The UK as a study destination
There are many fantastic locations to study in the UK, outside of London, even four different countries within the UK -- each with their own individual identity.
England
England is home to a very wide range of universities and colleges – each with different specialisms. Plus, some of the world’s top-ranked universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. You'll find vibrant music scenes in cities like London, Liverpool, Leeds, and Manchester, reflecting their diverse multicultural communities.
You'll also find popular student destinations with lively entertainment, rich histories and inspiring architecture – from Bath and York to Brighton and Sheffield. There are places to study in every corner of England, usually with festivals, national parks and beautiful coastlines nearby. You'll have so much to explore.
Find out more about the different regions in England
Scotland
Scotland’s fantastic history extends to its universities, with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and St Andrews among the oldest in the UK, offering some of the most incredible surroundings to study in. But it’s not all about the past. Glasgow was named the UK’s top cultural and creative city (The Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor 2019 report), while millions descend on the Fringe Festival each summer.
Harry Potter obsessives wandering through Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town, or traversing the breath-taking Highlands, will get why they inspired JK Rowling’s magical tales.
Learn more about the different cities in Scotland
Wales
With lovely rolling hills to explore by foot, bike or zipline, a proud sporting tradition, and a famously-benevolent population who like a good singsong, Wales may offer the most satisfying student experience in the UK.
The country has a little of everything: historic cities like Cardiff and Swansea, pretty coastal towns, and three national parks including Snowdonia – home to the highest mountain in Wales. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you’ll be right at home. Studying here, you’re bound to hear a tale or a hundred involving dragons, knights, and castles, perhaps over some rarebit – a traditional Welsh dish.
Learn more about the different cities in Wales
Northern Ireland
Study at one of Northern Ireland’s three universities, or one of its further education colleges offering higher education qualifications. If you’ve watched Derry Girls, you’ll know two things about Northern Ireland: the people’s dark sense of humour, and the country’s turbulent history.
Walking through Belfast, you’ll see the latter told through powerful murals, all around you. Get out of the capital and you’ll discover that Northern Ireland holds its own when it comes to dramatic, spectacular landscapes – Game of Thrones fans might recognise Winterfell and Kingsroad. The Giant’s Causeway, Mourne Mountains, and The Dark Hedges are all pretty easy to reach, and well worth the journey.
Read more about the different cities in Northern Ireland