Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
You’ll encounter loads of unis while researching your five top choices to include in your undergraduate application, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are several key categories which you can use to organise institutions and make it easier to compare and contrast. Of course, each university has its own unique features so bear this in mind when it comes to making your final selection.
Once you've got your bearings with what universities are available, start searching for unis right here!
Traditional
Traditional universities are primarily defined by how old they are, however, being more than just a number, their age denotes other key features such as teaching methods, curriculum, and reputation.
Traditional universities generally have a much higher student enrolment than their modern counterparts, and focus their curriculum more heavily on research and theory than skills and practical training.
With centuries of history, they have endured many challenges, built a significant academic reputation with a global influence and are linked to other established institutions around the world.
Specialist
As the name suggests, specialist universities offer a much more specific programme of degree courses focusing around one subject area, and provide a great deal of expertise and resources to support their curriculum.
Generally, the student population of such universities is much smaller than a typical institution, and they can often be highly selective when it comes to accepting applications.
Specialist unis usually offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, conducting valued research into their area of specialism, and maintaining strong links with professional bodies and leading industry organisations.
Campus vs City
In terms of your extra-curricular experience of university, deciding whether you want to go to a campus or city university will be one of the most significant.
Campus universities are frequently located on the outskirts of large metropolitan areas, medium sized towns, and occasionally in more rural and remote areas. They are essentially a self-contained learning environment, providing everything that students need to complete their course, live comfortably and socially, while developing some personal interests along the way.
Accommodation for first year students is typically located on-site, and amenities are within a short walking distance, giving campus universities a close community atmosphere.
City universities offer a different set of advantages. For one, their location offers a close connection with an entire urban environment, a faster pace of life, more opportunities for entertainment and employment, and a more international experience.
Halls of residence for these universities are usually scattered across the city, which can mean more travel time from your accommodation to your lectures, but also great connections to other parts of the UK and abroad.
It all comes down to your personal preferences but remember that every university is unique. There are many places which give you a combination of advantages from both campus and city type universities, so with a bit of research you can find the ideal location for you.
University mission groups
It’s common for universities in the UK to form ‘mission groups’ based on similar characteristics and goals, with the aim of encouraging collaboration, sharing research and working together to build connections with regional businesses or organisations.
University mission groups in the UK include Red Brick, Russell Group, N8 Research Partnership, University Alliance and Millionplus, just to name a few. They can be a good place to start looking if their priorities align with your academic ambitions, and they can be useful to find similar universities to ones you are already interested in.
Russell Group
The Russell Group is one of the most well-known mission groups in the UK. Formed of 17 self-selected member institutions in 1994, and recently expanded to 24, the group is made up of internationally renowned research-intensive universities which share certain characteristic around developing significant economic, social and cultural impacts in the UK and globally.
They cultivate strong connections with the public sector and national business organisations, and produce more than two-thirds of the world-leading research published by universities in UK. If you’re looking for a research-driven university with a strong academic reputation, then it’s definitely worth taking a look at the list.
Conservatoires
Conservatoires are essentially small universities which focus on specialist areas within the performing arts. Their mode of education is highly practical and involves a lot of individual tuition and opportunities to perform.
Every conservatoire has its own areas of expertise, and students become accustomed to the type of working hours which they can expect from professional work. There are a few to choose from, and with a little research you’ll be able to see whether it’s a good match for you.
Need more advice on picking the perfect uni? Read our helpful guide!
