List of Best Colleges & Universities In London

London, the fascinating capital city of England, is a tourist and student hub.  Students wanting to study in London are offered a diverse range of options when it comes to educational institutions.  Known as one of the besit student cities in the world there sre qround 18 best universities in London. This means, along with housing the top universities in London, the city is friendly, welcoming and empathetic towards students from around the globe.

In this blog, we take you through the best universities in London along with all the relevant details you need to know before making a choice for the one that matches with your needs. If you are aspiring to study at the best colleges in London, this blog will surely guide you in the right direction.

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5 Awesome Reasons To Study In London Types of Universities in London List of Universities In London

5 Awesome Reasons To Study In London

Apart from the best colleges in London, the city is famous for a great many reasons including job opportunities, entertainment, culture and diversity. While these are some of the advantages, let us look at some other perks of studying at the best universities in London: 

• Brilliant Architecture: Studying in London is like walking into a classic British movie. The architectural brilliance of London escapes no one.
• Diversity: Students across the world travel to London for higher education. You will definitely have great cultural exposure while studying in London.
• Language: If you study in London, you would not have to face a language barrier since the mode of communication and instruction in London is British English.
• Excellent Student Life: London is ranked 1st as the best student city in the world 2021-22 according to QS global ranking. London offers the best student life, be it providing quality education, a friendly environment or even, a number of travel opportunities.
• Networking: Studying in London gives students the opportunity to network with a wide range of professionals in your chosen field. This can help boost your future career prospects.

Suggested: A Complete Guide to Studying in London for International Students

The endless list of advantages of studying at the top colleges in London goes on.  Hence, let’s check off the essentials of the London university list by discussing the types and top universities in London.

Types of Universities in London

London houses 18 top-ranked universities in the World. Each one of the universities in London for international students is unique from the other and caters to the brightest of students in the world. Broadly, there are 5 types of universities in the UK. That is:

• Ancient Universities

• Russell Group universities

• Red Brick universities or civic universities

• Plate glass universities or 1960s universities

• New universities (polytechnic/metropolitan universities)

London houses a few of these types of universities that ensure imparting the best quality education and exposure to students. Therefore, thinking of studying in any type of university in the British land, will be a great choice.

Suggested: Find out about the public universities in UK

Let’s now take a look at the top universities in London:

List of Universities In London

London’s education system has upgraded itself with time. The historic London universities stand upright offering the best quality education to their students. Championing on every front the top London university list of universities includes:

The above list comprises the best colleges in London to study in 2024. Let’s discuss each of the top universities in London in detail.

1. Imperial College London

Ranked 2nd in the world, Imperial College London is considered to be the best university to pursue any STEM specialization. Focused on the subjects of science the university has greatly contributed to the development of fields such as Medicine, Engineering, Finance, etc. If you aspire to be a revolutionary scientist, this is the university you should go to!

2. University College London (UCL)

The University College London is renowned for its overall development approach. With top-class infrastructure, the best courses, entertainment centers, meditative rooms, and highly skilled educators, UCL has it all! The University is also popularly known as a problem solver. With an intuitive approach to education, the university encourages students to find their paths rather than just follow the one served to them.

3. King's College London

Established in 1829, King’s College is one of the most ancient colleges in the world. Speaking about its history, the university played a crucial role in contributing to research advancements that led to the discovery of the DNA structure, telephone, etc. Ranked among the best universities in the world, studying at King’s will ensure you are provided with enormous learning and growth opportunities.

4. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

If there is one thing that runs the world, it is Finance. London School of Economics and Political Science is one of the top institutes of the world educating young minds about money and politics. Known for its concentration on teaching and research, this is the best university for students interested in an MBA, Business Studies, Finance, etc. 

5. Queen Mary University of London

Research and teaching go hand-in-hand at Queen Mary. The university proactively contributes to robotics, AI research, and innovation. The groundbreaking gene therapy trial into a hemophilia cure was also conducted at this university. As for the literary laurels, Queen Mary University also played a part in the success of the award-winning biography of Charles de Gaulle.

6. Brunel University London

Brunel University London is a campus-based university situated in West London. The university is home to nearly 13,000 students from all over the world. Founded in 1966, the university combines teaching and research with a practical and entrepreneurial approach. This is the main reason for the success of this university.

7. City, University of London

Established in 1894,  City, University of London is another prominent ancient university of London. The university is located in the heart of London and is popular among the student community for its student support services and networking opportunities. City, University of London holds a strong reputation in the field of Business and Sustainability.

8. Birkbeck, University of London

Located at the heart of London, Birkbeck is a constituent college of the Federal University of London. The college is known for its high academic standards and attracts many students from across the world. The university’s approach of thinking out of the box has impacted the outlook of the students greatly. Birbeck also offers evening classes to working professionals, therefore, encouraging education and networking opportunities.

9. Royal Holloway University of London

The Royal Holloway University is known to have one of the most beautiful campuses in the world housing several study spaces, sports facilities, cafes, etc.  The university offers multiple courses in various disciplines through its advanced teaching methods. The university was inaugurated by Queen Victoria and has grown ever since. Students of humanities and arts should prefer studying here.

10. SOAS University of London

SOAS University hosts change makers. Learning within the four walls isn’t where they stop at SOAS. The university empowers them with the knowledge that allows them to stand up for various developmental issues such as human rights, development, migration, identity, legal systems, poverty, religion, social change, etc. Hence, if you are interested in making the world a better place, then this university is the right place for you!

11. Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths is known for its innovative teaching and research approach, especially in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The university fosters creativity and critical thinking, making it an ideal choice for students who want to explore their artistic potential. Its vibrant campus life and focus on interdisciplinary studies help students build versatile skill sets.

12. Middlesex University

Middlesex University offers a global perspective on education with a focus on practical skills. Located in North London, the university is known for its strong industry connections and employability support. With campuses around the world, Middlesex offers a truly international education experience.

13. University of Westminster

The University of Westminster is situated in the heart of London and is known for its commitment to inclusivity and innovation. The university excels in research and offers a variety of cutting-edge courses. Westminster is especially recognized for its leadership in media studies and strong global outlook.

14. London South Bank University

London South Bank University (LSBU) focuses on applied learning, with a high emphasis on employability and community engagement. The university has strong partnerships with employers, giving students a practical edge in fields such as engineering, healthcare, and business.

15. University of East London

The University of East London is a forward-thinking institution known for its commitment to diversity and student support. With a wide array of courses tailored for practical application, UEL is popular among students seeking hands-on experience in fields like engineering, business, and sports science.

16. London Metropolitan University

London Metropolitan University offers a rich and diverse student experience in the heart of London. The university is focused on employability, with many courses including professional placements. It’s known for creating an inclusive and supportive environment that prepares students for global careers.

17. St George’s, University of London

St George’s is a renowned medical school that focuses entirely on health sciences, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs. Known for its innovative approach to medical education and research, St George’s works closely with hospitals and health institutions to provide real-world clinical experience.

18. University of the Arts London (UAL)

UAL is Europe’s largest specialist arts and design university, offering an expansive range of creative programs across its six constituent colleges. It is the perfect destination for students looking to pursue careers in fashion, art, design, communication, and performing arts.

19. Regent’s University London

Regent’s University London is a private institution that emphasizes a personalized approach to education. Known for its global community and practical learning experiences, Regent’s offers a variety of programs in business, fashion, film, and media.

20. University of Roehampton

Located in a beautiful parkland campus in southwest London, Roehampton is known for its focus on student well-being and career development. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with strengths in the arts, humanities, education, and social sciences.

21. London Business School (LBS)

One of the world’s leading business schools, LBS offers highly regarded MBA and executive education programs. Located in the heart of London’s business district, LBS has strong industry connections and attracts professionals from all over the world.

22. Richmond, The American International University in London

Richmond offers a unique blend of British and American higher education, providing students the opportunity to earn both UK and US-accredited degrees. The university is popular for its international environment and emphasis on global citizenship.

23. London School of Business and Finance (LSBF)

LSBF is a private institution offering a range of business, finance, and management programs. Its focus on professional development, combined with a flexible learning approach, makes it popular among students looking to advance their careers in business-related fields.

The above list sums up the best universities in London that you can choose for your higher studies. These universities guarantee not only quality education but also ensure that you get the best exposure to the professional world. Contact a Yocket professional in case you require assistance in selecting your London university.

Now that you have more information about the top universities in London, we’d like to answer a few frequently asked questions before we wrap up.