The University of Reading is an integral part of the local community as well as a globally connected institution. We aim to be an inclusive and innovative place of study that makes a positive impact in the areas where our expertise can be benefit society.
- #169 Ranking
- 6 Courses
- 983 Academic Staff
- 15,433 Students
- 4,784 Students (int'l)
- 8,797 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
Top reasons to study here
- A world leader in many fields that strives to support students and partner organisations through cutting edge teaching and research.
- A diverse and inclusive community based around an awarding winning campus that offers the ideal environment in which to live and study.
- Every year a large number of students contribute to the local community by volunteering in local schools, organisations and charities.
Short Courses
Applied Sciences & Professions (5)
- Short Course Agri-Food Value Chains
- Short Course Contemporary Issues in Animal Science
- Short Course Livestock Nutrition and Feeding
- Short Course Sustainable Livestock Production Systems
- Short Course What is Sustainability
Agriculture & Forestry (3)
- Short Course Contemporary Issues in Animal Science
- Short Course Livestock Nutrition and Feeding
- Short Course Sustainable Livestock Production Systems
Medicine & Health (3)
- Short Course Contemporary Issues in Animal Science
- Short Course Livestock Nutrition and Feeding
- Short Course Sustainable Livestock Production Systems
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (1)
- Short Course What is Sustainability
Humanities (1)
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (1)
- Short Course What is Sustainability
Social Sciences (1)
- Short Course Agri-Food Value Chains
About
History
We trace our origins back to 1892 as an extension college of the University of Oxford. Reading received its royal charter in 1926 and will shortly celebrate a century of university status. We are ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 and QS World University Rankings 2024).
Education
Reading is consistently one of the most popular higher education choices in the UK. Our wide-ranging portfolio of degree programmes covers the Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Sciences and Social Sciences. We regularly update our programmes as new ideas emerge and industry needs change and are involved with four national Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. World-class teaching and ongoing investment in high-quality facilities ensures our academic staff and students can achieve their full potential. We provide 24 hours library facilities, computing and language labs and extensive student support.
Research
Research at the University of Reading aims to solve some of the biggest problems facing people today, based on five themes: environment, food, health, heritage and creativity and prosperity and resilience. Working across continents and disciplines, our researchers explore ways to tackle climate change, improve human health, provide food security and understand human culture. In the 2021 Research Assessment Framework (REF) 40% of our research was classified as world-leading (4*) and 46% internationally excellent (3*).
Career
We organise an extensive programme of career development workshops and on campus recruitment events throughout the year. Many of our degrees offer work placement opportunities.
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2024
169 60
2023
229 -27
2022
202
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2024
201 -3
2023
198 3
2022
201
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2023
301
2022
301
2021
301
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2024
-
2023
333 -3
2022
330
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Services
Student services
The University has a range of academic services to help you excel. From Study Advice and Maths Support to Peer Assisted Learning and Liaison Librarians.
There are a number of services available to all students, to provide help and support with any aspect of academic life. They can be accessed by one-on-one appointments, at regular drop-ins or via email and telephone.
Housing services
We have a range of rooms available to suit different budgets, with both on-campus and off-campus accommodation and self-catered and catered options.
Library services
The University Library is the focal point of the campus - a 24 hour resource that has recently undergone a £ multi-million refurbishment. A comprehensive selection of online, multimedia and printed publications are offered, with spaces for both private and group study and a vibrant coffee bar in the atrium.
ICT services
IT provides help and advice with using computer software and hardware.
- A portal provides a quick way to utiliise services or request assistance.
- Training in the use of common software is available.
- Open access PC and Unix workstation facilities are available on-campus.
- Free highspeed internet access is available across the campus
Medical services
The University Medical Practice provides access to general practitioner services. There is also a Dental Surgery. Both are available to staff and students. For emergency care and treatments requiring in or out-patient hospital appointments, the Royal Berkshire Hospital is situated less than a mile from the campus.
Student Life
Campus life
- Whiteknights Campus
Our main campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, where you’ll find plenty of places to relax during the day. The site has received 13 consecutive Green Flag awards, recognising it as one of Britain’s top green spaces.
- London Road Campus
The original home of the University has undergone a £30 million transformation. This historic site is home to the Institute of Education and Architecture Department. It features the Great Hall, which is used for concerts and graduation ceremonies, and a bar/café that serves hot and cold food.
- Greenlands Campus
Located on the banks of the River Thames, the original home of Henley Business School and still used today, primarily for executive education
Sports facilities
As a student you will have access to the extensive sports facilities on offer, both indoors and outdoors. On campus you will find courts, pitches and playing fields for a wide range of sports, as well as a fully-equipped sports centre with gym
Student clubs
The Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) is home to a wide range of societies and clubs, all of which are run voluntarily by students. There are currently over 150 societies and sports clubs, which all students are welcome to join.
Accreditation
A number degrees ranging from Architecture and the Built Environment through to Pharmacy and Psychology are accrediated by professional bodies.
Other programmes from this organisation
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