33 Best Public Universities in London
London is one of the cities in United Kingdom you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in London can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 38 universities you can find in London, England, and 33 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes London a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in London, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
Can International Students Study in Public Universities in London?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in London can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in London, England charge up to 38,600 GBP for bachelor’s and 131,200 GBP for master’s studies.
Public Universities in London
1. Imperial College London
The Imperial College London stands out as it is the only institution in the United Kingdom solely concentrating on the fields of business, engineering, medicine, and science. Aside from academics, the university encourages the students to get involved in extracurricular activities, such as through student organizations and sports. Its placement in the center of London along with major companies helps bring opportunities for the start of a good career.
2. University of College London
The University College London (UCL) is popular for being one of England’s finest universities. It is one of the biggest educational institutions in the United Kingdom. It has 11 faculties: the Arts and Humanities Faculty, Built Environment Faculty, Brain Sciences Faculty, Engineering Sciences Faculty, IOE Faculty, Laws Faculty, Life Sciences Faculty, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Faculty, Medical Sciences Faculty, Population Health Sciences Faculty, as well as the Social and Historical Sciences Faculty.
3. King’s College London
King’s College London has been committed to providing high-quality education since its establishment in 1829. With its mission of contributing to society, KCL aims to develop competent graduates who drive positive change through their work. It is consistently recognized as one of the top schools in the world, and several Nobel laureates are members of its faculty.
4. London School of Economics and Political Science
As one of the institutions that are members of the Russell Group, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is acknowledged as a top-class university across the globe. It is leading especially for its expertise in the area of the social sciences. The LSE continues to deliver good research and teaching with the aim to increase its impact throughout the world.
5. Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University is one of the world’s leading research universities. It is part of the research-intensive Russell Group and ranked 5th in the United Kingdom for research quality. Its community is also very welcoming to students from various cultures. Indeed, more than 40% of its students are from outside the country. The university was even acknowledged as 2021 “the most inclusive” Russell Group institution.
6. London Business School
Belonging to the distinguished University of London, the London Business School prides itself on its strength in business education. It has campuses in the center of London and in Dubai, which opens more opportunities for the students. With the school’s programs, the students will get to develop the knowledge and skills needed to transform their careers!
7. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
With a focus on global and public health, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is noted for its work in research and quality of teaching in those subject areas. The university mainly offers master’s degrees, but there are also other research, doctoral, and short courses being offered. Aside from its reputation in the UK, the school is making a name for itself through various collaborations with research institutions across the world.
8. Brunel University London
Brunel University London is a prominent public research institute of higher education located in West London, specifically in the town of Uxbridge. It was established in the year 1966. Over the years, it has produced numerous well-known graduates. With that being said, it has an extensive list of notable alumni including radio presenter Nick Abbot, football executive and former professional player Eniola Aluko, as well as psychologist and politician Pekka Sauri.
9. University of London
The University of London is a public university in the United Kingdom that offers a unique academic experience through flexible study options and distance learning. The university allows international students to finish their degrees through one of its 17 member institutions in the UK. Students can also study at the University of London through one of its Recognized Teaching Centers in their home country.
10. City, University of London
City, University of London is a research-led institute specializing in business courses. It aims to develop the next generation of entrepreneurial talent through excellent academic instruction. Its campus is located in the heart of London and has strong ties to the city, with the Lord Mayor of London serving as the university rector. Several graduates from City have become notable politicians, entrepreneurs, and academics who contribute to the good of society globally.
11. St George’s, University of London
St George’s, University of London (SGUL) is a public research university situated in South London’s district of Tooting. The center of excellence is widely known as one of the United Hospitals. Moreover, SGUL focuses on molecular and clinical sciences, infection and immunity, population health, and a lot more.
12. University of Westminster
The University of Westminster was founded in 1838 in its former name, Royal Polytechnic Institution. From being the first polytechnic in the country, it officially became the University of Westminster in 1992, offering academic courses in Arts, Sciences, Technology, and Business. It has four campuses in London, three of which are in Central London.
13. Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck, University of London is a respected center of excellence situated in the Bloomsbury district. It is well-known for being an educational institution that provides evening class schedules, making it a solid option for working students. The name of the university comes from its founder, Sir George Birkbeck who was an eminent physician, academic, and philanthropist from the late 1700s until the early 1800s.
14. Middlesex University
The Middlesex University in London is a highly acknowledged institution in the country and globally. They have a consistent position in local and international rankings, proving their outstanding performance in the field. Their programs in arts, sports, and social work are one of the bests in the country.
15. SOAS, University of London
SOAS, University of London is a globally renowned institute focusing on the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It explores specialist areas, including politics, culture, and development studies. These unique offerings attract thousands of applicants from around the globe, resulting in a diverse population that fosters a global perspective among students. The most notable graduates from SOAS have made significant contributions to government, policies, and academia.
16. Goldsmiths, University of London
Goldsmiths, University of London is an internationally regarded institution for the arts. It specializes in academic instruction in design, humanities, and social sciences. As part of the University of London, Goldsmiths upholds the highest standards in teaching. Through research-informed curricula, it aims to produce highly-employable graduates who will be creative thinkers and innovative leaders in their fields.
17. University of Greenwich
One of the reputable institutions in the UK is the University of Greenwich. Established in 1890, this top-tier university has generated successful professionals throughout the years. Its vibrant and supportive student community is one of the significant factors in producing such creative talents. And being part of the Greenwich community will give students the needed support and guidance in choosing the right path for their future endeavors. The overall student experience at the university will truly be a rewarding experience.
18. Royal Veterinary College University of London
Is your biggest dream to be one of the world’s best veterinarians? There’s no better place to study veterinary programs than the Royal Veterinary College University of London. This institution is not just one of the oldest and largest vet schools; it is also consistently top-ranked in the fields. It is even ranked first in the subject by the QS rankings. Quality and service are further assured through the multiple accreditations the university has received from highly-regarded institutions, like the American Veterinary Medical Association.
19. University of the Arts London
The University of the Arts London is a public collegiate university in the UK. It offers specialized courses in Arts, Fashion, Performing Arts, Communication, and Design. Through its six colleges, the university provides world-class education, ensuring that graduates excel in their chosen creative careers.
20. London Metropolitan University
Although its university status was only established in 2002, London Metropolitan University’s rich history goes back to 1848. The London Met, as it is more popularly known, has a lot to offer to its students – high-quality facilities, resources, training, and education. The university is also very inclusive, welcoming students from over a hundred nations. Find your place in the London Met’s community by choosing your course among the hundreds available – whether full-time or part-time.
21. London South Bank University
Situated in the UK’s capital and widely known for providing industry-specific study programs, the London South Bank University is mainly favored by the local and international students. The university puts great importance on its quality of education by offering comprehensive degree programs and employing highly qualified academic staff to help nurture the students’ core capabilities and strengths. In addition, it is recognized as one of the leading universities with a high employability rate among its graduates.
22. University of East London
The University of East London has been around since 1898 and they continue to deliver excellent teaching and support for their students. The school offers various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, all of which have a goal to improve the students’ skills, creativity, and knowledge. There are different campuses depending on your study program, but the university ensures that all locations bring work opportunities that are accessible to the students.
23. University of Roehampton
The University of Roehampton is actually the product of merging four colleges: Whitelands College (founded 1841), Southlands College (founded 1872), Digby Stuart College (founded 1874), and Froebel College (founded 1982). It received its ‘university status’ in 2011, while Roehampton University remains as its legal name. The University of Roehampton is also the first university to offer e-sports course and scholarship, and have an e-sports arena or facility for streaming, gaming, and editing, among others.
24. Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music is known worldwide for being a highly prestigious conservatory. The said institute was established by Edward VII in the late 1800s. Since then, it has gone on to produce numerous graduates who are big names in the music industry such as renowned composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, musical theater icon Andrew Lloyd Webber, and guitarist John Christopher Williams.
25. Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Guildhall School of Music and Drama is a center of learning that specializes in the performing arts. Adding to this, it is not an institute only for tertiary students as it also offers short courses for younger individuals. Furthermore, due to the fact that it is a prestigious school, it has a long list of well-known alumni including baritone John Rhys Evans, award-winning actress Lily James, and concert pianist Clare Hammond.
26. Royal College of Art
Previously known to be the Government School of Design, the Royal College of Art is a university in the UK that exclusively focuses on art and design postgraduate education. Despite being a small university, it has built quite a reputation for its high quality of teaching in different subject areas, such as contemporary art practices and design. The school aims to develop graduates with top-level knowledge of art and design, as well as improved skills and abilities necessary for the success of projects.
27. Courtauld Institute of Art
The Courtauld Institute of Art also belongs to the list of well-performing schools under the University of London. It houses one of the finest and most outstanding art collections recognized in the UK. It currently offers only one undergraduate program and several postgraduate programs. Despite having a small population, the school is also known to have the most number of art conservators and historians all over the region.
28. University of West London
With historical roots dating back to 1860, the University of West London is a distinguished institute of tertiary education. It is situated in the Greater London area and has two campus locations, one in Ealing and another in Brentford. It prides itself on being a career university as it offers a wide range of study options to undergraduates and postgraduates.
29. Royal Academy of Music
The Royal Academy of Music (RAM) is one of the University of London’s constituent colleges. It began to welcome students in the year 1822, making it the UK’s oldest music school. Aside from offering education to undergraduates and postgraduates, RAM also has a Junior Academy for youngsters who are budding musicians.
30. School of Advanced Study
Another distinguished school under the University of London is the School of Advanced Study. It is a graduate institution that is also acknowledged to be the national center for research in the field of humanities and social sciences in the UK. The school has nine member institutes categorized based on the specialization, such as advanced legal studies and modern languages research.
31. Ravensbourne University London
Ravensbourne University London is known for offering academic programs, particularly in digital media, design, and technology. The institution has a relatively small student community primarily comprised of artistic individuals aiming to pursue a career in digital media and creative industries. And since most of its programs are industry-specific and are currently in demand, graduates of the university are highly employable and assume high positions in the creative sectors
32. Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
For creative individuals who want to pursue a career in performing arts, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is one of the best institutions to consider. It is one of the eighteen colleges that comprise the University of London. The Central is a small institution that is fully concentrated on providing the best education in performing arts, such as courses in acting, theatre, production, coaching, and writing. These programs are specifically designed to help develop the skills and knowledge of their students.
33. London Institute of Banking and Finance
Originally founded as the Institute of Bankers in 1879, The London Institute of Banking and Finance achieved the Royal Charter in 1987. Through this, the name was changed to Chartered Institute of Bankers. It changed its name again to the Institute of Financial Services in 1997. The London Institute of Banking and Finance was the first institute to award the CeMAP qualification, which is given to mortgage advisers. It was granted ‘university college’ status in 2013, and the name was changed to The London Institute of Banking and Finance three years later.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in London, England. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.