List of Best Non-Russell Group Universities in 2024

Navigating to Best Non-Russell Group Universities, that are not part of the Russell Group.  You must have heard about the Russell Group when you fill out the University application in the UK. Here are some examples of Russell Group Universities the University of Birmingham, the University of Bristol, the University of Cambridge, and some of the best non-Russell group universities are the University of St. Andrews, the University of Bath, and Loughborough University.

If you looked at the list, you will find that there are 2 English Universities Loughborough and Bath on the list of top UK's Best Universities that are not in the Russell Group

In this guide, we provide the Best Non-Russell Group Universities and Russell Group Universities list and the difference between them.

After reading this blog, Students can decide which university is best and can read How to transfer to a University to study whether it's Non-Russell Group or Russell Group.

What is Russell Group University?

Before revealing the list of Best Non-Russell Group Universities, let's know first about the Russell Group.

The Russell Group is a self-association consisting of 24 research prestigious universities in the United Kingdom from the list of All UK Universities. The group was established in 1994 and is considered the UK's best universities. 

The Russell Group was formed in 1994 by 17 British research universities including Birmingham, Cambridge, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, and more. All of these Uni have top-notch research and teaching and given high academic standards.

The Russell Group Universities are recognized as one of the best research universities that have the optimum conditions, unique institutions, and provide world-class education. They provide the best teaching experience to students, the best research, and many more things.

List of 10 Best Non-Russell Group Universities

Russell Group, 24 Prestigious Group Uni which provides academic excellence, teaching support, and the best research. But the Non-Russell Group Uni St. Andrews to Bath, University has also given many advantages to the students offering more skills, jobs, and academic opportunities. 

So let's Look at the best non-Russell Group universities in the UK.

1.  University of Bath

The University of Bath is the UK's Top Most Research University and its Non-Russell is located in Bath, England. The Uni accepts 14% application of Undergraduate students and is also named "University of The Year" by the Times Good in 2023.

The annual income of the institution is around £362.9 million in 2022-23 and £44.8 million income came from the research grants. Students can also check the UK University Fees For International Students.

The University of Bath is Divided into four facilities and each faculty has various departments. 

According to the research, The Uni of Bath is ranked 25th in multi-faculty institutions in the UK and also in the list of Top 20 Universities in the UK. 

 

 

 

 

 

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2. University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews is the fourth of the oldest universities in Scotland and the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world. St. Andrews was founded in 1413 and was the part of Scottish Enlightenment and in the list of Non-Russell Group University.

St. Andrews is a renowned university that gives academic excellence to students with high-class education. They have world-class teachers and professors who always give the best results. According to the Guardian rankings, the University was ranked in the second position.

This is among the list of top 10 universities in UK as well. 

The Uni has accepted only 8% application of undergraduate students.  The University is also known as the Home of Golf and Home of The Old Course.

3. Loughborough University

Loughborough University comes in third place on the Non-Russell Group Universities list. It is also a Public Research University since 1966. The annual income of this institute was £369.1 million in 2022-23 of which £48.3 million was made from Research Grants. 

The University of Loughborough was founded in 1909 and has various contributions to various fields like teacher training, art and Design, teaching, science, and technology. Check on the updated list of all subjects at university in 2024/2025.  

Loughborough University is also a non-Russell group university. The University provides the best student experience according to the Sunday Times, with a variety of extra-curricular activities, facilities, and industry connections to students. 

The application acceptance rate of this University is around 15% only. 

4. University of Essex

The University of Essex is known for its Public research, give best student experience, and strong teaching programs. The University was established between 1961 and 1965 and was located in Essex, England.

They give a rich environment to the students and 85% of graduates get jobs or move to further study. It is also among the most affordable universities in UK.  

5. University of Edinburgh

The University Of Edinburgh is a Public research University located in Edinburgh, Scotland. This University is considered as of the best universities in the UK, and also a non-Russell group.

This University is known for its innovative research and ranked fourth in the UK for research power. The University is surrounded by plenty of green spaces and provides outdoor activities like Hiking and camping. 

Edinburgh University is the 8th largest University in the UK, receiving 69 thousand undergraduate applications per year. 

6. Lancaster University

Lancaster University was located in Bailrigg, City of Lancaster, England, founded in 1964. This institute is also one of the best non-Russell Group with an acceptance rate of 25%. The campus building is located on a hilltop and includes landscaped parkland, a Carter duck pond, a sports field, and a scenic view of northern England. Check out the complete as well for more exposure. A-Z list of all UK universities 

7. University of Surrey

The University of Surrey is located in Guildford, England known for its academic excellence, research, technology, and practical experience for students. The main objective of this University is to focus on students and prepare them for future jobs. 

8. University of East Anglia

The University of East Anglia is also one of the best Non-Russell Group universities in the UK which is very affordable and provides the best academic support. The University is located in the city of Norwich, students are mainly enrolled in arts, environmental, and science courses.

9. University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde was founded in 1796, and it is Glasdow's second oldest university in the world and the first technological university in the United Kingdom. According to the 2022-23 academic year, the institute earned £487.4 million, which included £115.8 million from research grants. 

The university is located on the northeastern side of Glasgow City Center.

10. University of Reading

The University of Reading comes in 10th position in the list of best Non-Russell Group Universities in the UK. The University is also called the red brick university. The University of Reading is mainly known for its teaching, research, and one of the UK's top institutes for research and teaching. 

According to the Daily Mail University Guide, the University ranked 1st for Architecture and Building planning.

Best Non-Russell Group Universities For Law

Russell Group Universities are very expensive and always in high demand as compared to Non-Russell Group Universities.

Always make sure you find a university according to the degree you are pursuing. If you haven't decided about what course to choose, you can look for the top 10 degrees in the UK  and start your university hunt after that. 

So here we provide the 10 best Non-Russell Group universities for law.

Best Non-Russell Group Universities For Economics

Here we provide the best universities that provide economics programs that are not part of Russell Group. 

Best Non-Russell Group Universities For Psychology

Non-Russell Group Universities for Computer Science

Are you Looking for the best institutions to study in the UK, that are part of non-Russell group universities? Let's look 10 best non-Russell group universities that provide computer science courses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if a university is not in the Russell group that doesn’t mean that it is not a good university. This blog has discussed not 1 or 2 but 10 of such universities that are not part of the Russell group and yet they are considered one of the best universities for students to study. Many of these universities have been awarded various titles over the years. You can choose the universities in case you are looking to transfer to a university for your further studies.

Even after not being on the list they have been known throughout the world because of their exceptional courses and pattern of study. This blog has mentioned 10 of such universities, for your better understanding and for your ease among these which is best for which course is also mentioned in this blog.