90 years excellence at Reading
At the University of Reading
Practical lab session
Study pod in the University of Reading library
New University library
Film, Theatre and Television students
University of Reading library
University of Reading rowing club
University of Reading students
University of Reading Whiteknights campus
The University of Reading was established in 1892 as an extension college of Oxford University and granted its Royal Charter in 1926. It has positioned itself as a globally connected institution with a reputation for high quality research and teaching. Reading placed 28th among UK universities and 229 overall in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and achieved top 50 status in 7 of the 17 categories in the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Rankings 2022.
The university has around 5,000 international students. A strong sense of community is fostered through clubs and societies, an impressive selection of sports and leisure facilities, and an extensive range of support services that begin with pre-arrival and welcome events and extend throughout the time spent studying.
Students can choose from approximately 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and 98 percent of the research conducted at the institution has been internationally recognised (REF 2021). The university strives to be at the cutting-edge of advances in teaching and learning, encouraging a collaborative and innovative environment. To help with funding and in recognition of academic achievement, Reading offers a comprehensive scholarships programme for students at all levels.
Investments totalling over GBP 500 million have been dedicated to the university’s campus over recent years, focusing on facilities across the site - from research and teaching space to accommodation and recreation. The complete refurbishment of the library and opening of a new Health and Life Sciences building are among the major developments that have been completed. The latest project is a global creative media and film hub, reflecting the university’s collaboration with external partners.
The University of Reading is committed to attracting the brightest minds, providing an environment that pushes back the boundaries of knowledge and in which everyone is given the opportunity to flourish.
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2021 301 100
2020 201
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2021 205
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The university offers a series of pre-departure webinars to guide students step-by-step on information before arriving in the UK. There are also opportunities for 1-2-1 meetings with regional managers at the international office to ask any questions about studying at the university.
Arriving students benefit from university-organised social events and tours of Reading and receive maps of the city, a guide to opening a bank account and details of students’ union events.
Reading has trained immigration advisers on campus to provide specialist advice on visas, including working during or after studies.
Students receive dedicated support from a student adviser and the SU’s international students' officer. The Students’ Union Advice Services can help with personal, social, academic, financial and welfare matters.
University of Reading students can gain invaluable work experience through secure placements and internships while studying. Placement opportunities range from a few weeks to a full year.
The Careers Service offers free support during the course of a student’s degree and for up to 18 months after graduation. An annual survey done in 2020 showed that 98 per cent of users would recommend the service.
All students are encouraged to complete The Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award, the official University of Reading Employability Skills Certificate, which was created to help make the most of the extra-curricular activities and experiences on offer outside of the academic programme.
Hundreds of careers and networking events are organised throughout the year, many of which are attended by employers from the university’s extensive network, including the annual Careers and Placements fair.
Reading alumni form a global community of more than 280,000 people and contribute by mentoring students and providing work placements long after they graduate.
The University of Reading continues to increase the scholarship opportunities provided to students, though a combination of funding offered directly or partnership with external sponsors. There are scholarships on offer to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Climate change is the defining crisis of this generation. The University of Reading is a world leader in climate studies and is committed to tackling the challenges society faces through world-leading research and practical action. The university has created a Partnering for The Planet campaign and the iconic climate stripes. In November 2021, the work the university has championed on tackling the impact of climate change was recognised through the award of its 5th Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour for a UK institution in higher and further education.
£19,075 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
£19,075 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
£4,520 Living costs
£5,600 To live on campus
The university has a wide range of scholarships on offer to international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The opportunities for funding may be country or course specific but there is some element of financial aid available to all international students. The following is a selection of scholarships and bursaries on offer:
The university and the UK government global scholarship programme, Chevening, have collaborated for 20 years to provide students with master’s degree funding. With almost 500 Chevening scholars welcomed to Reading so far, this award covers the full cost of tuition and provides a grant to cover living expenses.
Most university scholarships are partial awards that pay a contribution towards the cost of tuition (for example £4,000 per year). There can be multiple scholarships on offer, and it is possible to be selected for more than one scholarship.
There are also International Research Studentships available, which are scholarships aimed at highly qualified PhD applicants across the science, life sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities disciplines.
There are also more than 100 scholarships available annually from the internationally renowned Henley Business School. These awards offer partial or full coverage of tuition costs.
The university encourages applications from students with qualifications such as A-Levels, International Baccalaureates, and a number of international secondary level certificates.
International students looking to undertake a degree programme and needing some preliminary studies can register for the University of Reading International Foundation Programme (IFP) or a Pre-sessional English course. With over 30 years of experience, the IFP gives students the highest quality preparation for undergraduate studies.
Students interested in studying a degree in art, business and economics, film, theatre & television, or typography and graphic communication can choose from a range of ONCAMPUS Reading Undergraduate Foundation Programmes, allowing progression onto their degree of choice at the University of Reading.
For entry to postgraduate programmes, prospective master’s students are normally required to have a good undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree, or equivalent. Doctoral programme (PhD) applications usually require a master’s degree and students will need to submit a research proposal, unless applying for a specific research project.
Evidence of English language proficiency may be necessary for students who do not speak English as a first language. The IELTS test is the most commonly accepted test at the university, however a number of other qualifications are also recognised. Requirements for admission, based on IELTS scores, are usually between 6.5, although some linguistically demanding courses will require a higher score. Year-round pre-sessional English courses (PSE) provided through university’s International Study and Language Institute are an excellent way for students to improve their English, with courses ranging from a few weeks to a whole year, depending on need.
The university organises its research into the themes of agriculture, food and health; environment; heritage and creativity; and prosperity and resilience. Reading’s research themes are designed to overlap and allow for open-ended collaboration, driving impactful research based on curiosity and innovation. The university has 35 research divisions within these themes. The university expects much of its research to also inform its teaching, and in this way all students benefit from breakthroughs and fresh thinking.
Academic expertise is focused within a collection of schools, most of which will have several departments. The schools at the University of Reading are:
The university is dedicated to staying at the forefront of teaching and learning developments. It strives to inspire innovative and creative approaches to teaching and learning by working in partnership with staff and with the student community. Significant investment has been made in the development and strengthening of teaching and the student experience with a view to providing an ideal learning environment.
A number of subjects at Reading are ranked top 10 in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2023: land and property management, speech and language therapy, town and country planning and landscape design, agriculture and forestry, archaeology, building and food science.
The Centre for Quality Support and Development supports the good practice in teaching and learning across the university, including technology enhanced learning and the professional development of all staff involved in teaching and learning.
Reading, Wokingham, UK
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