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Russell Group Universities: A Concise Guide
When we think of studying in the UK, the first choices of universities are always at top ranking heritage universities or old universities. These universities have a charm of their own that attracts like magnets to all the students interested in academia. Do you know these top ranking universities come under the umbrella term of Russell Group Universities? 32% of students are international in these universities. More on the blog. Scroll through.
1. Russell Group Universities
When it comes to quality education and teaching, Russell Group Universities are the best and survey sites like QS represent that. Under this epithet, lies 24 universities that not only are renowned for their academic history but also their strong emphasis on research. Students can find these universities all over the United Kingdom in various exciting locations that not only teaches you but also gives a larger than life approach to life and society in general.
2. History Behind Russell Group Universities
The history of Russell Group Universities is quite interesting as the universities came together for different reasons to form the ‘group’ that took place in a hotel. Thus, the name Russell. The initial 17 universities came together in 1994 and now it has matured with 24 universities. The primary agenda of these universities is to protect its heritage, funding and maintenance, policies and expansions etc.
2.1 Russell Group Universities List
All members of the Russell Group Universities have one thing in common. Their unparalleled contribution to academia while maintaining their autonomy. One can distinguish a student from these universities because of their exclusive knowledge and skills and their application life. So, what are those universities?
- University of Oxford
- Imperial College London
- University of Cambridge
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of York
- King’s College London
- University of Warwick
- London School of Economics
- University College London
- Cardiff University
- University of Southampton
- University of Sheffield
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Nottingham
- Newcastle University
- University of Manchester
- University of Liverpool
- University of Leeds
- University of Glasgow
- University of Exeter
- University of Edinburgh
- Durham University
- University of Bristol
- University of Birmingham
These universities are randomly placed not in terms of ranks. There are some exciting branches of knowledge available here.
3. Reasons to Study in Russell Group Universities
When study abroad students apply to the universities in the UK, they have starry eyed dreams about the outcome. Legitimately so, as there are investments involved mental and physical, monetary and academic. There are some common reason to apply in all of these universities and they are explicated below:
Top-ranking: All of these Russell Group universities are part of top ranking universities of the globe. By now, everyone has seen, heard and read about these universities in media be it print or visual. These universities are no less than modern day myths.
Quality Teaching: All those students who study abroad in RG universities are a class of their own. Plus, they have global professors who not only teach but also are part of policy making, influencing people, society and the world in general.
Research Oriented programs: All of the Russell Group universities are heavily inclined on research and independent value of innovation. Yes, you are directed to newer paths of academia and career.
Campus Life: Every university under this group has a fancy and enriching campus life. International students can find societies and clubs as per their interests. From sports to creative arts, you name it and there will be something for you.
Urban Outlook: Russell Group universities are not limited to rigid academic discourses. The academic cohort constantly focuses on maintaining an outlook that is modern and rational based on classical thoughts. Your highly individualistic thoughts will find a place and a shape here.
Career Prospects: Studying in any of Russell Group universities means a broad career option. You can be anything in any part of the world. You can join academia, corporate or do non-profit. Last but not the least, a freelancer too!
Networking: Good networking goes a mile! The brilliant crowd you have found here is part of your network. Do part-time jobs while you study and seek jobs after the completion of the coursework by accessing the networking.
Reinvent yourself: As the old adage goes, you become average of the person you are friends with. This is true to the core. All the brilliant minds you are surrounded by, and all the pathbreaking thought-processes will create a different you. And it is necessary to reinvent yourself. That’s you.
Awards and accolades: Russell Group universities bring fame every now and then. Someone or the other is winning a prestigious award or a medal. People have high hopes for you!
Scholarships and Bursaries: Are you the brilliant one? Do you have a penchant for studying all the time? Do you need grants to complete your research? There are some heavily funded scholarships and grants in Russell Group universities.
3.1 How to Prepare Myself to Study at Russell Group Universities?
Studying at Russell Group universities is no easy game. You will need a considerable amount of time in preparation. What are the checkpoints?
Good Grades: Yes, getting good grades is necessary to study in Russell Group universities. They are a determining factor when you apply.
Top-ranking Undergraduate College: If you are applying from India, then you should be alumni of a top ranking college of India. Be it Economics, English or environmental science you shall have a good name in your alma mater.
Internships or Work Experience: This is the most attractive point to submit any study abroad application and is not limited to the UK only. If you have solid work experiences and have developed some solid skills during the time, then it's more than anything.
Extracurricular Achievements: Your partake in extracurricular leads you a long way. Love sports or writing? This can give you extra mileage when submitting an application to Russell Group universities.
3.2 Where to apply for Russell Group Universities?
Here is a technical question. If you want to apply for Russell Group universities, then know about the study abroad application process that not only will help you save some money but time too. The keyword here is UCAS application. You can apply with UCAS as it has a good user-interface that ensures up to five preferences at once. The cost is £27 or INR 2,852 for international students including India. The application process here goes year round. One smart way to apply is to go for the Clearing season of the application. To know more read our blog on UCAS application.
4. Eligibility Criteria for Russell Group Universities
To get an admission in Russell Group universities, you will need some eligibility which are cited underneath:
5. Popular Courses to Study at Russell Group universities
In sum total, Russell Group universities give some extra-ordinary courseworks to pursue and this character makes them popular. International students can search these topmost demanding programs and their estimate costs below:
|
University Name |
Top Subjects |
Average Tuition Fee (Annual) |
|
University of Cambridge |
Computer Science, Finance & Economics, Law (LLM), English (Hons) |
£26,000 |
|
University of Oxford |
Biomedical Sciences, Financial Economics, Civil Law, Archaeology & Anthropology |
£28,000 |
|
University of Nottingham |
Business & Management, Business (Research), Agricultural & Crop Science |
£25,500 |
|
Imperial College London |
Computing, Physics, Business, MBA |
£31,500 |
|
University of Edinburgh |
Banking & Risk, Artificial Intelligence, Accounting & Finance |
£23,000 |
|
University College London |
Information Management for Business, Politics & History, Criminology (Hons), Artificial Intelligence |
£30,400 |
|
King’s College London |
Business Management, Digital Marketing, Cyber Security, Psychology |
£29,000 |
|
University of Manchester |
Economics, Accounting (Hons), Financial Management |
£24,800 |
|
University of Birmingham |
Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science, Ancient & Medieval History |
£19,800 |
|
University of Warwick |
Classical Civilisation, Accounting & Finance, Automotive Engineering |
£22,000 |
|
London School of Economics & Political Science |
Econometrics & Mathematical Economics, Economic History (Research) |
£22,530 |
|
University of Leeds |
Architectural Engineering, Advanced Computer Science (Cloud Computing) |
£25,580 |
|
University of Bristol |
Accounting and Management, Finance & Investment Relations, Healthcare Management |
£21,500 |
|
Durham University |
Business & Management, Accounting & Finance, Anthropology (Research) |
£25,900 |
|
University of Glasgow |
Aeronautical Engineering, MBA/PGDM, Accounting & Mathematics, |
£34,000 |
|
Queen Mary University of London |
Comparative Literature (Hons), Development & Global Health, Biological & Chemical Science (Research) |
£25,050 |
|
University of Sheffield |
Information Studies (Research), MSW, Biomedical Science (Research) |
£25,870 |
|
University of Exeter |
Accounting & Finance, Economics, Business Analytics |
£25,600 |
|
Cardiff University |
Accounting & Finance, Chemistry, Economics |
£23,400 |
|
University of Liverpool |
Architecture (Hons), Business Analytics & Big Data, Advanced Chemical Sciences |
£24,800 |
|
Newcastle University |
Architecture & Urban Planning (Hons), Banking & Finance |
£22,400 |
|
University of Southampton |
Acoustics with Music, Accountancy & Economics, Design Management |
£23,720 |
|
University of York |
Social Policy & Administration, Archaeology, Biology (Hons) |
£19,650 |
|
Queen’s University Belfast |
Business Economics, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Arts Management |
£17,920 |
All these subjects are available in various departments within the universities. These top-ranking departments expose you to a larger academic and professional world. And for these courses Russell Group unis ranked high in yesteryears.
6. Russell Group Universities vs Ivy-League Universities
Russell Group universities are the British counterpart of Ivy-League universities. Both groups have some common qualities being the top ranking, English speaking, diverse courses, brilliant teaching, research inclinations, campus life etc. However, Russell Group universities are comparatively cheaper than the American brethren. The former follows a 3 year bachelors model whereas the latter follows the 4 year bachelor’s model. Other than some organizational and administrative differences there isn’t much difference to put one ahead. Let us understand this through a chart:
|
Factors |
Russell Group |
Ivy League |
|
UG course duration |
Mostly 3 years |
4 years |
|
Graduate course pattern |
Either 1 or 2 years |
2 years |
|
Average Cost |
£20,000 – 35,000 Per Year for study abroad students |
$50,000 for study abroad students |
|
Application requirements |
Usual Application requirements |
Additionally SAT/ACT/GMAT/GRE Scores is required |
|
Interviews |
For Certain Courses and Universities |
Need to appear |
|
Application approaches |
Precisely based on academic aims |
Entire agenda of pursuing a study abroad course |
|
Application Deadlines |
Apply with UCAS by January |
Fall or Winter intake |
7. Conclusion
We can infer here that Russell Group universities are a terrific choice for those who want to study abroad. You can shortlist your dream university and coursework. If you want to know about your study abroad budget for these universities and want to fly to the UK for the next 2024 intake then contact us!
8. Who are We!
Career Clinic is one of the top study abroad consultancy in India. With its foothold across the globe, we can bring you the best courses and universities to study in not only in the Russell Group of the United Kingdom but anywhere in the world. To know more about your study abroad planning contact our counselors! Bon voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions
Queen’s Belfast University is the cheapest to study abroad among the Russell Group universities. Because the rent, accommodation cost is way too low compared to the top universities in London. Here the accommodation will cost you lower than £100. If you work part-time then this university will be cheaper to study. Its lower cost of living doesn’t impact the tuition fee and lifestyle.
International students can apply to Russell Group universities by using UCAS applications in a much more convenient way. You can narrow down your preferred Russell Group university by searching the tuition fee, eligibility, entry standards, ranking and accommodation. UCAS will allow you to have a maximum of 5 choices even if you have selected two courses in the same university, that’d be considered as 2 choices.
The admission requirements for Russell Group universities are not the same. Depending on the tradition, ranking and other independent department requirements you may have to provide requirements. For example, some courses demand an interview in Queen’s University Belfast, while for similar courses Durham University may not ask for the same. It is necessary that students go through all the necessary details on the official university website.
Russell Group universities are like living myths above earth because of its extraordinary status. Its continuity across time is another facet of its existence. Some quick facts:
- These universities pump £87 Billion to the economy.
- Alumni of these universities are employed in 250,000 jobs across the UK.
- Two-third of the significant research is conducted in these universities.
- Around 32% students are non-UK nationalities.
