UK Universities Directory & Guide 2011

A guide to university education in the United Kingdom

Welcome to the UK Universities Directory & Guide. Here you will find information to help you choose a degree, a university, or perhaps an alternative to university study. Opportunities have increased hugely in recent years as the British university sector has expanded, giving today's students a wide variety of choice.

More than 680,000 people applied for places at United Kingdom universities in 2010, including those seeking postgraduate studies and part-time degree courses. Unfortunately, fierce competition for places meant that more than 200,000 applicants were disappointed, despite an overall increase in availability. Overseas students accounted for more than 57,000 of the places awarded. Significant numbers of applications are received from older age groups, with more than 100,000 over 21s being accepted on university courses this year. Numbers of acceptances into UK universities increased by 44% between 1999 and 2009.

By July 2011, more than 566,000 UK-based applications had been received for entry to university this year. Many students who might otherwise have opted to defer their course for a year will not now do so, to avoid paying the higher tuition fees chargeable for 2012 entrants.

Choosing a degree course

The degree you choose could change your life. There are many issues to consider before making your decision.

Choosing a university

Never, if you can avoid it, accept the offer of a university place without first visiting the campus.

University listings

A list of the UK's top universities with contact details.

Student finance

University applicants are classified as either 'home' or 'overseas' students depending on their nationality, residential status and other relevant criteria. Your status determines the level of fees you will pay.

Studying outside the UK

It is not just linguists who have the opportunity to study abroad as part of their British degree course.

Gap years

A number of students decide to take a year out between school and university so that they can get in some work experience, earn some money, get some vocational qualifications ...

Alternatives to university

There are various alternatives if you would prefer to try something different from a degree course.

As tuition fees rise for English universities, we would welcome your views on the best way to finance higher education establishments and how much you would be prepared to pay.