The London Universities List & Their Specialisms

London universities are among the most diverse in the world. Our London university list ranges from specialised learning facilities to world-leading research centres, including all the top universities. Students come to the UK capital from all corners of the globe to expand their studies, with over 100,000 international students from upwards of 200 countries flocking to earn some of the world’s best degrees. As a table-topping provider of London student accommodation in Zone 1, urbanest decided to compile a comprehensive list of London universities to provide a snapshot of what they offer. We’ll also look at which London university is best for your subject.

The London Universities List

Before we dig into which universities in London are best for the course you have in mind, let’s talk about all the universities in London and what they have to offer.

Universities in London:

Students graduating in London

Birkbeck, University Of London

Attracting 18,000 students from 120 countries, Birkbeck University has earned a reputation as a world-class educational institution. Not a morning person? Birkbeck uni is the only dedicated provider of evening higher education in the capital. With courses ranging from law to social science, this unique university in London promotes picking up valuable work experience alongside studies.

Ready to make the move to this leading university? Check out our Birkbeck student accommodation.

Brunel University London

Situated on the capital’s outskirts, Brunel University is ranked as one of the top 25 universities for international students in the world. A campus university with guaranteed accommodation for first-year students, Brunel plays host to a bustling international community of 2,500 students. Ranked as the 2nd best engineering university in London, Brunel offers a range of subjects and applied learning schemes.

City, University Of London

An arm of the prestigious University of London, City offers business-focused undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. For the ultimate London experience, the City, University of London is central, its main campus nestles between Islington, Shoreditch and Clerkenwell. With the city’s hottest spots and industry-leading study programmes within touching distance, this London university has recently been ranked the third-highest London university for student satisfaction.

Coventry University London

Coventry University London is a fairly new kid on the block, having spent the past decade providing the most diverse selection of business degrees in Europe. Enjoying strong industry links with the likes of Jaguar and Deloitte, as well as internship programmes and dedicated enterprise hubs within each course, Coventry Uni London provides a direct path to employment. What’s more, the regular events and socials offered by this university in London are a great way for international students to get a taste of British culture.

Does this business-geared institution take your fancy? Take a look at our Coventry University London student accommodation.

GCU London

This London university is the postgraduate campus of Glasgow Caledonian University. Situated in the trendy finance and fashion industry hub of Spitalfields, GCU London is home to the British School Of Fashion. Future employment is at the heart of everything GCU does, with tailored learning aimed to set students on the path to their chosen careers. This London uni also boasts industry ties and a regular masterclass from leading business academics.

Goldsmiths, University Of London

As part of the University Of London, Goldsmiths has been offering highly respected courses in a range of subjects for over 100 years. The historic London university is recognised as one of the premier political education providers and also ranks in the top 25 for research quality.

If you’ve decided to study at this historic university, choose our Goldsmiths student accommodation for a comfortable stay in the capital.

Imperial College London

No London university list is complete without Imperial College. Rated among the top 10 universities in the world, as well as the top 5 UK unis, Imperial’s stellar reputation attracts students from all over the world. A collaborative melting pot of inquisitive minds, the centrally located university is the only UK education institute to solely revolve around engineering, science, medicine and business studies. Having produced four Nobel Prize Laureates, this prestigious university has an enviable track record.

Our top-rated Imperial College student accommodation is on par with the exceedingly high ranking of the institute itself.

King’s College London

The UK’s fourth oldest learning institute, this Russell Group university was established way back in 1829. Kings College London (named after one of its co-founders, King George IV) is located along the Thames, offering a classic backdrop littered with landmarks. This widely celebrated university is an authority in the fields of social science, law, science, medicine, law, and the humanities. Kings is internationally renowned, hosting thousands of students from over 150 countries.

If you’re looking to go to this London university, our high-quality Kings College London accommodation is within a 30 min journey to their campus.

Kingston University

Situated on the city’s edge in a leafy suburb, Kingston University offers a taste of London life. A stone’s throw away from the bustling epicentre of the city, Kingston uni claims the top spot in London for nursing, pharmacy, sports science, journalism, and fashion. Luckily, you won’t have to put your walking boots on between lectures, as the university offers a free bus service connecting its four campuses. This London university and its courses are led by respected academics who have a strong vocational focus. In fact, most postgrad students have the opportunity to take a 12-month work placement.

London Business School

London Business School offers world-class programmes which help shape the future of the field. Situated on the shoulder of Regent’s park, LBS has links to industry leaders all over the world. As far as business universities go, the courses offered rank among the best around, with education levels ranging from MBA to PhD. Having twice earned the highest research rating by the HEFCE, this London university is also lauded for its world-class research.

Taking the first steps into a career in the business field? Browse our LBS student accommodation today.

London Film School

The oldest film London university in the whole of the UK, London Film School (LFS) was founded in 1956. This university in London is one of the world’s leading postgraduate film institutions, offering full-time study and workshops in the filmmaking and screenwriting sectors. And this school has a good reputation internationally, with students’ work appearing at film festivals and being showcased across the world. This central London uni is the hub of the UK film industry and the heart of London all in one.

For students of this London University, LFS has partnered with urbanest, offering exclusive London Film School accommodation, which is located 25 minutes away from campus.

London Institute Of Banking & Finance

LIBF believes in the values of practical learning as much as theory. Dedicated to directing its students into financial careers, the London Institute of Banking & Finance is vocationally focused on cultivating a healthy environment for networking. Rated as the pinnacle of student satisfaction, alumni of this London university are entitled to apply for Chartered Associateship upon completion of their degree.

London Metropolitan University

Offering a diverse array of courses, London Metropolitan University is one of the leading education providers in the country. Backed up by top-tier evaluations from multiple professional bodies, a qualification from London Met is that bit shinier. A cosmopolitan central London university underpinned by a vibrant international community, students will also receive support in finding placements and work experience.

For this nearby facility, and more, check out our dedicated London Met student accommodation.

London School Of Economics (LSE)

Next on our list of London universities is among the most historic. London School Of Economics was established in 1895 as a hub for studies that extend further than economics. LSE rubs shoulders with Harvard and Stanford when it comes to producing influential research and is second to none when it comes to UK universities. Students receive top-level teaching and talks from influential speakers. Notables such as Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama have all imparted their wisdom in the past. The central London uni is bursting with global energy, with over 100 languages spoken on the campus.

For more information or if you’re looking for a place to stay while going to this university, take a look at our LSE student accommodation.

London School Of Hygiene And Tropical Medicine

The London School Of Hygiene And Tropical Medicine allows students to alter their learning around specific career goals. With 23 specialised master’s degrees, LSHTM provides leading education and research programmes. A leader in the health field, this London university has a substantial annual research income of over £180 million. As well as providing research-led courses to fuel the knowledge of future faces of the field, their free courses are also picked up by over 70,000 online students.

London South Bank University

Providing vocationally charged courses since 1892, London South Bank University has earned the moniker of the university of the year for graduate employment for more than one year. A civic London university with a significant worldwide alumni network, LSB uni’s widely accredited teaching provokes student success.

Interested in going to this university, we have lots of cosy and trendy London South Bank student accommodation. , including our brand new Battersea property.

Middlesex University

A tube ride away from central London, Middlesex University boasts a state-of-the-art campus, one of the capital’s largest. With a broad spectrum of courses to choose from in its four schools, Middlesex uni was ranked as the top modern university in the UK by the Times as well and received a silver award for its quality of teaching. Inclusive and empowering, this university in London aims to inspire success through practice-based learning and an enriching experience for students.

Newcastle University London

One of the founding members of the Russell Group, Newcastle University’s London campus stokes the fires of business, finance, and commerce students with globally recognised programmes. With campuses all over the world, the university is powered by experts who immerse their students within the industry. An elite university in London, its triple-accredited business school is among the best in the world.

For students going to this London university, we have great Newcastle University London student accommodation, which is a mere 12-minute walk to campus.

New College Of The Humanities

New College Of The Humanities focuses on the student experience, providing individual academic programmes for more effective teaching. NCH is a relatively small London college located in picturesque Bedford Square. Small in size but not in ambition, this London college is highly rated and aims to give students all the education and experience they need to excel in their field. 40% of attendees are international students, creating a hotbed of cosmopolitan thinking.

Queen Mary University Of London

The highest-rated Russell Group university for student satisfaction in London, Queen Mary University believe in achieving the unachievable through academic excellence. Fostering diverse ideas is at the heart of Queen Mary’s mission statement, embracing a collision of perspectives in the pursuit of original thought. Eight Nobel Prize winners have graduated or taught at this London university and the prestigious uni also hosts a handful of Europe’s largest laboratories.

Making the move to this Russell Group uni in London? Take a look at our Queen Mary University student accommodation. 

Ravensbourne University London

Ravensbourne University is all about collaborative learning and nurturing knowledge in a safe environment. With connections to institutes such as BBC and the Royal Shakespeare Company, the graduate employability rate is through the roof. In fact, 19 out of 20 graduates achieve employment within 6 months. Located on the charming Greenwich Peninsula, Ravensbourne drives enterprising students to the next step in their careers.

Regents University London

Regents University is conveniently placed in the city’s core, with a backdrop of the regal Regents Park. As the only not-for-profit, independent London university, this London university is a place where creative thinkers come together to innovate. Focused on developing future leaders, Regents offers an intimate learning experience, with smaller classes and one-to-one tuition.

For students looking to go to this university, urbanest offers great high-quality Regent’s University London accommodation.

Royal College Of Art

For six consecutive years, the Royal College of Art has been rated as the best art and design university in the world. Founded in 1837, this historic institute of the arts focuses solely on postgraduate studies, welcoming 2,100 students. Prospective artists come to the Royal College of Art to tread the footsteps of notable alumni such as Tracy Emin, Derek Boshier and Ridley Scott. For world-leading art research, this London university is top tier.

Royal Holloway, University Of London

Royal Holloway University is a campus-based research institute producing important work across academic fields ranging from social sciences to management and economics. Royal Holloway has an international core, providing a global spin on its research projects. Over 130 nationalities choose to learn in this London university, with free English language tuition on offer should they be required. Many of its 19 departments hit the top 10 ratings in the world for research.

Royal Veterinary College

Since 1791, RVC has been the only dedicated institute for veterinary studies in the UK. It’s also the oldest vet school in the world and prides itself on influential research within biological science. Students with a passion for animal welfare typically enjoy superb career projects with a degree from this London university, as the institute has a 99% graduate employment rate.

Ready to study to become a vet in London? Check out Royal Veterinary College student accommodation.

School Of Advanced Study

Rooted in the centre of London since 1994, the School of Advanced Study is a postgraduate research institution that combines nine facilities within the University of London. SAS is internationally renowned as one of the world’s premier research institutions, packed with inspired students on the hunt for information. Specialising in the humanities field, graduates of this London university will receive an esteemed degree upon completion of their studies.

SOAS, University Of London

Increasingly prevalent in the global village, the SOAS specialises in the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. SOAS is a research institute that has significant influence over global thought. Their student base is packed with multi-lingual, culturally curious students with a passion for global studies. With a hefty bank of over 450 degrees to choose from, each programme is led by academics with their hands in relevant industries. SOAS boasts the highest teaching satisfaction rate of all London universities, scoring an impressive 90%.

Looking for a place to stay while you study? Take a look at our SOAS student accommodation.

Staffordshire University London

Staffordshire University London specialises in tech-based courses. One of the foremost digital institutes, this London university has achieved a gold rating for teaching excellence and will hit the heady heights of the top 40 UK learning institutions. Staffordshire University focuses its teachings around employability, with a commitment to moulding the future powerhouses of the tech industry.

St Mary’s University, Twickenham

The story of St Mary’s University began all the way back in 1850. Since then, it’s become one of the most distinguished universities the capital has to offer. Tucked away in a peaceful area of West London, the city centre is a mere 30-minute train away. The Greater London university is famed for its Olympic-standard sports facilities and high levels of student satisfaction. St Mary’s is a gateway to employment, with a noteworthy 93% of graduates swiftly taking the next step within 6 months.

University College London (UCL)

One of the highest-rated London universities, UCL is a multi-disciplinary facility that offered leading undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields. Found in 1826, University College London is widely thought of as one of the best academic institutes. Don’t just take our word for it – the Sunday Times lauds UCL as “an intellectual powerhouse with a world-class reputation”. It’s easy to see why 24,000 students choose UCL for their studies.

If you’re among the many students flocking to UCL, our University College London student accommodation is a top choice for your stay.

University Of East London

The two campuses of the University of East London are situated near two iconic landmarks: the O2 Arena and the Olympic Village. UEL has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to leading educational courses, offering over 130 programmes in everything from sports coaching to accountancy. An extremely popular choice for international students, this London university draws in more than 4,000 overseas learners.

University Of Greenwich

Founded in 1890, the University of Greenwich’s main campus lies on the banks of the Thames, within arm’s length of all the city has to offer. A sustainable institute with one eye on the planet’s future, Greenwich uni was recently ranked as the fifth greenest UK university. International students receive help to settle in, with English lessons and academic support provided to those who need them.

University Of Roehampton

The University Of Roehampton prides itself on being an inclusive university, providing education to students of all backgrounds. Located in southwest London, the forward-thinking institute has 10,000 students on campus while fostering as many as 5,000 through online degrees. Students are encouraged to get active in the inner workings of the uni by the ‘student partnership’ programme. If you’re looking for an institute that encourages broad thinking and creative thought, look no further than this university in London.

Give our University of Roehampton student accommodation a look for a comfortable and secure stay, including our brand new urbanest Battersea property.

University Of The Arts London

From performance arts to design and fashion, the University Of The Arts London delivers teachings from experienced leaders of the industry. A top London university for art and design, each of the 6 sub-sections of this specialist learning centre is highly prestigious and respected. Benefiting from close industry links, an impressive percentage of students move into the industry soon after graduation. Notable fashion icons such as Jimmy Choo, Stell McCartney and Alexander McQueen take pride of place on this London uni’s lengthy alumni rollcall.

University Of West London

UWL is made for the career-focussed, so much so that it’s actually known as ‘the career university. Its staggering employment rates for graduates and direct lines into the working world make it appealing to students in a range of disciplines. Made up of nine academic schools, the University of West London offers well-respected courses across everything from media to hospitality and tourism. Ranked as the top London university for teaching quality and student experience, UWL is setting the educational bar high.

University Of Westminster

Finishing off our London university list is the world-class University of Westminster. Having cultivated an undeniable reputation over 175 years, this central London university offers its students superb course quality and top-notch research facilities. It doesn’t get much more central than this London uni – take a look at our urbanest St Pancras property for homely London student accommodation in close proximity to the university.

Whichever London university best suits you, urbanest offers comfortable, high-quality student accommodation around London and close to your university. To find out more or arrange a virtual viewing, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

That’s all London universities. Now, let’s explore which of the London universities is best for your subject. 

Which London universities are best for your subject?

To find the best London university, you need to look at more than just university league tables. To make the most of your time studying in London, you need to enjoy your chosen course. There’s nothing worse than studying at a university or on a course you don’t like. So, it’s worth finding a university that suits you well. This means a university with the right atmosphere and social scene, a library that you’ll enjoy, experts in your field and societies you want to engage with. And remember, location is also key.

With so many considerations, it can be difficult to decide what and where is best. As a starting point, we’ve put together the universities in London which are best for your subject. However, remember to check out each universities’ website and research more than just the course.

Contents:

The Best Universities in London for Law

It’ll come as no surprise that both Oxford and Cambridge top the list of the best universities for Law. With unparalleled reputations, they provide challenging and thought-provoking degree programmes. But for those of us who don’t want to live outside of the capital, there are many Law universities in London that are also considered prestigious.

The London School of Economics, commonly known as LSE, is highly regarded as one of the best universities in the world for studying Law. Your study will include modules which range from human rights and international law to media and global commodities law. What’s more, LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research. Many of their teaching staff are experts in all kinds of law. They frequently have guest lecturers – leading experts and speakers – who run lectures and workshops. This provides you with fantastic opportunities for holistic study. Just down the road from The British Museum and the Royal Opera House, LSE is in the heart of the city.

For great accommodation within walking distance of LSE, check out urbanest Westminster Bridge.

University College London (UCL) is another fantastic university in London for studying law. They consistently rank in the global top 20 universities for law. With 41% of their students coming from a non-UK background, UCL is considered a gateway to the world. Right in the city centre, you can expect specialised teaching a stone’s throw from the best London attractions.

For accommodation that’s only a twenty-minute walk, consider urbanest St Pancras for the very best in private, en-suite and studio student apartments.

To see more Law Universities, check out our full post on The Best 7 Law Universities In London.

The Best Universities in London for Psychology and Sociology

Similar to their world-renowned degrees in law, University College London is also one of the best universities in London for psychology. They offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses accredited by the British Psychological Society. At UCL, you will develop your skills and knowledge to a standard level before choosing to specialise. That could be in neurological, clinical, developmental or social psychology.

University College London

Perhaps less well-known, but still a leading university for psychology, Birkbeck University provides its students with thoughtful and challenging learning. Also accredited by the British Psychological Society, you will leave this course extremely employable and ready to start your career. Data shows that Birkbeck graduates are among some of the highest-earning five years after graduation. That makes this a university certainly worth your consideration. In the heart of London and with access to all University of London facilities, you’ll struggle to find a better placed, better-equipped university in London for psychology.

Right in the middle of St Pancras – an exciting, cosmopolitan student area – you will be studying close to the best of London. Expect easy access to Chinatown, Soho, Covent Garden and all the best museums, bars, restaurants and theatres.

Make your time at Birkbeck even better by choosing student accommodation in the same area. urbanest Westminster Bridge and St Pancras are both close, making it easy to get to university –walk, cycle, or jump on the tube!

If you are looking for more Medical-focused Universities, check out our post on 5 Of The Best Medical Universities In London.

The Best Universities in London for Computer Science

The modern world is all digital, media and IT. A kaleidoscope of screens, from those that live in our pockets to those that sit on the sides of buildings. And with every business in the world being in some way connected to a computer or data system, the demand for computer scientists has never been bigger! Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you’re going to land your dream job just because there’s plenty around. There’s also plenty of competition. But don’t worry, by choosing to study at one of the best universities in London, you will make yourself extremely attractive to potential employers.

Universities in London for Computer Science

Imperial College London is the only UK university to focus solely on science, engineering, medicine and business. This means all their funding directly supports one of these four areas of study. Ranked amongst the best universities in the world, an Imperial degree in computer science is a sure-fire way to kick-start your career.

Most of their degrees are separated from the start into different specialisations. This ranges from artificial intelligence to security, and software engineering to visual computing and robotics. So, if you already know what branch of computer science you would like to explore, get ahead by deciding your focus area from the start. If not, you can study for a general undergraduate computing degree before choosing to specialise in your second and third years. If you’re looking for a more general postgraduate programme, the MEng in Computing is worth your consideration.

Seventh in the UK for graduate employability, Kings College London makes for a great start to a career in Computer Science. The Department of Informatics at King’s looks to explore and understand the newest trends and knowledge in computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics and telecommunications. The King’s BSC in Computer Science includes modules in programming, computer systems, artificial intelligence, databases, software engineering and logic. In your final year, you will undertake a project implementing a sophisticated piece of software.

The campus is situated on the banks of the River Thames, between iconic attractions like the London Eye and Tower Bridge. With quick access to Whitechapel, Westminster, and Covent Garden, choosing Kings College London puts you right in the heart of the city!

Check out urbanest Vauxhall for contemporary student rooms and studio apartments, a brief walk from both Imperial College London and Kings College London.

For more information check out our full post for The Best Universities in London for Computer Science

The Best Universities in London for English, Media, and Journalism

Kings College London isn’t only an expert in Computer Science, they also lead the way for degrees in English and journalism. There’s the option for postgraduate study in media, culture and creative industries, digital assets and media management. If you’re looking for undergraduate programmes, consider a Kings College degree in digital culture, liberal arts, music, or film studios.

universities in london for journalism

Related post: Making the Most of Your Time at University

London Metropolitan University and the University of Westminster are both equally great choices for studying English and Media. This is especially true for those looking for a career in journalism. You can study more general degrees in English or start as you meant to go on and choose journalism or digital media from the start. For more Universities for Journalism, check out our full post on The Best Journalism Universities in London.

If you are looking to go into media and the arts, look at our post on The Best Arts Universities in London.

For stylish and friendly student accommodation near London Metropolitan, urbanest Hoxton and Kings Cross are within a thirty-minute walk or a couple of stops via tube or train. The University of Westminster, in the heart of London’s Zone 1 is easily accessible from urbanest St Pancras, Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge.

The Best Universities in London for Accounting and Finance

As the name suggests, the London School of Economics (LSE) excels in degrees in finance and accounting. Studying at LSE will give you access to undergraduate, postgraduate and executive programmes with the very best reputation in the world of finance. At LSE you will be taught by recognised leaders in specific areas of financial research. Situated near the British Museum, Covent Garden, The National Gallery and more, LSE study is about more than just the lecture hall. Spend your days being taught by experts and your evenings exploring galleries, bars and restaurants.

London, alongside New York, is known as the financial capital of the world. So, it’s no surprise that London universities are pioneers in the study of finance and accountancy. There are plenty of other fantastic universities in London for finance. These include City, London University of London, Brunel University of London and Birkbeck.

For more information check out our full post on The Best Universities in London for Economics 

Specialist Universities in London

University In London

SOAS University of London is the world’s leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. They provide courses in politics, economics, anthropology and philosophy, to name a few. So, choosing to study at the School of Oriental & African Studies will bring the world to your doorstep. Broaden your horizons and have an impact on the world by studying at SOAS.

The Goldsmiths University of London specialises in the arts, design, humanities and social sciences. With many graduates going on to succeed in their chosen field, there’s no doubt a Goldsmiths degree makes for a fantastic start to your career. For more art-specialised universities, view our full post on The Best 14 Art Universities in London.

For other specialist schools and universities, consider the London School of Business, the Royal Veterinary College, and the Royal College of Art. Whatever university you choose, your time in London will be some of the best years of your life. Make sure you choose the accommodation that won’t limit your ability to enjoy the city.

Student accommodation by urbanest is within the world-famous zone 1 of London. This means quick access to the best bars, restaurants and attractions, as well as most universities in London. Check our student accommodation in London availability to see whether you could be staying with us this year!