What are Russell Group universities in the UK?

The Russell Group is a group made up of the United Kingdom's top 24 universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.  

The group's website * explains: 

'The Russell Group’s 24 members are world-class, research-intensive universities. They are unique institutions, each with their own history and ethos, but they share some distinguishing characteristics.

Our universities believe people and ideas are the key to meeting global challenges. Through world-class research and education they are helping to create a dynamic economy, stronger communities and a better future for the UK. They maintain the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with local and national business and the public sector.'

It's worth noting that the Russell Group is an informal grouping of most - but not all - of the UK's most influential and prestigious universities.  For example, the University of St Andrews * in Scotland is one of the most ancient and renowned in the UK, and is frequently placed high in university league-tables, but it is not a member of the Russell Group.

Generally speaking, entrance to Russell Group universities is highly competitive.  Check out entry requirements with the individual universities (listed below).  Discerning applicants will note that the Russell Group contains many exceptionally well-known universities, but also some (relatively) lesser-known institutions.  If you're considering study at a Russell Group university, do make time to find out about some of the less well-known amongst them.

Which universities in the UK are members of the Russell Group?

• University of Birmingham *

• University of Bristol *

• University of Cambridge *

• Cardiff University (Wales) *

• Durham University *

• University of Edinburgh (Scotland) *

• University of Exeter *

• University of Glasgow (Scotland) *

• Imperial College London *

• King's College London *

• University of Leeds *

• University of Liverpool *

• London School of Economics and Political Science [LSE] *

• University of Manchester *

• Newcastle University *

• University of Nottingham *

• University of Oxford *

• Queen Mary University of London *

• Queen's University, Belfast (Northern Ireland) *

• University of Sheffield *

• University of Southampton *

• University College London [UCL] *

• University of Warwick *

• University of York *

photos - 

(above) The Trent Building, University of Nottingham, England.

(below) University of Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.

both by James Harding