Overview

The University of Reading is a research-intensive campus university in south-east England, close to both London and Heathrow airport. With more than 150 years of history, it's now recognised for its expertise in areas such as climate science, business, agriculture, and food science. It also has a global presence, with two overseas campuses and dozens of international partnerships. It's the university's ambition to become net zero carbon by 2030.

　　The University of Reading was recently placed 26th among UK universities and 169 overall in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and achieved top 50 status in 7 of the 17 categories in the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Rankings 2022.

　　The university has around 5,000 international students. A strong sense of community is fostered through clubs and societies, an impressive selection of sports and leisure facilities, and an extensive range of support services that begin with pre-arrival and welcome events and extend throughout the time spent studying.

　　Students can choose from approximately 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and 98 percent of the research conducted at the institution has been internationally recognised (REF 2021). The university strives to be at the cutting-edge of advances in teaching and learning, encouraging a collaborative and innovative environment. To help with funding and in recognition of academic achievement, Reading offers a comprehensive scholarships programme for students at all levels.

　　Investments totalling over GBP 500 million have been dedicated to the university's campus over recent years, focusing on facilities across the site -from research and teaching space to accommodation and recreation. The latest project is a global creative media and film studio, reflecting the university's collaboration with external partners.

　　The University of Reading is committed to attracting the brightest minds, providing an environment that pushes back the boundaries of knowledge and in which everyone is given the opportunity to flourish.

　　

What's new

Reading rises to 169 in QS World University Rankings 2024

The University of Reading has been placed among the world's top 200 universities, having ranked 169th in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

　　Growing reputation among businesses and employers, and an increase in average research citations are among the trends that have propelled the University of Reading up the global league table.

　　The big increase means Reading has moved 60 places higher in the rankings, which have been revamped for 2024, and puts the university as the 26th highest-ranked UK university.

　　

Ranked ‘First Class' for environmental and ethical performance

As part of Reading's ambition to be known as the greenest university in the world, it is leading the way in cutting its carbon footprint – continually setting ambitious carbon-reduction targets, investing in sustainable technologies, and introducing new initiatives to lower the university's environmental impact.

　　More than a third of all energy used on campus is low carbon, with 100% of all electricity coming from renewable sources. This year, a major investment on campus will improve solar generation, make heating buildings more efficient, and add energy-efficient equipment in labs and catering outlets. Students can find out more on the Partnering for the planet website.

　　The University of Reading is proud to be a world leader in climate science. Students can discover the latest science and the university's work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), find out what positive actions they can take, and help transform how young people learn about climate change through better climate education in schools and colleges.

　　*Ranked 'First Class' for environmental and ethical performance in the latest People & Planet University League (2022)

　　

Department structure

The university organises its research into the themes of agriculture, food and health environment heritage and creativity and prosperity and resilience. Reading's research themes are designed to overlap and allow for open-ended collaboration, driving impactful research based on curiosity and innovation. The university has 35 research divisions within these themes. The university expects much of its research to also inform its teaching, and in this way all students benefit from breakthroughs and fresh thinking.

　　Academic expertise is focused within a collection of schools, most of which will have several departments. The schools at the University of Reading are:

　　Agriculture, Policy and Development Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science Arts and Communication Design Biological Science Built Environment Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy Graduate School (for doctoral research) Henley Business School Humanities Institute of Education International Study and Language Institute (Exchanges, Foundation level studies and pre-sessional English) Law Literature and Languages Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences Politics, Economics and International Relations Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences

　　

Teaching quality

The University of Reading is dedicated to staying at the forefront of teaching and learning developments. It strives to inspire innovative and creative approaches to teaching and learning by working in partnership with staff and with the student community.

　　A number of subjects are ranked in the top 10 in the UK The Complete University Guide 2024:

　　1st in UK for Land and Property Management 3rd in UK for Building (Construction Management & Quantity Surveying) 9th in UK for Speech and Language Therapy 10th Geology 10th Agriculture & ForestryThe majority of courses at Reading have a modular structure, so students can specialise in the areas that interest them most while developing core subject knowledge. All undergraduate courses offer a placement opportunity, either as a mandatory or optional part of the course.

　　

Entry requirements

Undergraduate entry requirements

The university encourages applications from students with qualifications such as A-Levels, International Baccalaureates, and a number of international secondary level certificates.

　　International students looking to undertake a degree programme and needing some preliminary studies can register for the University of Reading International Foundation Programme (IFP) or a Pre-sessional English course. With over 30 years of experience, the IFP gives students the highest quality preparation for undergraduate studies.

　　There is also an option to join an integrated four-year degree programmes with foundation year, which combines a foundation year (Year 0) with a chosen three-year undergraduate degree. This enables students to apply for a single four-year visa that covers the whole duration of their studies.

　　

Postgraduate entry requirements

For entry to postgraduate programmes, prospective master's students are normally required to have a good undergraduate (bachelor's) degree, or equivalent. Doctoral programme (PhD) applications usually require a master's degree and students will need to submit a research proposal, unless applying for a specific research project.

　　

English language requirements

Evidence of English language proficiency may be necessary for students who do not speak English as a first language. The IELTS test is the most commonly accepted test at the university, however a number of other qualifications are also recognised. Requirements for admission, based on IELTS scores, are usually between 6.5, although some linguistically demanding courses will require a higher score. Year-round pre-sessional English courses (PSE) provided through university's International Study and Language Institute are an excellent way for students to improve their English, with courses ranging from a few weeks to a whole year, depending on need.

　　

Scholarships and funding

The University of Reading has a wide range of scholarships on offer to international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The opportunities for funding may be country or course specific but there is some element of financial aid available to all international students. The following is a selection of scholarships and bursaries on offer:

　　Chevening Scholarships Subject-specific and Centenary Scholarships British Council – University of Reading GREAT Scholarships Felix Scholarships International Research Studentships Henley Business School Scholarships Rotary Graduate Scholarship – Environmental Programme Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award IFP Scholarships and DiscountsThe University of Reading and the UK government global scholarship programme, Chevening, have collaborated for 20 years to provide students with master's degree funding. With almost 500 Chevening scholars welcomed to Reading so far, this award covers the full cost of tuition and provides a grant to cover living expenses.

　　Most university scholarships are partial awards that pay a contribution towards the cost of tuition (for example £4,000 per year). There can be multiple scholarships on offer, and it is possible to be selected for more than one scholarship.

　　There are also International Research Studentships available, which are scholarships aimed at highly qualified PhD applicants across the science, life sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities disciplines.

　　There are also more than 100 scholarships available annually from the internationally renowned Henley Business School. These awards offer partial or full coverage of tuition costs.

　　More information can be found on the international scholarships webpages.

　　

Student support & career counselling

Pre-arrival and welcome

The university provides pre-departure webinars to provide students with step-by-step guidance before arriving in the UK. It also offers 1-2-1 virtual meetings with regional managers within the international office so students can ask any questions they have.

　　For new students arriving in the autumn, Reading hosts a ''Welcome Week'' which offers university-organised social events, academic welcome sessions and tours of Reading. Students can also expect to receive maps of the town, guidance on opening a bank account and details of students' union events, societies and lots more.

　　

Supporting students

The university has a dedicated team of trained immigration advisers on campus to provide specialist advice on visas, including working during or after studies and students can also access dedicated support from a student adviser. The students' union advice services can also help with personal, social, academic, financial and welfare matters.

　　Reading's award winning careers service, voted 4th best in the UK by Student Crowd 2022, is dedicated to supporting students' career planning and development. Its services, opportunities and events are available for students and alumni up to 24 months after graduation so that students can benefit from:

　　One-to-one support and advice sessions with an experienced careers consultant Workshops and events to help students connect with employers and leading recruiters Help with applying for jobs or graduate roles, including help producing CVs and preparing for interviewsThe Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award, the official University of Reading employability skills certificate, was created to help make the most of the extra-curricular activities and experiences on offer outside of the academic programme.

　　University of Reading students can also gain invaluable work experience through securing placements and internships while studying. Placement opportunities range from a few weeks to a full year.