Oldest Universities in UK

The UK is home to a number of top-notch educational institutions. You will be surprised to know that the oldest universities in UK were founded more than 800 years ago! Some of the most influential figures in British history have been produced by these centers of higher education. Read more to learn about the oldest institutions in the UK and their admission requirements.

List of Top 10 Oldest Universities in UK

Some of the oldest higher education institutions in the UK include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, etc. Listed below are the top 10 oldest universities in the UK:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• University of St. Andrews
• University of Glasgow 
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Manchester
• University College London
• Durham University
• Aberystwyth University

University of Oxford

One of the leading universities in the world, the University of Oxford shows evidence of teaching and learning from as early as 1096. Ranking 4th globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2022, it is amongst the oldest universities in UK and the second oldest continuously running university in the world. 

Oxford University offers around 350 different graduate degree programs and is organised into 39 independent colleges and 6 permanent private halls. There are 4 academic divisions of Medical Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences, which together comprise around 100 academic departments of study. Around 43 percent of the student body at the university is constituted of international students. Following are some of the admission requirements to apply to the University of Oxford:

• Academic transcripts with certified English translation
• Statement of purpose
• Proof of financial support
• Country-specific requirements
• Standardized test scores
• Proof of proficiency in English
  • IELTS: 7
  • TOEFL: 100
  • PTE: 66
• Letter of recommendation (for graduate courses)
• An updated CV (for graduate courses)
• An interview (for shortlisted students)
• Research Proposal (if required)

Read More: University of Oxford

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is the second oldest university in the UK. It was established by an association of scholars who left the University of Oxford due to some issues with the people of the town. The university consists of 31 autonomous colleges and six schools (Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Technology and Physical Sciences), each consisting of numerous departments. It also has 8 principal non-school institutions. The university occupies the 7th position according to the QS World University Rankings 2022. Here are some of the eligibility requirements for the University of Cambridge:

• Official high school transcripts in English
• Letter of recommendations
• CV/Resume
• Statement of Interest
• GMAT/GRE scores
• English language proficiency test scores
  • IELTS: 7.5
    
  • TOEFL: 110
• Valid passport
• Work experience letter
• Financial declaration certificate

Read More: University of Cambridge

University of St. Andrews

The University of St Andrews was founded in 1410 and is the third among the oldest universities in UK. It is also the oldest university in Scotland and arrived at the 100th position according to the QS World University Rankings 2022. 

Constituted of a total of 25 schools, the university comprises of four main faculties across the disciplines of Arts, Divinity, Medicine and Science. The University of St Andrews offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in around 42 different subjects of study. Additionally, it also offers an assorted range of non-degree and tailored short courses for students. To apply to the University of St. Andrews, international students must meet the following requirements:

• Official transcripts
• English Language proficiency scores
• Standardized test scores
• English language proficiency test scores
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 78
• Letter of recommendation
• A copy of passport
• Interview
• Financial documents

 

Read More: University of St. Andrews

University of Glasgow 

Established in the University of Glasgow, this academic institution in Scotland was founded by a papal bull (a form of public decree) in Glasgow, Scotland. Featured at 67th in the QS World University Rankings 2020, this university is a renowned centre for internationally acclaimed research. 

The university offers over 600 different courses at the undergraduate level and around 300 courses at the postgraduate level of study. The degrees offered are flexible in nature with a choice of studying multiple subjects before deciding on a specialization. The university also offers a plethora of postgraduate degrees and research-oriented programs taught in an online mode. To apply to the University of Glasgow, candidates must fulfil the admission requirements given below:

• Official Transcripts in English
• Letters of Recommendation
• Language Proficiency Test scores:
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 90
• GMAT/GRE
• Research Proposal (graduate applicants)
• A valid passport

Read More: University of Glasgow 

University of Aberdeen

Another essential mention amongst the oldest universities in UK, the University of Aberdeen came into being in 195. Located in Scotland, it ranks 207th globally as per the QS World University Rankings 2020. The university is internationally acclaimed for its research and is among the best universities in the UK for degree programs in dentistry and sports science.

The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a vast range of disciplines divided among 12 schools. The major schools of the University of Aberdeen are divided across Biological Sciences, Language, Literature, Geosciences, Engineering, Medicine, History and Philosophy, Social Science, amongst others. Following are the eligibility requirements to secure a seat at the University of Aberdeen:

• Completed application form
• Transcripts
• Passing certificate
• Updated CV
• Personal statement
• Reference letter
• Passport
• English proficiency scores
  • IELTS: 6
  • TOEFL: 78
• Financial statement

Read More: University of Aberdeen

University of Edinburgh

Getting the 20th rank in the QS World University Rankings 2020, the University of Edinburgh is spread across five campuses in Edinburgh. Founded in 1582, it ranks sixth among the oldest universities in UK. The university comprises 3 colleges, collectively hosting 21 schools, each divided into various academic sub-units or departments. It offers excellent research opportunities in the areas of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Science and Engineering, Animal Research etc. To apply to the University of Edinburgh, you must meet the admission requirements listed below:

• Official high school transcripts (minimum 70% marks)
• Bachelor's degree with above 60% marks
• Course-specific degree requirements
• English language proficiency test scores
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 100
• GMAT/GRE scores
• Professional CV/resume
• Work experience documents
• Letter of recommendation/appreciation
• Statement of Purpose
• A valid visa
• Bank statement

Read More: University of Edinburgh

University of Manchester

Founded in 1824, the University of Manchester was established after the merger of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and the Victoria University of Manchester. It is ranked as one of the top universities in the UK and ranks 27 in the World University Ranking QS 2021. 

The university offers various specializations for international students with business and marketing being the most popular programs. Students enjoy a pleasant learning environment and also study in the iconic Victorian buildings. The eligibility requirements for the University of Manchester are given as follows:

• Academic transcripts
• English proficiency test scores
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 80
• Supplementary essays
• Financial documents
• Statement of purpose
• GRE/GMAT test scores
• Updated resume/CV
• Letters of recommendation
• Fee waiver form, if any
• Interview form/portfolio according to the course requirements

Read More: University of Manchester

University College London

Originally named as London University in 1826, the University College London is the first university to be established in the capital city. Placed 8th according to the QS World University Rankings 2020, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a vast array of subjects divided among 11 faculties including Life Sciences, Social and Historical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Laws, Bartlett, Medical Sciences, to name a few. Additionally, the university also offers students the chance to choose from around 400 short courses which can be pursued both online and on campus. Take a look at the admission requirements of the University College London:

• Official transcripts
• Personal statement
• Recommendation letters
• English language proficiency test scores
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 92
• Copy of passport
• Financial statement
• Proof of work experience

Read More: University College London

Durham University

Established in 1832, Durham University is a collegiate public research university and is the 3rd oldest university in England. Having excellence of more than 150 years old, the university is known for its programs in Theology, divinity and religious studies. Archaeology. Durham University is ranked #82 globally by QS World Rankings 2022.

It is also a member of the prestigious British research universities’ Russell Group and has the highest graduate employment rate in the UK. Apart from academics, students also benefit from international partnerships and associations. To obtain admission at Durham University, applicants need to meet the following requirements:

• Official transcripts
• Resume
• Personal Statement
• Valid passport
• Standardized test scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Work experience proof (if applicable)
• Interview at the time of admissions
• English proficiency proof
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 92

Read More: Durham University

Aberystwyth University

Popularly known as the ‘People’s University’, Aberystwyth is built on the site of an incomplete hotel, which was purchased from the local railway contractor and converted into a university. Upon opening in 1872, it welcomed 26 students and today is home to more than 8,000 students from around the world. It is also regarded as one of the oldest universities in the UK. Below are the admission requirements to apply for Aberystwyth University:

• A completed application form
• Official transcripts
• Copy of Passport
• English Proficiency Test Scores
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 88
• 1-2 letters of recommendation
• Resume/CV
• Proof of financial sufficiency

Read More: Aberystwyth University