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Study in London – Universities, Ranking, Cost & Requirements

Updated on 05 May, 2023

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. Over the years, the city of London has attracted many people across the globe with its vibrant and culturally diverse lifestyle. Many students aspire to study in London as it houses some of the world’s highest-ranked and best universities with a vast range of courses. This cosmopolitan city also offers excellent future employment prospects. London has already been ranked number 1 as the world’s best student city, courtesy of 2018 QS Best Student Cities, and with good reason! It is home to leading institutions, cutting-edge infrastructure, vibrant and cosmopolitan campuses, and a plethora of historical and cultural landmarks. These are some of the biggest reasons to study in London.

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Listing with university rankings

Study in London at these reputed universities that are known worldwide for their research, academic standards, and innovative curricula.

London’s Best Universities 

Based on the QS World University Rankings for 2022 

London Ranking 

World Ranking 

Name of the Educational Institution 

1 7 Imperial College London
2 8 University College London (UCL)
3 35 King’s College London
4 49 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
5 117 Queen Mary University of London
6 330 City, University of London
7 332 Birkbeck, University of London
8 334 Royal Holloway University of London
9 351 Brunel University London
10 391 SOAS University of London

If you were still wondering why to study in London, this blog will certainly change your mind and give you a vision!

Universities in and around the city

1. University College London

An excellent choice to study abroad, it is the country’s first university to officially admit women and students from all backgrounds and faiths. It is home to students from more than 150 nations and offers hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate courses throughout eleven faculties. The university is also home to globally reputed faculty members including 29 Nobel Laureates.

2. King’s College London

Founded in 1829, King’s College London is one of the UK’s oldest institutions and is known for its academic and research standards. It is a Russell Group Universities member with five campuses.

3. Imperial College London (ICL)

A globally-renowned public research institution, ICL is known for its expertise in Science, Medicine, and Engineering along with its popular MBA, Biotechnology, and Computing programs.

4. London School of Economics and Political Science

LSE needs no introduction, being home to students from 140 global nations and having built an enviable global reputation for research, study, and cutting-edge programs in philosophy, mathematics, economics, statistics, environment, geography, and many other disciplines.

5. SOAS London

The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) is known as one of the UK’s leading global institutions, welcoming the biggest academic talents for studying world issues, societies, and cultures, focused on regions like the Near and the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Some of its top programs include Finance and Financial Law along with African Studies and Development Studies.

6. Brunel University

It is located at Uxbridge, offering well-known master’s, bachelor’s, and doctorate courses. It is known for its wide mix of subjects including journalism, digital media, and anthropology among others.

Leading Universities in the UK
Imperial College London Heriot Watt University University of the West of Scotland
UCL Institute of Education Swansea University University of East Anglia
University of Aberdeen University of Salford University of Brighton
Aston Business School Staffordshire University Birbeck University London

Basic Admission Requirements

The basic admission requirements vary slightly for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. English language proficiency is highly essential and accepted examinations include IELTS, PTE, CAE, CPE, SELT, TOEFL, and others.

UG programs

  1. 10+2 certificate from a recognized board with the minimum required marks.
  2. Original educational transcripts and mark sheets.
  3. English language proficiency scores.
  4. SOP (Statement of Purpose).
  5. LORs (Letters of Recommendation).
  6. Valid Passport Copy.
  7. Proof of Funds via Bank Statements.

PG programs:

  1. GRE/GMAT scores if required.
  2. English language proficiency scores.
  3. Undergraduate degrees from recognized universities.
  4. SOP (Statement of Purpose).
  5. LORs (Letters of Recommendation).
  6. Detailed CV/Resume.
  7. Proof of Funds.
  8. Valid Passport Copy.

Cost of Living

The basic study in London cost approximately £16,146 (INR 16 lakhs per year. While the cost of living and studying in London is on the higher side, it is still reasonable in comparison to many other global countries. You can also find a scholarship to study in London, thereby reducing your tuition costs considerably. LSE has estimated at least £1,100-1,300 (INR 1 lakh) per month in living costs for students including food, accommodation, laundry, travel, and personal expenses.

Housing

There are various types of housing options available for students in London. They include the following:

1. Halls of Residence

They mostly cater to first-years and are costlier than other accommodation types. Deposits of £200-500 (INR 50,000 approx) are sometimes needed for securing a place. The average costs are usually £60-120 (INR 6,000-12,000) per week for a room within a university hall of residence. You will get coverage for security, Wi-Fi, and bills within this amount.

2. House Sharing

You may find a group of friends and colleagues willing to share a house by the second year or later. You will be able to rent room or even share a room with a friend. This is usually more reasonable than staying in university accommodation at times.

3. Private Housing

Private housing means renting a room within any private hall of residence or home. You can also rent your private accommodation/flat with your friends. Private halls of residence may charge roughly £140 (INR 14,000) per week for a room. Rooms in private homes may be slightly cheaper while private flats may be costlier.

Top Universities in the UK
Cambridge University Fees Duke University in the UK The University of Buckingham
University of Gloucestershire SOAS University of London Bournemouth University
University of Greenwich Ranking Queen Margaret University University of Reading

Job Opportunities

London offers numerous job opportunities for graduates in various fields. It is home to the world’s biggest and most famous MNCs and global conglomerates in almost every sector. Graduates earn handsome average salaries in the following fields:

  1. Engineers- £59,900 (INR 60 lakhs) per year.
  2. HR- £67,100 (INR 67 lakhs) per year.
  3. Finance and Accounting- £73,100 (INR 73 lakhs) per year.
  4. Sales & Marketing- £79,600 (INR 80 lakhs) per year.
  5. Information Technology & Computer Science- £70,300 (INR 70 lakhs) per year.
  6. PR & Advertising- £71,400 (INR 72 lakhs) per year.
  7. Education- £75,300 (INR 76 lakhs) per year.
  8. Law- £85,600 (INR 86 lakhs) per year.
  9. Design & Art- £55,000 (INR 55 lakhs) per year.

There are lucrative careers for graduates in fields like banking and financial services, engineering and manufacturing, e-commerce, technology and computing, retail, media and entertainment, law, healthcare, teaching, management, and marketing.

Check Eligibility to Study in UK

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth studying in London?

It is always worth studying in London for the highly-ranked and reputed educational institutions, superior quality of teaching, and numerous job opportunities. London offers excellent research and educational environment, complete with global exposure and a cosmopolitan ambiance.

What’s it like to study in London?

Studying in London can be extremely exciting, considering the city’s cultural and historical attractions, in addition to museums, shopping destinations, and top restaurants. It also offers the best nightlife and entertainment for citizens in addition to a vibrant literary and musical scene. The universities in London have happening campuses with the best student infrastructure and facilities.

What do you need to study in London?

You can study engineering, computer science, medicine, human resources, management, sales and marketing, and law in London. These are rapidly flourishing fields of education and offer excellent future employment opportunities.

How much does it cost to live in London?

Students will need approximately £1,100-1,300 (INR 1.1-1.3 lakh) per month to live in London which is on the costlier side. They can always reduce costs by getting a grant/scholarship.

How much can I earn in the UK as a student?

The minimum wage is £5 (INR 500) per hour and most jobs pay above this basic threshold for part-time work or internships in the UK while pursuing education.

Did you find this article helpful?

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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