Here at Gabbitas, we often receive enquiries from international students curious about the difference between Russell Group and non-Russell Group universities, and the benefits of each. Although the Russell Group (RG) is often attractive due to the well-known names within it, it’s always worth considering other options, where students have the chance to pursue specific highly-ranked courses as opposed to just the traditional sciences and humanity subjects.
This article would highlight some of the best non-Russell Group universities as well as courses in which they are ranked highly for compared to Russell Group universities.
What is a Russell Group university?
The Russell Group consists of 24 prestigious universities who all play a significant role in the cultural and economic life of the UK, and all share a common characteristic: their focus on producing leading research and maintaining a consistent reputation for strong academic achievement. Some of them include the world renowned Oxford and Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), Durham and so on.
Given their reputability, RG universities tend to have very rigorous admissions criteria. Their entry requirements are often higher than those of other universities, leading to a competitive admissions process, especially for the more highly sought-after courses, like medicine, sciences, economics, and law.
Best Non-Russell Group Universities
Despite the Russell Group’s popularity for both British and international students alike, there are approximately 106 other universities in the UK outside of the group that perform equally as well and sometimes even better; are known for their academic excellence; teaching and employability rates; and offer unique courses.
Notable names such as St. Andrews, and Bath rank consistently high in league tables each year, yet they are not part of the Russell Group. They are often mistaken to be because of their outstanding performance and provision of excellent quality education.
More non-RG universities include Loughborough known for its excellence in criminology, media, and sports (2020); Royal Holloway for its sciences and management (2021); SOAS for its development studies, anthropology, and politics (2020); and City University for its strong business and industry links.
Why choose a non-Russell group university?
Non-Russell Group universities are often more flexible than their highly selective RG rivals, usually having lower entry requirements. Of course, this depends on the degree — some courses still have high entry requirements, but they tend to be more realistic or achievable. Whilst St. Andrews require AAA-AAB for medicine, Imperial – a Russell Group university – requires A*AA-AAA for the same degree. Where Durham (RG) offers AAB for business management, both the University of Westminster and Royal Holloway require lower at ABB-BBC and AAB-ABB for the same degree, respectively.
Notably, there is often less rigidity and, in some cases, more willingness to consider applicants who fall short by a few marks or have complicated cases with their grades and educational background. Additionally, they are often happy to consider late applicants (aside from UCAS Clearing). This is due to non-Russell Group universities usually still having spaces available, which in comparison is unlikely at Russell Group universities, due to being oversubscribed, making chances of available spaces after initial admission deadlines small.
Quality of Education
In the past, the quality of education provided by non-RG universities has been questioned, especially internationally. One thing that has helped change this view is the option to participate in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which measures the quality of the student experience provided by each university, especially within the areas of teaching, learning, and graduate employability or further study outcomes.
Participating universities are awarded bronze, silver or gold. Not all RG universities participate, but for those that do, most achieve silver and gold awards. However, there are many non-RG universities that achieve the same awards. For instance, Bath, Birmingham and Loughborough have attained the gold award, just like Cambridge and Imperial College, as seen on the Office for Students.
Additionally, Brunel, City University, and Brighton have all achieved the silver award, just like King’s College, UCL, and Bristol.
Evidently, some of the participating RG universities have the silver award whilst some non-RG universities have gold, indicating that despite not being a part of the Russell Group, an excellent quality of education is still offered within these institutions.
“My course equipped me with important skills to thrive well at university. For example, how to write a good and analytical essay at an advanced level.
The teachers have been so helpful and easily accessible. Coming from Pakistan, my high school qualifications were not able to provide access onto an undergraduate degree in the UK, therefore a foundation course was my only option. I was really pleased to receive an offer from SOAS.
I appreciate their focus on Africa and the Middle East, which I very much look forward to delving into upon completion of my foundation year.”
Aryana K from Pakistan
International Foundation Course (IFC) at SOAS University
Specialist Courses
Another great advantage of non-RG universities is their reputation for providing specialist courses, allowing students the opportunity to choose a degree that is tailored more to their interests, or focused on a specific field.
Some examples include Greenwich University, the University of Westminster, and Goldsmiths, who, despite usually ranking lower down league tables, offer some of the most unique courses in art and design, business, media, music, technology and more. Many students opt for these universities because of the unique courses they offer, which RG universities do not always provide.
Selected Courses
Goldsmiths, University of London
BA Promotional Media
Royal Holloway, University of London
BSc Earth, Climate and Environmental Change
University of Greenwich
BA Film and Television Production
University of Bath
BEng Electronic Engineering with Space Science and Technology
BSc Sport Management and Coaching
Loughborough University
BSc Chemistry with Computing
MSc Construction Project Management with Building Information Modelling
City, University of London
BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management
BSc Music, Sound and Technology
Heriot-Watt University
MSc Brewing and Distilling
Student life
Universities in the UK actively ensure that international students settle in well for the duration of their studies. This is evident in the wide range of support and well-being services on offer, some including help with immigration issues, finding accommodation, academic support, careers advice, and counselling. Some universities even go as far as assisting students with arranging airport transfers, creating international clubs and societies and student buddy systems, allowing current students to offer support to the new, as well as make friends.
Many students praise non-RG universities on their welcoming and multicultural atmosphere, and for regularly organising social events to encourage networking. Often commended is Royal Holloway for its network of support, sense of belonging and community feel.
“I was unsure what I wanted to study at university but I am so glad I chose accounting and management. It was a very useful degree; I was able to choose different modules to tailor my degree to my interests, for example I really enjoyed Management Psychology.
At university I played hockey, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would say my friends from hockey club made my university experience; we had regular training sessions and attended social events. We also did a lot of volunteering, helping local charities to raise money.
I am still in regular contact with all my university friends and I absolutely loved the experience.”
Tammy W from Hong Kong
Accounting and Management at the University of Essex
Get in touch
In summary, there are many non-Russell Group universities that perform just as well as those within the Russell Group, and provide equally satisfying environments, support and student experience, meaning that it is definitely worth considering them when making applications to UK universities as an international student.
Our expert team of placements consultants can help advise further on both RG and non-RG university options as well as help with applications, read more here. Alternatively, please get in touch today by emailing info@gabbitas.com, or by calling +44 203 026 7443.
This article from Sarah Oshun-Williams at Gabbitas first appeared in Great British Education Magazine from Independent School Parent
