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Posted Oct. 9, 2024

The ultimate guide to Russell Group universities

If you are looking to find the perfect postgraduate course, Russell Group universities are certain to grab your attention. Consisting of 24 world-class, research-led universities based throughout the UK, the Russell Group is a leading name and well known for its unique institutions, outstanding learning experiences, unrivalled links and strong postgraduate communities.

Russell Group universities don’t just have a profound impact on all who study there – prestigious qualifications and career advancement are just two rewards that await you after completing your Russell Group university postgraduate program. The Russell Group’s influence on the wider local, national and international sphere is well regarded as these statistics demonstrate:

“Russell Group universities have huge social, economic and cultural impacts locally, across the UK and around the globe:

  • They produce more than two-thirds of the world-leading research produced in UK universities and support more than 260,000 jobs across the country.
  • They inject nearly £87 billion into the national economy every year.
  • In 2018-19, 446,450 undergraduates and 155,655 postgraduates were studying at a Russell Group university.”


With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why you should study at a Russell Group University. But, which Russell Group university is the perfect base to study your PG program? Here we provide an insight into each Russell Group university to help answer that very question.

1. University of Birmingham

As the home of 474 postgraduate courses spanning 63 different subjects, the University of Birmingham offers a thriving academic community to hone your research skills. Its internationally renowned staff and talented peers make life as a Russell Group student rewarding. The university is a hub of innovation, and has undertaken research that’s been critical to one of the greatest discoveries of the modern day, the Higgs boson particle.

The University of Birmingham is ranked globally too, placing in the top 100 university institutions worldwide according to the 2024 edition of CWUR’s Global 2000 rankings, with further aspirations to establish itself even higher after ranking in the top 50 of the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject across seven subject areas.

2. University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is home to a diverse range of postgraduate courses, including taught programs, research programs and professional doctorates. These programs are at the forefront of life-changing research, with partners in over 40 countries and access to top facilities on-site helping postgraduate students pioneer solutions for health, poverty, natural hazards, migration, technological innovation and much, much more.

This Russell Group university is rated ‘excellent’ internationally, with the institution’s emphasis on individual and interdisciplinary research awarding it rave reviews. Bristol itself is a great place to live and study. The experiences available both inside and outside the classroom provide a truly rewarding postgraduate journey.

The University of Bristol was recently ranked 54th in the World University Rankings and 9th best in the UK.

3. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is a world-leading institution where postgraduate students can expect to be intellectually challenged and stimulated.

Consistently ranking among the top universities in both national and international league tables, the university promises access to an extensive collection of facilities and support services, including more than 100 libraries and nine specialist museums. There are currently over 300 postgraduate courses to choose from, including taught and research opportunities across a plethora of disciplines. Cambridge’s cross-disciplinary research into public policy, public health, conservation, energy, global food security and climate change is particularly exemplary.

4. Cardiff University

Russell Group’s Cardiff University has a long history providing excellent postgraduate experiences. Today, it has a thriving postgraduate community, with the vast majority of Cardiff University postgraduate students studying full time.

Cardiff University is internationally renowned for its world-leading research and teaching excellence. There are also several funding opportunities available to prospective postgraduate students, including its Master’s Scholarships and Alumni Discount Scheme as well as the government’s postgraduate funding and doctoral loans.

5. Durham University

Durham University may run considerably fewer postgraduate courses than other Russell Group universities, but with over 43 postgraduate subjects covered, there’s plenty of variety for those looking to extend their knowledge and skillsets. Law, finance, psychology, economics, business and computer science are popular areas of study at Durham University. 

The world top 100 university - Durham ranked joint 89th in the recent QS World University Rankings 2025 - offers a diverse selection of full- and part-time research degrees to explore, not to mention outstanding facilities. You’ll also have the freedom to develop your own timetable of academic study and undertake your research. 

Durham University may be one of the oldest universities in the UK, but it sits at the cutting edge of many industries thanks to its research projects.

6. University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is another popular choice for postgraduate study. With a broad range of subject matters to explore across taught, research and online degrees, The University of Edinburgh offers plenty of food for thought, and impresses would-be students and future employers alike.

The university is consistently ranked in the world top 50. Its graduates are also highly desirable, and were even ranked 24th in the world by employers in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The institution is globally recognised for its research, development, innovation, facilities, support, teaching and online learning opportunities, while Edinburgh itself makes a fitting home from home for both domestic and international postgrads.

7. University of Exeter

With outstanding facilities, teaching and research, postgraduate study at the University of Exeter presents an exciting step forward for people interested in all areas. The university runs hundreds of postgraduate programs at taught, research and doctoral levels, not to mention the promise of research excellence, a high standard of teaching and an incredible student experience.

The University of Exeter is a major player on the international scene. Its partnerships with more than 200 universities and research institutions across the globe open up a whole world of opportunities both during studies and after graduation.

8. University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow has a strong reputation for research excellence, with its projects recognised on the world stage.

The university’s Boyd Orr Centre won a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its work tackling infectious diseases that impact agricultural communities across many developing countries, as well as the UK. The University of Glasgow has also previously been named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards, with students applauding the university and wider city for its warmth, affordability, sustainability and postgraduate opportunities.

9. Imperial College London

Imperial College London is a Russell Group university known for its high standards and excellence. The institution is ranked 1st in the UK and Europe, and 2nd in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2025, and renowned for its uniquely innovative approach to research intensive education.

Its advancements and research projects in science, technology, engineering, medicine and business (STEMB) have solved some of the biggest challenges and led to industry leading change. Imperial College’s work to combat Covid-19 is one of the institution’s most recent successes.

10. King’s College London

King’s College London is a popular haunt for postgraduate study. It’s the 6th best university in the UK according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and the country’s 7th highest ranked for graduate employability. King’s has an extensive alumni network, with over 250,000 graduates based all over the world.

When it comes to postgraduate life, there are opportunities both inside and outside of King’s. The institution is well regarded for its outstanding facilities. Postgraduate students can also call on professors that are experts in their field, and use their British Library membership to access the largest collection of books in the world to bolster their research.

11. University of Leeds

With a huge selection of academic programs to choose from, including more than 300 postgraduate courses spanning over 50 different subjects, the University of Leeds has a strong track record of research-led teaching. Location-wise, Leeds is a thriving city with a diverse student population, while the surrounding area is the perfect place to absorb all the natural beauty the English countryside has to offer.

12. University of Liverpool

From one vibrant city to another, University of Liverpool postgraduates have it all – including support from internationally recognised experts and research groups, an exciting choice of facilities and resources, and the opportunity to be at the very forefront of ground-breaking developments. In fact, 91% of Liverpool’s research was rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ by the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Many University of Liverpool postgraduates comment on the mix of academic support and practical experience gained through their studies. Research groups are well supported and well-funded, with this Russell Group university securing £148 million to support research projects in recent years.

13. LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science)

LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science) has been pioneering in its approach to postgraduate study. The institution provides a unique opportunity to study in the heart of London and benefit from its global academic reputation.

LSE is a world centre for research and teaching, providing an assortment of interdisciplinary research hubs and a very practical, stimulating way of pursuing your area of study. Currently, 97% of LSE academics are actively engaged in research producing a quality that regularly sees them top REF’s ranking for research excellence.

14. University of Manchester

With its reputation for world leading research, a postgraduate program at the University of Manchester offers an opportunity to make a real impact and contribute positively. Like the research projects across many Russell Group universities, postgraduate research at the University of Manchester has changed lives.

The cutting-edge work made possible by the university’s postgraduate research community spans a multitude of disciplines – with more than 700 postgrad courses across almost 60 subjects accessible – and has already shaped society in so many wonderful ways.

15. Newcastle University

Newcastle University has been a global leader in health, data, energy, cities and the creative arts since its foundation back in the 1960s. As a founding member of the Russell Group, it has paved the way for postgraduate study, providing a blueprint for research-intensive universities everywhere.

The university boasts support from the world’s top experts and academics, state-of-the-art facilities, and a truly outstanding academic experience for postgrads looking to invest in their future wisely.

16. University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is a leading Russell Group institution with worldwide reach. Almost one quarter of students based at its main, Nottingham-based campuses originate from overseas. The university was also the first British institution to establish a campus in Malaysia. More recently, it became the very first foreign university to open a campus in China.

Across its three international bases, the University of Nottingham has around 9,500 postgraduates, all of which benefit from its diverse array of courses across various disciplines.

17. University of Oxford

The University of Oxford may be built on tradition thanks to its longstanding history – the institution is one of the oldest in the English-speaking world, with origins dating back to the 12th century – but this hasn’t stopped it from being at the cutting edge of research excellence. The university generates over £1.3 billion annually, and is a leading centre of scholarship for undergraduates and postgraduates alike.

The University of Oxford ranks at the top spot regularly in rundowns of the world’s best universities. Its alumni also offer a who’s who of the world’s brightest minds and most prominent leaders.

18. Queen Mary University of London

Ranked 14th in the world and 5th in the UK by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking 2024 for its research quality, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has been responsible for several discoveries that have influenced modern day life as we know it. The university’s research at the very forefront of artificial intelligence, cancer treatment and low-carbon energy is particularly renowned.

If you’re looking to study postgraduate to improve your career prospects, there’s more great news. 94% of postgraduate and PhD graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating from QMUL, according to this data.

19. Queen’s University Belfast

With more than 175 years of history, Queen’s University Belfast has long helped undergraduate and postgraduate students discover their potential. Its postgraduate degrees offer prime opportunities to extend your knowledge, enhance your career prospects or delve deeper into a subject area you are truly passionate about.

Queen’s University Belfast’s masters and research degrees can all be studied on a full- or part-time basis, while life in Belfast also provides its own advantages.

20. University of Sheffield

With specialisms in health, sustainability, economy and engineering, the University of Sheffield’s pioneering research has resulted in real-world change. It is one of the largest and best regarded research universities in the country, not to mention, particularly well known for its excellent student experience. 86% of Sheffield’s research was rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment, and with six Nobel Prize winners among its staff and students, you’ll be in great company.

As far back as the 1930s, Sheffield postgrads initiated the first medical use of penicillin. Recent advancements in cancer treatment, sustainable farming, nuclear power and digital safeguarding offer fine examples of the outcomes of its outstanding research-led teaching.

21. University of Southampton

Boasting a vibrant postgraduate community, the University of Southampton attracts talent from all walks of life and all over the world. Its cutting-edge facilities, hands-on experiences, and renowned academics (including optical fibre technology pioneer Professor Sir David Payne) means over 7,600 University of Southampton postgraduates are proud to study across its five campuses, one of which is based in Malaysia.

22. UCL (University College London)

With an incredible 21,175 postgraduate students calling the university their home at last count, UCL (University College London) is a hub for research-led teaching. It was founded in 1826 and has led the way in research and student experience ever since. Its academics are award-winning, with Professor John O’Keefe awarded both the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience and a Nobel prize for his discovery of specialised brain cells.

UCL’s impact across the spheres of education, business, healthcare, development, philanthropy and government has meant solutions to some of humankind’s biggest challenges. Its medical and life sciences research is particularly prominent, with its links to London’s major hospitals providing ample facilities, resources and opportunity for postgrads to expand their knowledge and work towards a better future for us all.

23. University of Warwick

Ranked among the top UK universities, the University of Warwick has an interdisciplinary approach that appeals to many would-be postgraduate students. 

The University of Warwick regularly brings world-class research and creativity into teaching, pushing students at all levels and with all disciplines to go outside their comfort zones and discover new ways of thinking. Carrying out your own research project is also made easy thanks to the university’s trailblazing facilities and future-focused campus.

24. University of York

The University of York is world-leading in many respects, with its dynamic, research-intensive culture providing the perfect environment for ambitious postgraduates to thrive. There are several pathways to explore for prospective postgraduate research students, including PhD, MPhil and MA/MSc. Whatever your route, an immersion in knowledge and opportunity is guaranteed.

For further information on Russell Group universities or to find out more about what life is like as a Russell Group university postgraduate student, check out our Russell Group resources.

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