Millie’s UK University Spotlight: 5 UK Universities with Beautiful Architecture That Aren't Cambridge or Oxford
Article written and edited by Yadavi Madani.
Usually, Oxford and Cambridge are singled out as the two universities with the best architecture, but there are many more across the UK with just as spectacular sights!
Sit back and relax as Millie shows you the 5 best (non-Oxbridge) universities with the most gorgeous buildings!
# The University of Durham
First up is a university in the North-East of England in the beautiful city of Durham. The city’s history stretches back into Medieval times, with the grand Durham Castle, originally opened in 1072, being part of the university itself. You read correctly, Durham has its very own castle!
“You read correctly, Durham university has its very own castle!”
Durham University was founded in 1832, ranking 8th in the UK (Complete University Guide) and 82nd worldwide (Top Universities). The university uses a collegiate system, whereby it is split up into multiple colleges that relate to the university in a sort of federal system. This, in addition to its penchant for grand dinners and balls (yes, formal gown-wearing balls), makes it very similar to Oxbridge and a perfect choice for those looking for that atmosphere without the competitive application process. Durham has 17 colleges across its campus that house 17,500 students, over 30% of whom are international. Here are some of its top-ranked majors:
Archaeology - Ranked #3
- IB: 36 points with 665 at Higher Level
- A-Levels: AAB
- AP: 4, 4, 5 or above
Geography - Ranked #5
- IB: 37 points with 666 at Higher Level including Geography or a Science
- A-Levels: AAA or A*AB including Geography or a Science
- AP: 5, 5, 5 or above
Ancient History - Ranked #4
- IB: 37 points with 666 at Higher Level
- A-Levels: AAA
- AP: 5, 5, 5 or 5, 5, 4, 4
Did you know…
- It is considered bad luck to climb to the top of Durham University Cathedral before you graduate!
- The Durham campus is surprisingly hilly, with some colleges being situated on top of hills? Be sure to bring along some walking shoes for those morning treks to lectures!
- The university itself is home to Durham Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey castle from the 11th Century, which was one of the first heritage sites in the world?
So that’s all for Durham! Next we’re going to a university even further North, right up in Scotland.
# The University of St. Andrews
Founded in 1413, the University of St. Andrews is the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is located in Fife, Southern Scotland, and has over 10,000 students from 130 different countries. St. Andrews boasts magnificent architecture that rivals that of Oxford and Cambridge. It ranks 4th in the UK (Complete University Guide) and 91st in the world (Top Universities). Here are some of its top majors:
“St. Andrews has magnificent architecture that rivals that of Oxford and Cambridge.”
Philosophy - Ranked #2
- IB: 38 points (666 at Higher Level) to 36 points (665 at Higher Level)
- A-Levels: A*A*A to ABB
- AP: 4, 4, 4, or above
Ancient History - Ranked #3
- IB: 38 points (666 at Higher Level) to 36 points (665 at Higher Level)
- A-Levels: A*A*A to ABB
- AP: 4, 4, 4, or above
Theological Studies - Ranked #7
- IB: 38 points (666 at Higher Level) to 36 points (665 at Higher Level)
- A-Levels: A*A*A to ABB
- AP: 4, 4, 4, or above
Did you know…
- St. Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland?
- The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, more commonly known as Will and Kate, met and studied together at St. Andrews?
- St. Andrews students enjoy partaking in quirky age-old traditions such as the May Dip (where students run into the freezing North Sea at dawn to cleanse any academic sins) and the Raisin Weekend (a social weekend involving a shaving-foam fight)?
Liking the idea of a Scottish University? Find out everything you need to know about studying in Scotland here! Now, to Central England:
# The University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham was founded in 1881 and is home to over 44,500 students, 9,000 of whom are international. Nottingham is a city in Central England, rich with history and architecture from the medieval and Elizabethan eras. The university ranks 28th in the UK (Complete University Guide) and 103rd worldwide (Top Universities), offering a wide array of courses from Aerospace Engineering to Zoology. It even has global campuses in China and Malaysia, making it easy for students studying at Nottingham to spend a year abroad within the university's own campuses! Here are some of its top-ranked majors:
Pharmacology - Ranked #7
- IB: 34 points with 655 at Higher Level including Chemistry and another science
- A-Levels: AAB including Chemistry and Biology
- AP: Scores ranging from 4, 4, 4 to 5, 5, 5
Civil Engineering - Ranked #16
- IB: 34 points with a 6 at Higher Level Maths (or 7 at Standard Level) and a 5 in a second science Higher Level (preferably Physics)
- A-Levels: AAB with Maths and a Science
- AP: Scores ranging from 4, 4, 4 to 5, 5, 5
Economics - Ranked #13
- IB: 38 points
- A-Levels: A*AA or A*ABB including Maths
- AP: Scores ranging from 4, 4, 4 to 5, 5, 5
Did you know…
- Nottingham is home to the famous Robin Hood, the heroic outlaw from the English folktales?
- The city’s Wollaton Hall is featured as “Wayne Manor” in the Hollywood-hit Batman film The Dark Knight Rises?
- The university’s Student Union hosted the first ever gig by Paul McCartney and Wings in 1972?
Next, onto a university in Southern England in the beautiful county of Surrey:
# Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway was founded in 1879 and boasts glorious red-brick architecture that gives it a dramatic and vivid look. The university ranks 37th in the UK (Complete University Guide) and 334th in the world (Top Universities). Royal Holloway has over 11,000 students, of whom 1,883 are international. The university is situated very close to London, with many students living in the city during their second and third years. The campus itself is about a 10-minute walk from Windsor Great Park, a gorgeous area of green space and gardens stretching over 4,800 acres (perfect for a picnic with friends or an after-lecture walk).
Royal Holloway is also a regular winner of the most beautiful campuses in the UK and sometimes even in the world!
“Royal Holloway’s red-brick architecture gives it a dramatic and vivid look.”
Here are some of its top ranked majors:
Geography - Ranked #27
- IB: 32 points with 555 at Higher Level
- A-Levels: ABB to BBB
- AP: 4, 4, 5
Drama with Acting - Ranked #17
- IB: 32 points with 655 at Higher Level
- A-Levels: AAB to ABB
- AP: 4, 4, 5
Psychology - Ranked #29
- IB: 32 points with 665 at Higher Level
- A-Levels: AAA to AAB
- AP: 4, 4, 5
Did you know…
- The university’s Founders Building was featured in Avengers: Age of Ultron and in Downton Abbey?
- Royal Holloway housed over 1,400 Olympic athletes during the London 2012 Olympics?
- The initial Royal Holloway building was opened by Queen Victoria herself in 1886?
Lastly, the University of Keele!
# The University of Keele
Keele University was founded in 1949 and is situated in the gorgeous Staffordshire countryside in Central England. Its architecture is quaint and characterful, which, paired with its green and open campus, makes it a wonderful place for students! Keele has 10,000 students that represent over 120 countries. It ranks 65th in the UK (Complete University Guide) and 751st worldwide (Top Universities). Here are some of its top-ranked majors:
Psychology - Ranked #48
- IB: 32 points
- A-Levels: ABC to BBB
- AP: 2 APs at Grade 3 or above
Education - Ranked #40
- IB: 30 points
- A-Levels: BBC to BCC
- AP: 2 APs at Grade 3 or above
Geography - Ranked #30
- IB: 29 points
- A-Levels: BBC
- AP: 2 APs at Grade 3 or above
Did you know…
- Keele was ranked amongst the top 5 most beautiful universities in the UK?
- The university has the largest single-site campus in the UK, spread over 600 acres of land?
- The original Keele Estate was given by King Henry II to the Knights Templar in 1880?
That’s all on our University Spotlight on the best architecture that rivals Oxbridge!
Of course, while we chose these universities as having the best architecture, there are so many more beautiful campuses all across the UK, both new and old. Remember, sign yourself up for a free consultation to plan your next steps at university!