Top Colleges in England 2023

There is more to see than red buses and fish chips when it comes to exploring the land of royal families and castles. Revered for its rich culture, England is famous for its excellence in education that makes it the preferable choice for students looking for options to study abroad. The colleges in England have more to them when it comes to the all-round development of a student. 

What are the Best Colleges in England?

England welcomes nearly 2 lakh students every year – a world-class teaching and great place to live, making you ready for the global workplace, the country for obvious reasons is known for having the best education system in the world. The land of Big Ben, the Queen and Stonehenge, England is a country in the United Kingdom sharing land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west. Not just this, the place is filled with cultural diversity and historical roots along with dozens of universities offering remarkable opportunities for their students. But, which are the prominent institutions offering the best career opportunities and city life? Here are the top 10 colleges in England worth considering as per QS Rankings 2023.

Name of the College	QS WUR Rankings 2023
University of Oxford	#4
University of Cambridge	#2
University College London	#8
Imperial College London	#6
The University of Manchester	#28
King’s College London	#37
The London School of Economics and Political Science	#56
The University of Warwick	#173
Durham University	#92

University of Oxford

Why is Oxford University so famous? Popularly recognised as the oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Oxford has alumni like Stephan Hawking, Tim Berners-Lee, Bill Clinton, Oscar Wilde, Kate Beckinsale, Manmohan Singh, C S Lewis, to name a few. International students make up almost 43% of the total student body at Oxford. The university, including colleges in England and Oxford University Press, is the largest employer in Oxfordshire. It is among the top 10 universities globally offering courses in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences and Art and Humanities. In a youthful and cosmopolitan city like Oxford, there are historic and iconic buildings like Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Libraries, etc. and students can also participate in extracurricular activities. However, the university’s particular strength lies in Sciences and Medicine.

University of Cambridge

Cambridge can help you find a way to a better tomorrow, but do you have the time? The University of Cambridge aims to contribute to the world through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the leading global levels of excellence. One of the oldest colleges in England established in 1209, has notable graduates like Isaac Newton, Tom Hiddleston, Charles Darwin, John Oliver, Hugh Laurie, Jane Goodall and Prince Charles. The university is home to nearly 100 libraries with more than 15 million books, a botanical garden, and art, scientific and cultural museums. Also, the Cambridge University Press has more than 50 offices worldwide producing up to 45,000 titles. Besides, international students can enjoy chill coffee shops like Indigo Café and fun restaurants like The Bakers Arms around the campus.

University College London

UK’s global university, University College London is a unique and special place to study. When looking for the ranked colleges in England, UCL is a leading multidisciplinary university with more than 42,000 students from nearly 150 different countries. It offers several programmes in Arts and Humanities, Brain Sciences Engineering, Life Sciences, Built Environment, Medical Sciences, Mathematics, Education, etc. Imagine going to the very school where Mahatma Gandhi, Alexander Graham Bell, Chris Martin, Christopher Nola and Ricky Gervais once studied. UCL has a diverse community of students and faculties creating a suitable environment to think differently through a progressive approach to teaching and research. 

Imperial College London

With tons of opportunities for the UK and international students, Imperial College London aims to impart excellence in the fields of Engineering, Science, Medicine and Business. Who wouldn’t want to join a place where Marc Garneau, Alexander Fleming, HG Wells and Rajiv Gandhi once walked the halls. It is one of the public research colleges in England that exposes students to the wider world through the biggest scientific breakthroughs. Moreover, students get to witness movie stars and celebs on the red carpet outside the Albert Hall. Talking about Imperial education, learning from leading experts and becoming a part of a global community, students are expected to explore the latest trends in their subject area.

The University of Manchester

If you are aspiring to study in UK in one of the leading institutions of the country, then The University of Manchester offers dynamic courses in Life Sciences, Medical and Human Sciences, Humanities and Engineering and Physical Sciences. When it comes to academics, the university hasn’t missed the mark besides providing a lower cost of living in comparison to other colleges in England. With the reputation of having the largest alumni network of any campus-based university in the UK, Manchester bears a fair share of giving the world legendary actors and personalities like Benedict Cumberbatch, Brian Cox, Jack Whitehall, Dan Howell, Parineeti Chopra and many others. The place is packed with year-round festivals, coffee shops, museums, cheap river taxis and luscious garden. Manchester is calling you to make a difference with the world’s leading educational infrastructure. 

King’s College London

The college is not just a place for quality education but the abode for innovators, trainers and leaders. King’s College London has immensely helped people across the globe to make a cultural and socio-economic change. Pioneering in research in Business, Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, Social Science and Public Policy, Law, etc, the college boasts one of the finest teaching faculties. King’s has a community of nearly 30,000 students from more than 150 countries worldwide and shares teaching resources with British Library, National Gallery, Southbank Centre, Shakespeare’s Globe, etc. to enhance students’ experience. Ranked among the top colleges in England, the college has some notable alumni like Sarojini Naidu, Virginia Woolf, Anthony Hopkins, Thomas Hardy and Arthur C Clarke.

The London School of Economics and Political Science

Want to enrol in one of the most foremost Social Science colleges in England and the world? LSE has 70%, the highest proportion of international students. Besides offering courses in Law, Economics, History, Politics and Sociology and Anthropology, the London School of Economics and Political Science expose students to an exciting, vibrant and colourful cityscape. Its compact campus is full of facilities and services to ensure that you make the most out of your time. The school has a truly international approach to intellectual discovery and academic life which cannot be matched elsewhere in the world. Leading figures from all walks of life including Nancy Pelosi, Christine Lagarde, Bill Gates, Amartya Sen, Helen Clark and George Soros have spoken here.

University of Bristol

Adding on to your bucket list for overseas education, University of Bristol offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in Arts, Law, Engineering, Science, Life Sciences, Science and Health Sciences. With one of the highest admission qualifications amongst several colleges in England, the university is committed to making a positive impact through inspiring social, political and cultural change. Bristol is a vibrant community with a relaxed vibe, a blooming eco-culture, infinite historic charm and a dynamic centre for creativity. Right from innovations in areas ranging from Nanotechnology to cot death prevention, the place is at the cutting edge of global research. The University of Bristol has a remarkable list of alumni that includes Paul Dirac, Simon Pegg, Sarah Kane, Will Hutton, Mike Bennett, Derren Brown and James Blunt.

The University of Warwick

According to The Guardian 2021 league table, The University of Warwick is ranked 8th in the UK. If you choose to study at Warwick, you choose to join the family of world-leading colleges in England that will lead to strong academic expertise through teaching and research excellence. Warwick offers academic programs in Arts, Social Science, Science and Medicine. Having one of the largest student unions in the UK, the university has different student societies for a wide range of interests. Different events like music concerts as well as visits from guest speakers are held, making the university the best place in terms of recreation. 

Durham University

Ranked consistently as one of the world’s leading colleges in England, Durham University can offer a pathway to a successful career in various fields. The university is popular for courses like Theology, divinity and religious studies, Archaeology, and Geography. Catering to students from all over the world, the university is a brand name for hosting a great number of international students. With multi-million pound infrastructure, the university is reputed for its exhaustive courses and higher employability. Being the third oldest university after Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, it has a vast alumni network which involves some renowned personalities like Chris Hollins, Andrew Strauss, Anne Brontë. 

A number of scholarships and options for financial aid are offered to help international students be a part of the leading universities in the UK. To know more about the scholarships, read our detailed blog on scholarships for Indian students to study in UK. 

Documents Required

UG Courses

Following is the list of documents required for UG courses to study in UK:

• Application form
• Academic Transcripts for 10th and 12th class
• English language test scores – IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, C1 Advanced, PTE Academic or Duolingo 
• Medium of Instruction Certificate (This certificate is accepted in rare cases instead of English scores)
• Other entrance exams scores like LNAT Exam (for law), Mathematics Admissions Test or MAT (for bachelors in sciences & engineering), BioMedical Admissions Test  or BMAT (for medical, biomedical, and dentistry program) and SAT etc
• Birth certificate 
• Passport
• Reference letters, if required 
• Copies of degree/diploma certificates, if applicable
• Statement of Purpose
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume

PG Courses

Following is the list of documents required for PG courses to study in UK:

• Application form
• Academic Transcripts for 10th, 12th class, and bachelor’s degree
• English language test scores – IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, C1 Advanced, PTE Academic or Duolingo 
• Medium of Instruction Certificate (This certificate is accepted in rare cases instead of English scores)
• Other entrance exam scores like Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT Exam), GRE, GMAT, 
• Birth certificate 
• Passport
• Reference letters, if required 
• Copies of degree/diploma certificates, if applicable
• Statement of Purpose
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
• Research proposal/ Any Portfolio (for specific courses)

UK Admission Process

International students applying to UK universities must follow a well-researched guide before starting their application process:

Step-1: Shortlist Courses and Universities

The primary step in the application process is to shortlist courses and universities according to your academic profile and preference. Students can shortlist courses and universities through AI-Course Finder and generate a list of universities where they are most likely to get through and plan their application process.

Step-2: Know Your Deadlines

The next step is to know the exact deadlines of universities and colleges in the UK you are planning to apply to. International students have to take the application process well in advance (one year to 6 months before the actual deadline). This ensures that students can fulfill all the college requirements such as SOP, letters of recommendation, English proficiency tests, funding/scholarship options, and accommodation.

Step-3: Take Entrance Tests

The third step in the application process for UK universities requires students to take tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or GRE/GMAT/LNAT/BMAT/MAT (in some courses). In some universities, students can be given submit scores for SAT or ACT exams. A new addition to English proficiency tests is the Duolingo Test which allows students to appear for the exam from the comfort of their homes and is accepted across the world.

Step-4:  Compile Your Documents

The next step is to compile all the required documents and test scores for the application process. This means students should start writing their SOPs, getting letters of recommendation from teachers and supervisors, and arranging their financial statements along with other documents like tests scorecards.

Step-5: Get Started with Your Application

Once you have all the documents in place, students can start the application process either directly or through UCAS. Students applying to UK universities that accept direct applications can start by applying through the official university website. They have to select the courses, pay the application fees and start the online application process. 

FAQ

Can one work part-time while studying in UK?

As an Indian student, you can work part-time while pursuing a degree in the UK. While you study in UK, you can work up to 20 hours a week during the duration of your semester or term and work full time during the duration of your university break. 

Which is the best course in UK?

The universities in the UK are known for providing quality education through their diverse curriculum, modern infrastructure, and academically brilliant faculty. The most popular courses to study in UK are:
1. Natural Sciences
2. Medicine
3. Business
4. Law
5. Engineering and Technology
6. Arts
7. Media and Communication

Is it possible to study in UK without IELTS?

Yes, it is possible for you to study in UK without IELTS! The alternatives to IELTS might include online interviews held by the university or a major in English and high school certification. These might not be applicable to all universities but certain universities do offer this provision. Some of the universities that provide this route include the University of East Anglia, University of Bristol, London Southbank University, and Brunel University.

If you want to be a part of the rich culture and dynamic UK educational system, then England is the place. Getting admission in the colleges in England can be a challenging task, but not when Leverage Edu has your back. Let industry’s leading career experts take care of your application process while you pack up for your journey to England. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.