Russell Group

You’ve decided that you want to study at university or college. There are over 160 higher education providers in the UK and it can be difficult to decide which one you would like to study at. You may have heard about Russell Group universities and wonder what the term means and whether it’s even something that you should be considering.

What is a Russell Group university?

The Russell Group is made up of 24 of the UK's top leading universities. These universities are committed to maintaining the highest levels of academic excellence in both teaching and research and have unrivalled links with business and the public sector.

Annually over 280 Winstanley College students received places at Russell Group universities 

Winstanley College always attracts the best students from across the North West. Annually, 39% of students go on to study at Russell Group universities. Compared to a Sixth Form College average of 29%. This shows great things can be achieved when students are inspired and supported to achieve their true potential.

Why study at a Russell Group University?

Leading research

By deciding to study at a Russell Group university, you will have the opportunity to choose a degree from a wide range of internationally renowned courses – from medical, biological and physical sciences to business, social sciences and the humanities. More than 500,000 students are enrolled at Russell Group universities – one in five of all higher education students in the UK. Importantly, many academic staff in Russell Group universities are working at the cutting edge of their disciplines. This means that, as a student, you will interact with leading thinkers and follow a curriculum which is informed by world-class research. As a student, you are likely to have opportunities to engage in research yourself.

Big Investers

Russell Group universities have some of the best state of the art facilities. Millions of pounds are spent investing in libraries and study space, cutting-edge laboratory equipment, improved lecture theatres, innovative courses, arts and culture facilities, the latest software and professional careers services. On average, Russell Group universities spend 50% more per student than other UK universities on academic services and staff and student facilities. Entry to this group of universities is highly selective, and applications outweigh places on the majority of courses. This means that you will benefit from working with, and learning from, a highly-motivated and talented peer group.

Bursaries and scholarships

Every student with the qualifications, potential and determination to succeed at a Russell Group university should have the opportunity to do so, whatever their background. Bursaries and scholarships are available at all Russell Group universities.

Success rates

There are many indicators which highlight the success of Russell Group students during their degree courses: the rate of students who complete their degrees is better than at many of the other institutions in the UK and abroad, and Russell Group students are more likely to achieve excellent degree results. Furthermore, a high percentage of students are in work or further study six months after their graduation: 93% of first-degree graduates from Russell Group universities, compared to 90% for non-Russell Group graduates . First-degree students from research-intensive universities are also more likely to progress straight to postgraduate study.

Transferable skills

Students are taught how to problem solve, learn independently and think creatively and analytically – all valuable employment skills. Graduates are equipped with the skills to be successful entrepreneurs, and a significant number of them set up their own companies. So it’s no wonder why graduates are highly sought after by employers, both nationally and internationally.

Research suggests that graduates from Russell Group universities earn, on average, around 10% more than those from other universities over a lifetime. One recent study shows that 41% of those in work were earning £30,000 or more after three years, compared to 32% for graduates from all UK universities.

Networking

Russell Group universities, have successful and growing alumni associations across the UK and internationally, which provide excellent opportunities for networking and staying in touch.

For further information about Russell Group universities

A full list of Russell Group universities and the Winstanley College students who attends in 2024:

University of Birmingham

University of Bristol

University of Cambridge

Cardiff University

Durham University

University of Edinburgh

University of Exeter

University of Glasgow

King’s College London

University of Leeds

University of Liverpool

University of Manchester

Newcastle University

University of Nottingham

University of Oxford

Queen Mary University of London

Queen’s University Belfast

University College London

University of Warwick

University of York