Many prospective students are familiar with the Russell Group, a collection of 24 prestigious UK universities renowned for their research.
There are, of course, many other excellent institutions of higher education in the United Kingdom besides those listed here.
Many universities outside of the Russell Group have their own set of strengths and advantages that could be perfect for you – it doesn’t all start and end with Oxbridge!
You may want to consider attending one of these 10 universities as they are lesser known but still offer a unique university experience.
- University of Bath
- University of Sussex
- University of East Anglia
- University of Leicester
- University of Essex
- University of Stirling
- University of Hull
- Nottingham Trent University
- University of Hertfordshire
- Bangor University
Why You Should Consider a Non-Russell Group University
- Some non-Russell Group schools provide unique courses that can’t be found at Russell Group schools.
- In order to attract students who didn’t quite meet the criteria for a Russell Group institution, many non-Russell Group universities have lower entry requirements than Russell Group universities.
- For students on a tighter budget, the lower tuition costs (largely for postgraduate qualifications and diplomas) at non-Russell Group universities can be a deciding factor.
- Non-Russell groups typically have cheaper accommodation and cost of living but this varies depending on the city.
- Unlike the Russell Group universities, which are primarily based in major cities, non-Russell Group universities are spread out across the UK. This means that you may be able to find a university closer to home.
The Benefits of Attending a Non-Russell Group University
Typically, class sizes at universities outside of the Russell Group are smaller than those at Russell Group institutions, allowing for a more personalised learning experience.
A wider variety of student organisations exist at non-Russell Group institutions, providing more opportunities to meet new people and develop your interests outside of the classroom.
Diversity is important and there is a lower chance of echo chambers forming when different people from varying socioeconomic backgrounds study together.
You may receive higher-quality instruction and have more opportunities to actively participate in class discussions if you attend a university outside of the prestigious Russell Group.
Many graduates of non-Russell Group universities go on to successful careers in their fields, proving that these schools generally have good graduate employment rates.
Summary
Finally, it is important to note that while the universities in the Russell Group are all top-tier, they are not the only options in the United Kingdom.
Compared to universities in the Russell Group, those outside of that group has a number of benefits and strengths of their own. Do your homework and pick a school that makes you feel at home; in the end, the best university for you will depend on your specific requirements and interests.
As a student, you must endeavor to find the best option/career path!
