enough to get you an offer and ultimately secure your place. As we’ve discussed, the Russell Group universities are very selective about who they select to attend their courses, although some are much more strict than others.
The main barrier that all of these universities have is the higher grade requirements. Most courses at these universities will have a minimum grade requirement of AAA or more, which isn’t something everyone is able to achieve. On top of that, many of the more competitive courses will have specific subject requirements, such as Chemistry for most Medicine degrees. If you haven’t taken the required subject, then you’ll be locked out of that course.
Beyond this, we know that several of these universities implement interviews and admissions tests for certain courses. Admissions tests have especially become more popular in recent years, with Imperial College London implementing them as a requirement on many of its degrees in 2024. Some experts in the industry predict that the Russell Group invest more in admissions tests in the future, meaning more universities will adopt them.
All of this is to say that your application is going to have to be very strong to get a place at a Russell Group university, so you’ll need to be prepared to work harder to meet the requirements.
Research
We know that the Russell Group values research as one of the most important aspects of their operations, and this is something that plays a role in student life. The entry requirements for applicants are high, but the expectation of student performance on these courses is equally high, if not higher.
As well as performing well in your day-to-day studies and assessments, students are generally expected to go above and beyond by engaging with the group’s many research initiatives. For students who are driven and eager to learn, the amount of opportunities that are made available is a great thing, but it’s important to consider if this is something you want before you commit to applying for Russel Group universities.
Location
Many of the major city universities in the UK fall under the Russell Group, so anyone looking to study at these institutions will need to be prepared for this. Cities like Manchester, Birmingham and London all house non-Russell Group universities, so if you’re main interest is living in a specific city rather than studying at a Russell Group university, you may want to consider these alternative options as they will generally have lower entry requirements.
Subject
While most Russell Group universities offer a wide range of subjects, there are limitations at each. You’ll need to look around to see which universities offer the subject you’re interested in and make your decisions based on this. Core subjects like Medicine and Law are taught at the majority of these universities, but newer or more niche degrees will be taught at fewer places, with some subjects potentially not being taught at any Russell Group university.
Rankings
We wouldn’t recommend using university ranking tables as a primary decision-making tool when selecting your university, but they can be useful during your research to get an understanding of how universities are perceived.
Ranking tables are created to measure the quality of both universities as a whole and the degrees for specific subjects, such as a Medicine ranking Table or Engineering Ranking Table. The table are based on data gathered from the universities and the National Student Survey (NSS), which collects data regarding student satisfaction in various areas of the university experience.
The problem with ranking tables is that, while they are based on actual data, the data used can be interpreted differently, which leads to different results on different tables. For reference, two of the most popular university ranking tables in the UK are made by Complete University Guide and The Guardian. However, between these two tables, rankings often look quite different, with universities sometimes seeing placement differences of over 50 spots.
This shows that these tables, while not specifically biased, do not provide a definitive ranking for the universities. It’s true that a university that appears high on both lists will likely be very good, but they aren’t a tool that can definitively state which university is best in a certain field, so take any results you see with a pinch of salt.
Personal Preference
One thing that can’t be measured or quantified in any way is personal preference. For example, Oxford and Cambridge may be considered two of the best universities in the world, but if you visit the campuses and they don’t feel like a place you would want to live, then the universities probably aren’t right for you.
The same can be said when looking at the teaching facilities, speaking with the faculty or learning more about the student experience. If it seems that the university isn’t going to be able to deliver what you want from your course, then you shouldn’t force yourself to attend based on any of the other aspects listed above. The decision is yours and it’s important that you choose a university that’s right for you.
So these are the key considerations you should have when selecting your five university options in your UCAS application. Here are some additional tips to ensure you make the most of your application:
Consider Non-Russell Group Universities: This entire guide has been about the Russell Group, but remember that these universities make up less than a quarter of all the universities available in the UK. Not only is it important to look outside of this group for potential picks, but we would also suggest including one university in your UCAS application that has lower entry requirements.
No one is guaranteed a place at a Russell Group university, so having a less competitive option on your application will give you a safety net in case you don’t get other offers or if you don’t meet the grade requirements.
Remember The Oxbridge Deadline Dates: Most UK universities require UCAS applications to be submitted by the end of January, but Oxford and Cambridge (as well as all Medicine and Dentistry degrees) are different. If you’re applying for any of these, you will need to submit your application by October 15th, over four months earlier than the standard deadline.
Attend Open Days: Online research is essential and will help you get a head start on your decision-making, but it’s also important to actually visit the universities in person. At open days, you can get a sense of the campus, see the accommodations for new students and speak with faculty and students about the course and overall student experience. If you can’t attend one in person, most universities now offer in-depth virtual open days that give you most of the same opportunities as in a live open day.
Seek Support: There are many avenues for application support available, so you shouldn’t feel that you have to do this all by yourself. Your school may offer a comprehensive support system, but if not, there are many resources and services available online, both paid and free.
This support will primarily help you with your Personal Statement, but if you’re applying to a university that uses admissions tests or interviews, there are plenty of support options for those too. The Oxbridge application process is especially tough, which is why we developed support Programmes for all of the major subjects.
That covers the foundations of what you need to know about the Russell Group and its universities. From here, your next step should be to research the universities that appeal to you and begin narrowing down your options to the five you can include on your UCAS application. Good luck with your application, and be sure to explore our other guides for more support on Oxbridge, Imperial and Medicine applications.
Boost your university application and get your place with UniAdmissions
Russell Group universities receive hundreds of thousands of applications each year, so it can be tough to make yours stand out. At UniAdmissions, we’ve developed programmes to support applicants for Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and more through their full applications, including admissions tests and interviews.
Discover our Premium Programmes below and find out how you can enrol and triple your chances of success.
