Best Universities for Value for Money 2023

The University of St Andrews has featured in the top 3 of our Value for Money category for 3 years running now! Students have continually been impressed with the standard of teaching, facilities and career prospects at this prestigious university. Studying at St Andrews comes with traditions such as the May Dip, proving that the university values student enjoyment alongside academic excellence.

The coastal University of Aberdeen featured in our Value for Money category last year, showing how consistently its students feel they are receiving a high quality education. The university is one of the oldest universities in the UK, with parts of the Old Aberdeen campus buildings dating back to the 15th century.

Ulster University has a national reputation for excellence and is spread over multiple campuses in Northern Ireland. There are over 27,000 students across these campuses. Students at Ulster receive top support in their transition from university to graduation, whether that is through industry-standard content in teaching or one-to-one expert advice from the employability team.

With over 400 courses available at undergraduate and postgraduate level, the University of Liverpool offers a degree subject for everyone. Each course is strongly influenced by research and current industry practices. Also, the university has recently invested £800 million into its teaching, research and residential estates, reflecting its high quality educational delivery.

The University of Glasgow is a member of the Russell Group, a group of universities which has a strong focus on research. The university has a strong history in the city, being established in 1451. Students at Glasgow are able to make the most of different teaching methods throughout their degree, including field trips, practical sessions and group tutorials.

Studying at The University of Sheffield means joining academics and alumni from a leading research institution. Students at Sheffield are challenged in their degree as they are pushed to work and think independently. The university has a plethora of resources including high-demand textbooks and digital journals across 4 learning and study facilities.

University College London has more than 400 degree programmes for over 42,000 students from all over the world. This global study environment has produced alumni Nobel Prize winners in every decade since 1901. The university has 16 specialist libraries across campus, as well as a new Student Centre with 1000+ study spaces.

As one of the top sporting universities in the country, Loughborough University's campus sprawls over 500 acres. Over 18,000 students enjoy the campus study lifestyle, which is known for its community feel. Every course at Loughborough offers students the chance to take a placement year, ensuring students are prepared for employment after graduation.

Bangor University is found in the picturesque county of Gwynedd in North West Wales. There are over 10,500 students enrolled at this research-driven institution. There are a variety of courses available to choose from, as well as opportunities for degree apprenticeships to gain real life experience to compliment what students learn in the lecture theatre.

The 135-acre green campus of Royal Holloway, University of London is located just 40 minutes away from London by train. Every student at RHUL has access to an employability programme called CVstac, which is embedded into every course. Students at RHUL learn through a modern curriculum enriched by research and informed by industry.

Established in the capital of Northern Ireland, Queen's University Belfast offers over 200 degree options, all including the latest technology and industry influences to produce confident graduates. Students have shared in reviews how much value they found from course content in helping them to feel prepared for work in industry.

Located in Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde is at the centre of an affordable and friendly city. Recently the university have invested £60 million into a new Learning & Teaching Building, a collective space for learning and teaching on campus. Strathclyde is home to students from over 100 countries, all whom leave well equipped for employment or further study.

Students at Portsmouth have access to top quality learning and academic support throughout their degree. This includes workshops on academic writing, critical thinking and referencing. The University of Portsmouth also offers dual degrees, which allows students to gain two bachelors or masters degrees in less time than studying them separately.

Situated in a historic northern city, Durham University is a compact and focused study community. The institution places an emphasis on student potential, with academic staff ensuring students make progress throughout their degree. There are 17 colleges at Durham, which gives all students the opportunity to take part in activities and make strong friendships.

Based on a green campus about a 30-minute walk from the city centre, the University of Birmingham is a hub of student excellence. Recently the university hosted the 2022 Commonwealth Games at it's fantastic sporting facilities. There are over 350 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate courses at Birmingham. Students have shared in reviews how they felt a sense of belonging whilst studying there.

Students at Liverpool John Moores University can be assured that staff are rooting for them to succeed and make the most of their degree. Positioned in Liverpool city centre, this university is immersed in busy urban life, creating an inspiring and motivating learning environment. Many courses also have the option to include a placement year as part of the degree.

Nottingham Trent University is divided into five campuses: City Campus, Clifton Campus, Brackenhurst Campus, Confetti Nottingham and Confetti London. NTU actively prepares its students for the working world by ensuring that every undergraduate degree includes work experience, placements or volunteering opportunities. This makes graduates uniquely qualified for success and 91% of graduates are in work or further study six months after leaving university (HESA).

The University of Dundee is located 2 minutes away from the city centre, meaning that students are always close to local events and entertainment. This Scottish university is perfect for those looking to save money at university, as Dundee is renowned for its low living costs and rent prices. Also, the university library has long opening hours, ensuring students can access academic resources at a time of day that suits them.

Sheffield is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students. This makes being a student at Sheffield Hallam University accessible for many and reduces a lot of the financial stress at uni. In 2024, the university will be opening up 3 new buildings, offering world-class teaching facilities, designed with sustainability in mind. Also, SHU has excelled as one of the leading trainers of healthcare staff for the NHS in the UK.

The University of Warwick is a leading research institution and a member of the Russell Group. This research influences the teaching at Warwick, meaning students are up-to-date with current findings and knowledge. Outside of lectures, students have the option to join one of the 300 student-run societies to enhance their social life. On campus, the University of Warwick also offers more than 8,000 part-time jobs to students.