What are the Russell Group universities?

What is the Russell Group?

The Russell Group is a collection of 24 universities and, to many, is regarded as the most prestigious university group in the UK. The Russell Group universities are known for their pioneering research, receiving around 70% of all university research grants from government and charity organisations. These universities are considered some of the most competitive in the country, all wanting the best students to attend their uni.

The history of the Russell Group

It was originally established in 1994, named after Russell Hotel in Russell Square, London where the group first formed. It started with 17 members to create a collection of public research universities to represent the wants and needs of its members to both the government and Parliament.

It was in 2007 that the university group became fully incorporated, with a few additions over the years to bring it up to the 24 universities we know today.

List of Russell Group universities

The youngest Russell Group universities are only around 50 years old, with the oldest being established for closer to a thousand years. There are multiple Russell Group universities in London, and spread across England, with a scattering across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland too.

• Cardiff University
• Imperial College London
• Kings College London
• London School of Economics and Political Science (UoL)
• Newcastle University
• Queen Mary, University of London
• Queen’s, University Belfast
• University College London
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Cambridge
• University of Durham
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter
• University of Glasgow
• University of Leeds
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• University of Oxford
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• University of Warwick
• University of York

How is the Russell Group different from other universities?

The Russell Group is made up of research-intensive universities to contribute to the cultural, and economic research in the UK. The rankings of the universities are consistently impressive, both in and outside the UK.

The main difference is this research intensity but this doesn't mean that universities outside of the Russell Group don't have great research facilities and opportunities for you. The Russell Group is known for leading research, innovation and strong funding.

Are Russell Group universities better than other universities?

Russell Group universities are famously known for being some of the best in the UK, with some of the most universities, such as Oxbridge and Imperial College London, all being a part of the group. The Russell Group is also well-funded to support the research that happens across their facilities.

When it comes to deciding your course and uni, it's what is best for you! If you're looking to go to a university known for its research opportunities and are potentially looking at a funded PhD, this might be the route for you.

Will going to a Russell Group uni get me a graduate job?

61% of successful job candidates and 60% of all doctorates in the UK come from Russell Group universities. In 2019, it was reported that Russell Group alumni earn, on average £13,500 more per-year than those from non-Russell Group universities. Going to a specific university won't guarantee you a job afterwards, though a Russell Group university will likely stand out on your applications.

The Russell Group of Universities also offers certain job schemes that may be helpful too. They are also known for their industry connections which you'll likely interact with at graduate fairs and other campus events.

What A-Levels do I need to attend a Russell Group university?

Russell Group universities tend to have higher university entry requirements due to their competitiveness and high rankings from other students. But, it will likely depend on the course and specific university.

This does not mean Russell Group universities don't enter Clearing. They have been known to have courses with spaces still available to apply to after the UCAS Deadline and Results Day.

Do Russell Group universities accept BTECs or T Levels?

Many Russell Group universities do accept BTECs or T Levels though some courses specifically require other qualifications. The entry requirements will likely change every year, but even so, students may have to have studied a specific subject at A-Level before the university will consider their application for that course.

What is the Russell Group's attitude towards AI?

AI (artificial intelligence) has become increasingly popular since 2022. Universities have had to find new ways to combat the use of generative AI software such as ChatCPT, where students have been creating essays, personal statements or even dissertations using external AI software.

The Russell Group of Universities have begun to take their own steps. The group doesn't allow students to use AI to create work or to complete tasks they've been set.

However, the group can see the benefits of how AI can enhance students learning. Lecturers are encouraged to incorporate AI into their structured learning and support their students to become AI-literate. However, they want to make sure that AI isn't being used by students as a means to write essays, complete assignments or write their dissertations.

What other university groups are there?

The Russell Group of Universities is not the only university group out there. Some of the universities in the Russell Group may also belong to other groups.

These groups include:

Group name	Members	Purpose
Red Brick	University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Leeds University of Liverpool University of Manchester University of Sheffield	Universities that have an industrial background. Named after the brickwork that was common at the time of construction.
University Alliance	Anglia Ruskin University Birmingham City University Coventry University Kingston University Leeds Beckett University Oxford Brookes University Teesside University University of Brighton University of Greenwich University of Hertfordshire University of South Wales University of the West of England (Bristol)	Regional or global universities that collaborate on research and education. Made up of technical and professional universities looking to drive innovation and growth in cities in the UK.
Million Plus	Abertay University Bath Spa University Canterbury Christ Church University Edinburgh Napier University Glasgow Caledonian University Leeds Trinity University London Metropolitan University London South Bank University Middlesex University Queen Margaret University Robert Gordon University Solent University Staffordshire University University of Bedfordshire University of Bolton University of Central Lancashire University of Cumbria University of East London University of Sunderland University of West London University of Wolverhampton University of the Highlands and Islands University of the West of Scotland	Modern, not-for-profit universities. Newer universities who look to support a university system that will contribute more to global business initiatives. The group is also considered to be an information and public policy think tank.
GuildHE	Abertay University Arts University Bournemouth Bath Spa University Bishop Grosseteste University Lincoln Buckinghamshire New University Falmouth University Harper Adams University Leeds College of Art Leeds Trinity University Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Newman University Norwich University of the Arts Plymouth College of Art Ravensbourne College of Deisgn and Communication Rose Bruford College Royal Agricultural University Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Solent University St. Mary’s University College Belfast St. Mary’s University Twickenham The Anglo-European College of Chiropractic University College Birmingham University College of Osteopathy University for the Creative Arts University of Chichester University of Law University of St. Mark & St. John University of Suffolk University of Winchester University of Worcester Writtle University College York St. John University	A group that collaborates to advocate for smaller specialist universities. The universities specialise in: Agriculture Art Design Drama Music Teacher training
Ancient Universities of Scotland	Aberdeen University University of Edinburgh University of Glasgow University of St. Andrews	A collection of four universities which were founded between 1413 and 1583.
N8 Research Partnership	Durham University Lancaster University Newcastle University University of Leeds University of Liverpool University of Manchester University of Sheffield University of York	A collaboration between eight research-intensive universities in the north of England. Encourages collaboration between universities and businesses to encourage economic growth in the UK.