University of Nottingham

University of Nottingham on the basis of a university college was founded in 1881. Today, it provides high-quality educational services, has an impeccable reputation and is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the UK. About 34,000 students study at the university. 15% are foreign students. Student community of the University of Nottingham brings together representatives of more than 100 countries.

The strongest academic directions in the university are law, economics, business, and pharmaceuticals. The educational institution is also known for its excellent conditions for studying, living, physical and creative development. The campus has everything necessary for a comfortable stay and interesting pastime.

The university is included in the union of elite higher education institutions in the UK "Russell", as well as Universitas 21, among TOP-5 universities in the UK and TOP-10 universities in the world. It has repeatedly been recognized as the main alternative to the University of Oxford and Cambridge in terms of quality of education and the scale of the research.

As in other universities in Britain, education in the University of Nottingham is fee-based. About 34,000 students study at the university. The university has more than 3.000 teachers, including invited experts from other countries.

The University of Nottingham is a multidisciplinary university where you can find strong programs in a variety of specialties. The strongest academic areas at the university are law, economics, business, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the university is known for its high level in following areas:

• Humanities
• Art
• Engineering
• Technology
• Life sciences
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Social sciences.

Due to the high quality of education, the university is known for large international companies and is considered to be very valuable among employers in Europe, especially in the UK.

Kevin McDonnell

Specialist in International Students of the University of Sussex

What advice do you have for those aspiring to attend top UK universities?

Thoroughly research your chosen university, including tuition fees, as these can vary widely. Prepare well for English proficiency tests like IELTS, which are essential for admission to any UK university. Focus on your preferred courses, checking their specific academic requirements, and ensure you are well-prepared in those areas.

Students can add an optional professional placement year to any degree. Practical experience is also available through internships, the Nottingham Internship Scheme, employer-led projects, part-time work, recruitment fairs, and graduate vacancies.

Career support covers planning, job searches, employer selection tests, and interview preparation. International students, including master’s students, receive specialized guidance on employers that sponsor international hires, visa considerations, and connections with alumni. The free Nottingham Advantage Award develops workplace skills, while postgraduate researchers and early-career researchers can use the Researcher Academy’s dedicated facilities, training courses, and placements.

The University of Nottingham has five specialized faculties and a number of research centers. It also operates two overseas campuses, in China and Malaysia.

• Arts, including American and Canadian Studies, Classics and Archaeology, Cultural, Media and Visual Studies, English, Music, Philosophy, and Theology and Religious Studies,
• Engineering, including Architecture and Built Environment, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Foundation Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering,
• Medicine and Health Sciences, including Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine and Science,
• Science, including Biosciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences, Pharmacy, Physics and Astronomy, and Psychology,
• Social Sciences, including Economics, Education, Geography, Law, Nottingham University Business School, Politics and International Relations, and Sociology and Social Policy.

The Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF 2021) results placed the University of Nottingham among the UK’s leading universities for research performance. Its research centers work in medicine, veterinary medicine, artificial intelligence, and other fields. About 50 years ago, Sir Peter Mansfield published research that contributed to the development of MRI, one of dozens of university projects and discoveries benefiting the international community.

• The university is ranked among the top 20 universities in the UK,
• It is ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide,
• The university was named Sports University of the Year 2024 and the UK’s leading university for team sports. The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 named it the UK’s best university for sports,
• Since 2018, the university has received the sports honor from The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide three times,
• The Daily Mail University Guide also named Nottingham Sports University of the Year.

The University of Nottingham’s global alumni community numbers 350,000 people.

The university also offers childcare services for students and staff at some campuses:

• A childcare center with space for 50 children from 4 months to 5 years old,
• A childcare center in the play center with 28 places for children from 18 months to 5 years old,
• A play center for children from 4.5 to 12 years old, open during school and childcare-center closures except on public holidays and university holidays.

Qualified staff provide playful learning, exploration, and life-skills development.

First-year students are guaranteed a room when they accept both their offer to study and their accommodation offer within the stated terms and deadlines.

International students can choose from university-managed and privately managed residences. Most residences are near academic buildings. University-managed residences follow the UUK/Guild HE code, while privately managed residences follow the ANUK code. Support is available for students with particular needs, and the Residential Experience program provides support and events in the residences.

Both catered and self-catered residences are available. Some residences offer paid services such as cleaning and meals. Postgraduate students can select self-catered accommodation with facilities for cooking, independent study, recreation, and social activities.

Subject list: Pharmacy, Accounting, Aerospace Engineering BEng, Aerospace Engineering MEng, Aerospace technology, Agriculture, Animal Science BSc, Archaeology BA, Archaeology BSc, archeology, Architecture, Art, Artificial Intelligence, BA/BSc Geography, biochemistry, Biochemistry BSc, Biochemistry MSci, biology, Biology BSc, Biology MSci, biotechnology, Biotechnology BSc, business, Business and management, chemical engineering, Chemical Engineering MEng, chemistry, Chemistry BSc, Chemistry MSci, Chemistry with a Year in Industry MSci, Civil engineering, Civil Engineering BEng, Civil Engineering MEng, Classics BA, criminology, Database, design, economics, education, Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng, Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng, Electrical engineering, Electrical Techniques, Electronic Engineering BEng, Electronic Engineering MEng, electronics, engineering, English BA, English literature, Environmental Geoscience BSc, Environmental science, ethics, European Studies, Filmmaking, finance, Financial Mathematics BSc, Food and nutrition, Food Science, French literature, French Studies, genetics, geography, Geography BA, Geography BSc, German BA, German literature, history, humanitarian sciences, industrial engineering, Information Technology, international relations, Latin American Studies, Latin BA, law, Liberal Arts BA, literature, Machinery manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering BEng, marketing, Mathematics (BS), Mathematics BSc, Mathematics MMath, maths, Mechanical Engineering MEng, media, Medical Physics, Medicine, mental health, Microbiology BSc, Modern Language Studies BA, music, Music and Philosophy BA, Music BA, Natural science, Natural Sciences BSc, Natural Sciences MSci, Neuroscience BSc, Neuroscience MSci, Nursing, B.S., Nutrition BSc, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacy MPharm, philology, philosophy, Philosophy BA, Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA, Physics and Philosophy BSc, Physics BSc, Physics MS, Physics MSci, Physics with Medical Physics BSc, Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc, Physics with Theoretical Physics MSci, Physics, B.S., physiology, Physiotherapy BSc, Plant Sciences, politics, Politics and International Relations BA, Psychology BSc, Psychology MSci, Russian literature, Russian Studies BA, Social Work BA, sociology, Sociology BA, sports science, Statistics BSc, theology, Translation, Veterinary science, zoology, Zoology BSc, Zoology MSci

Students can take part in sports, cultural activities, recreational programs, and weekend excursions. Athletic options include sports clubs, campus gyms, fitness classes, swimming sessions, and introductory climbing-wall sessions. The Get Active program offers beginner-friendly sports, residence leagues, and volunteering through the Leadership Academy. Accessible sports and fitness opportunities are available to students with different needs.

A typical day begins with classes, followed by a lunch break, independent study or electives, and leisure activities.

• The University of Nottingham is a British university with campuses in Malaysia and China,
• Student exchange programs provide opportunities to study at partner universities in North America, Asia, and Australia,
• The university is known for its research and practically oriented programs,
• Its degrees are recognized in many countries, and its graduates are competitive in the labor market,
• Students can take part in creative and physical activities through 76 sports clubs and 100 student clubs and societies.

The University of Nottingham’s infrastructure spans three campuses with academic buildings, residences, sports facilities, and administrative services. University Park, the largest campus, contains the University Life Center and modern equipment. Sutton Bonington, the third campus, has a rural setting and houses facilities for biological and veterinary disciplines.

Facilities include athletic venues, swimming pools, playgrounds, courts, a medical center, a library, shops, campus cafes, and an art center at University Park. Building plans provide accessibility details such as room numbers, accessible entrances and restrooms, elevators, ramps, and automatic doors. University sports facilities host local school events and national and international competitions.

The academic year runs from September to June and has two semesters:

• Autumn semester: September–December,
• Spring semester: January–June.

Examinations are held at the end of each semester. Undergraduate students typically finish their studies in June. Some postgraduate research students continue working through the summer.

Additional costs beyond tuition may include:

• Accommodation and meals,
• Books, stationery, and specialist academic supplies,
• Tutoring, mentoring, and language classes,
• Student club membership fees and some extracurricular activities,
• Health insurance required for international students,
• Personal expenses.

Admission depends on the program, study level, applicant status, entry requirements, application deadlines, and available start dates. Undergraduate applications may use UCAS. Applications include academic transcripts, English-language test results, a personal statement, references, and a portfolio where required. Application fees may apply.

The admissions office acknowledges applications and issues conditional or unconditional offers. An interview, aptitude test, entrance examination, or another assessment may form part of the decision. Enrollment requires acceptance of the offer and confirmation of a place. Financial arrangements may include a deposit or partial or full tuition payment.

Accommodation applications, residence check-in, and campus induction form part of preparation for arrival and the start of studies. Visa, travel, and insurance arrangements depend on the applicant’s circumstances.

The University of Nottingham ranks third among UK universities most frequently targeted by the country’s leading graduate employers and has remained in the top 10 for more than a decade, according to The Graduate Market report 2025 by High Fliers Research. The university reports that more of its graduates enter highly skilled employment than graduates of any other UK university and that it held the leading position for six years. Major employers named by the university include JP Morgan, ASOS, Unilever, PepsiCo, Walt Disney Company, GSK, and Deloitte. Graduates work in senior positions in their fields.

Graduate success is also reflected in the Olympic medalists who competed at the 2012 Games in London:

• Canoe athletes Etienne Stott and Tim Bailey won British Olympic gold medals in the men’s C-2 slalom,
• David Florence earned silver in the men’s C-2 slalom,
• Chris Bartley won silver with his rowing team,
• Ann Panter earned bronze with the women’s field hockey team.

Before direct entry to a bachelor’s program, international students may need to complete a one-year preparatory course. Applicants should provide a complete secondary-school certificate, academic records, and personal documents such as a passport, health insurance, and a visa or residence permit. The university’s normal minimum is BBC at A Level or an equivalent qualification for undergraduate entry and BCC for foundation programs, although most programs set higher requirements. Individual schools may also require particular results in relevant subjects at GCSE, A Level, or an equivalent examination.

English-language evidence may include IELTS from 5.5 or an equivalent qualification. Published ranges include IELTS 6.0–7.0, PTE Academic 65–76, and TOEFL iBT 80–100. The required IELTS score is generally 6.0 for bachelor’s programs and 7.0 for postgraduate study, with requirements varying by program and study level. Applicants without the required level of English may be offered a pre-sessional summer course.

• Personal documents, including a passport, visa or residence permit, and health insurance,
• A preparatory-course certificate, bachelor’s degree, or master’s diploma in a related field, together with academic records,
• English-language test results meeting the selected program’s standard,
• A motivation letter covering the applicant’s interest in the subject, achievements, goals, and ambitions,
• Relevant professional or volunteer experience for vocational programs where applicable,
• A portfolio or demonstration of applied professional skills for certain specialized subjects.

Applicants to taught postgraduate programs normally need a good first degree with at least second-class honors or an equivalent qualification. Relevant personal, professional, and educational experience may also be considered. PhD and other doctoral applicants normally need at least Class 2 Division I Honors or an equivalent qualification, while MPhil and other research master’s programs normally require at least second-class honors.

A range of financial support is available, including awards for international students. Scholarships may cover part of a program’s cost or other expenses, and the university annually recognizes strong academic, athletic, creative, and extracurricular achievement.

• Tuition loans and maintenance loans for undergraduate students,
• Postgraduate loans and employer-funded postgraduate education,
• State support grants and the University of Nottingham Core Bursary,
• Sports and international scholarships, including the Americas Undergraduate Excellence Award, Americas Postgraduate Excellence Award, and International Sporting Excellence Awards,
• Research grants from councils, foundations, trusts, and charities,
• Paid studentships and doctoral training opportunities.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision