When looking at UK university rankings, it is easy to assume that older always means better. After all, everyone knows how long Cambridge, Oxford and St Andrews have been around, and their global reputation for quality is unrivalled.
The Times Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2023, however, focus on institutions which do not have hundreds of years of teaching and tradition but still offer a world class degree alongside state-of-the-art facilities, research and international outlook.
Created using the same methodology as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, learn more about the top 10 UK universities under 50 years old below and if you wish to begin your application, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.
Top 10 Best Young Universities in the UK
1. Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University (BU) stands as a leading modern institution in the UK, dedicated to producing graduates equipped with the skills and adaptability essential for thriving careers. The BU community boasts a diverse population of approximately 19,000 students, including 2,600 international students representing over 120 countries. Spanning four faculties, BU offers an extensive array of degree programmes encompassing creative, professional, technological, scientific, and humanities disciplines.
The UK Government's Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 also highlights BU's research excellence, with 18% of its research ranked world-leading. BU's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and practical education continues to shape the future success of its students.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
- Acceptance rate: 75.5%
- Total students: About 19,000
2. Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is a partnership between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, along with NHS organisations in the South East region. The school follows the principles of Outcomes for Graduates, emphasising medical education in a multi-professional context and maintaining high standards in teaching, clinical practice, and research.
During the first two years, students are based on the Falmer campuses of Brighton and Sussex universities and later move to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for clinical placements. The school provides excellent research facilities, including the Brighton and Sussex Clinical Investigation and Research Unit, a £4 million partnership with Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. The Falmer campus has a Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre with advanced imaging systems, while the Sussex campus features the Medical Research Building and Trafford Centre for research in various fields.
- Year founded: 2002
- Location: Brighton, East Sussex
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Total students: About 200
3. Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University is a highly respected institution in Scotland. It offers a wide range of courses in areas like arts, business, computing, engineering, applied sciences, and health and social care. In the arts field, it collaborates with the Edinburgh College of Art for film, journalism, photography, and graphic design programmes.
Edinburgh Napier University has received several prestigious rankings and awards. It is recognised as the top modern university in Scotland and one of the top 10 modern universities in the UK; the university excels in student satisfaction, research power, and impact. It has three campuses equipped with modern facilities, including labs, wards, computer labs, and studios for various subjects like biomechanics, clinical skills, computer games, radio, photography, and music.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Acceptance rate: 58.7%
- Total students: About 16,000
4. University of Lincoln
The University of Lincoln (UoL) was granted university status in 1992, and with a student population of 13,000, UoL embraces diversity with representation from approximately 100 different nationalities, creating a rich and inclusive community. The university has garnered acclaim for its exceptional industry engagement, receiving awards for its innovative approach - Sparkhouse, UoL's business incubation centre, has provided vital support for over 300 new businesses, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.
UoL's historical significance is deeply rooted in its location, an Iron Age site which later became a Roman and Viking settlement. The campus is home to an awe-inspiring 11th-century cathedral that once surpassed the Great Pyramids in height and a medieval castle that stands as a testament to its enduring heritage, constructed under the reign of William the Conqueror.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
- Acceptance rate: 84.9%
- Total students: Around 13,000
5. Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a prominent higher education institution in the UK, originally established as a Mechanics Institute in 1823. LJMU's academic partnerships extend beyond traditional universities to encompass colleges, hospital trusts, public services, and private companies. The university focuses on practical, hands-on teaching methods, providing students with excellent facilities such as nursing and midwifery suites, science and engineering laboratories, an art gallery, and a mock courtroom.
Entrepreneurship is strongly encouraged at LJMU, with a dedicated Centre of Entrepreneurship supporting thousands of students each year in developing their own businesses. A member of the University Alliance, the Northern Consortium, and the European University Association, the university even offers a start-up fund that grants financial support to innovative student ventures.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
- Acceptance rate: 78.9%
- Total students: About 25,000
6. Middlesex University
Middlesex University London was established in 1878 and today has a diverse student body of over 19,000 in London and more than 37,000 globally, representing over 140 nationalities. Middlesex offers various courses through its faculties, including Science and Technology, Professional and Social Sciences, and Arts and Creative Industries.
The university has strong international connections, with exchange partnerships with over 100 universities worldwide. Middlesex University has campuses in London, Malta, Dubai, and Mauritius and actively participates in programmes such as the Brazilian Scientific Mobility programme. The university also provides sports facilities, including a unique "real tennis" court, for students to engage in physical activities.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Greater London
- Acceptance rate: 64%
- Total students: Over 19,000
7. Northumbria University
Northumbria University, located in Newcastle, UK, is a well-known and respected university. It has been around since 1969 and has grown into a big and important institution. The university is popular with students from all over the world, with around 35,000 students studying there. They have 20 different schools and departments where students can learn about different subjects.
The university has partnerships with other universities in different countries, so students can study abroad if they want to. Northumbria University has three campuses in total. The main one is in Newcastle and has recently been improved with a lot of money. It has libraries, labs, and a student union where students can relax and have fun. The university also has sports facilities, including a new sports centre and a campus with its own sports amenities. The university's library is excellent and has lots of student resources. Northumbria University has connections with big companies like Nike and the BBC, and many of their programmes are approved by professionals in different fields.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
- Acceptance rate: 89.3%
- Total students: Around 32,000
8. University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth has a strong research-led culture and boasts an award-winning, environmentally conscious campus. It has received numerous accolades, including the Queen's Anniversary Prize on three occasions and being the second UK university to achieve net zero emissions ahead of schedule. Its commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its recognition as the 15th-best institution worldwide for climate action.
Cutting-edge facilities for engineering, design, and health professions provide students with top-notch resources for their studies and support world-class research. The university takes pride in balancing academic excellence and a diverse, vibrant, and well-supported social life.
Located in the vibrant city of Plymouth, the institute prioritises student well-being and fosters a supportive culture. The city is known for its affordability and has been ranked as the best place to live in England. As a student at Plymouth, you'll be surrounded by a lively atmosphere, with a thriving nightlife and easy access to stunning beaches and green spaces.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Plymouth, Devon
- Acceptance rate: 66.3%
- Total students: Over 18,500
9. University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth has a rich history dating back to 1869, initially focusing on training engineers and dock workers due to its coastal location and reliance on shipping. Over time, the college expanded its offerings and was renamed Portsmouth Polytechnic in the 1960s. It gained university status in 1992, enabling it to validate its own degrees.
The university has excelled in various research areas, including cosmology, astrophysics, cyber security, forensics, and sport science. Its state-of-the-art facilities, such as lab and testing facilities, teaching and learning spaces, and sports and fitness facilities, support practical learning, research, and collaborative projects with industry. Recent developments on campus include the opening of a mock courtroom in the School of Law, allowing students to participate in realistic recreations of court cases.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
- Acceptance rate: 77.9%
- Total students: Over 28,000 (2020/21)
10. SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College)
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) is a leading institution in the field of agriculture and rural development, providing research, education, and consultancy services. Established in 2012 through the merger of several colleges, including the Scottish Agricultural College, SRUC operates from six campuses and eight farms and research centres across Scotland. Its consultancy arm, SAC Consulting, supports thousands of farms and rural businesses throughout the UK.
- Year founded: 2012
- Location: Scotland
- Acceptance rate: About 96%
- Total students: About 1600
Study in the UK
Are you interested in studying at one of the best universities under 50 years old in the UK and the world? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today to begin your application.
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