Studying in Nottingham

Universities in Nottingham
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Updated by Anne-Lise Mty on 29 November, 2023

Nottingham is a vibrant city full of activities, from nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants to art galleries and museums, all easily accessible with an efficient public transport network. If you're keen to explore new cultures while learning, Nottingham is, without a doubt, the right place for you. 

The best universities in Nottingham

If you want to study in Nottingham, there are two world-class universities: the University of Nottingham, which is in the top 100 in the world, and Nottingham Trent University, which has a high reputation in law studies, journalism, and education. The cost of living in Nottingham is 18% cheaper than being in London.

The University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham first opened in Nottingham's city centre in 1881. After the First World War, Sir Jesse Boot, a generous donor, offered 14 hectares of land on Highfields for its relocation. The university then developed and expanded rapidly. Many notable personalities such as Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, and H.G. Wells have participated in conferences there and given speeches, inspiring a new generation of scholars. In 1948, the university received a Royal Charter to become the University of Nottingham. Since 1970, many other development projects have followed the inauguration of the Medical School, and several campuses were created over the years.

The University of Nottingham is in the top 100 QS Top Universities rankings. It includes schools and departments in five faculties: Arts, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science, and Social Sciences. To enroll at the University of Nottingham, you must show your latest diplomas and result slips, as well as the results of an English test. In some cases, you may also need a reference letter from your university to enter a Master's degree at the University of Nottingham.

Good to know:

The University of Nottingham has a research portfolio of £650m, which includes £100m for PhD training and research equipment.

Useful link:

University of Nottingham

Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University started as the Nottingham Government School of Design in 1843. After it merged with the Regional College in 1970, it was renamed Trent Polytechnic. In 1992, following a law that promoted polytechnic programmes and other higher education institutions, it became Nottingham Trent University. In 2009, Nottingham Trent University was awarded the title of the "greenest university in the UK" by The People and Planet Green League, which is the only independent ranking for British universities' environmental and ethical performance. Since then, the university has been using only renewable energy to keep its environmental impact to a minimum. All of the university's electricity across its three campuses comes from a green energy provider, and campuses generate their own energy on-site.

Nottingham Trent University is divided into different colleges: College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, College of Art and Design and Built Environment, and College of Arts and Science. To enroll, you must produce your diplomas, the latest results slip, and results obtained from an English language test.

Good to know:

As part of its sustainability plans, Nottingham Trent University has pledged to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions across all three carbon scopes by 2040 to create a Zero Carbon culture across the community.

Useful links:

Nottingham Trent University

Fees, scholarships, and aids in Nottingham

International students can expect fees between £20,500 and £27,200 at the University of Nottingham, depending on the course they wish to take.

Undergraduate tuition fees at Nottingham Trent University range between £16,500 and £17,200 for international students. For postgraduate students, the fees are averaged at £17,000.

For both of the above universities, you can apply for a scholarship or a student loan.

International students and EU students after Brexit

Since September 2021, students who have been granted settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are eligible for home fee status, as well as tuition fee and maintenance support if they have been UK residents for at least the past three years.

To apply for a scholarship, you must prepare your scholarship application well in advance and collect the required documents, which may include certified translations and notarised copies of the original documents.

Important:

To learn more about your rights in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, read Expat.com's article on Settlement in the UK.

Useful links:

University of Nottingham financial support

EU Settlement Scheme

Nottingham Trent University scholarships

For more information on student loans and scholarships in the United Kingdom, look at the British Council website.

Entry requirements in Nottingham universities

Entry requirements vary from one course to another. Ensure that you check related formalities and deadlines on the relevant university's website beforehand, and start preparing your application at least three months before the submission deadline. If you wish to enroll in an undergraduate program, regardless of your country of origin (home student or international/EU student), you must apply via UCAS. Postgraduate students can find the required information on their respective university websites. Also, check whether you need a TOEFL or IELTS test for admission to the university of your choice. In most cases, the answer is yes. However, for example, if you have an undergraduate degree from a British higher education institution, you might be exempt from the English language requirement in your Master's application.

Tip:

Don't wait to take the English language exam at the last minute. If you don't meet the required score on your first attempt, giving yourself extra time to retake the exam is wise.

After submitting your application, the university will send you an offer letter of acceptance or notification of rejection between April and May for the academic year starting in September. The letter is usually sent by post as well as electronically. If your application for admission has been accepted, you must confirm your enrollment by June.

Useful link:

UCAS website

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.