As we all know, the British “G5 universities” symbolise the highest level of scientific research strength, the quality of teachers and students and the economic strength of the United Kingdom. Over the years, no matter how the authoritative rankings change, when it comes to the five best universities in the United Kingdom, the first thing that comes to mind is the G5, the first choice of countless applicants for study in the eyes of the school of choice. However, in addition to the G5 institutions, which school is the best? Is it the University of Edinburgh or King’s College London? What is the difference between the University of Edinburgh and King’s College London? Is it the high academic ranking? The famous alums? Or the grandeur of the buildings? This blog will tell you the difference between the University of Edinburgh and KCL in several ways, from student satisfaction to international students!
Edinburgh VS KCL: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview of University of Edinburgh
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is the world’s 6th oldest higher education institution, the highest institution in Scotland, and a member of the Russell Group and Universitas 21. The University of Edinburgh is ranked second to the G5 universities in the world’s authoritative rankings. The University of Edinburgh is located in the centre of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, on the waterfront by the sea on the northern border. The University of Edinburgh is divided into two parts, the Old College and the New College, of which the Old College is home to the Law School and the Institute of European Studies. Nearby is the McEwan Auditorium, a symbolic building of the Victorian agricultural harvest, with 2,200 seats dedicated to graduation ceremonies and several large formal fairs. The New College is at the top of Mount Maundy, overlooking Princes Street, where the Divinity School is located.
Overview of King’s College London
King’s College London, abbreviated as KCL, is a famous public comprehensive university in the United Kingdom. It is the founding college of the University of London, a founding member of the Russell Group, and a member of the Golden Triangle with the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science. It is in the centre of London, with several campuses, including the Strand Campus, Guy’s Campus, Waterloo Campus and Denmark Hill Campus. Waterloo Campus and Denmark Hill Campus. King’s University London is one of the UK’s most prestigious multidisciplinary, research-intensive universities. Its leadership in research and worldwide reputation attracts more than 20,000 students from all over the world to study nearly 200 specialisms, including medicine, biology, science, engineering, business, law and humanities.
Edinburgh VS KCL: World University Ranking
Which is better, the University of Edinburgh or King’s University London? Both universities are on top, so let’s look at the details.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is ranked highly globally, but it is still ranked behind Oxbridge, IC and UCL in the UK and occasionally on par with LSE.
- 2024 Times World University Rankings: 30th
- 2024 QS World University Rankings: 22nd
- 2023 Softech Academic Ranking of World Universities: 34th
University of Oxford
King’s College London is a public research university with a worldwide reputation, part of the Golden Triangle and Russell Group of Universities, and one of the UK’s most prestigious multi-disciplinary, research-led universities. Here are the rankings of KCL.
- 2024 Times World University Rankings: 38th
- 2024 QS World University Rankings: 40th
- 2023 Softech Academic Ranking of World Universities: 57th
Edinburgh VS KCL: Subject Strengths
When we look at these two universities and compare their subjects, we realise there is not much difference between them. Both universities have world-leading programmes, many regularly ranked at the top of the world. According to the QS World University Subject Rankings, both universities appear on this list. Looking at them individually, we can understand the difference between Edinburgh and KCL:
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh’s long history of education and favourable academic atmosphere have resulted in excellent teaching and learning! As a comprehensive research university, the University of Edinburgh offers many business, engineering, education, and law specialisations. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the University of Edinburgh is ranked in the top 5 in the UK for 13 out of 59 disciplines! Among them, five disciplines – Linguistics, Veterinary Medicine, English Language and Literature, Social Policy and Management, and Modern Languages – are ranked in the top 10 in the world!
King’s College London
King’s College London is the fourth oldest university in England, and Newsweek rates its St Thomas’s Hospital as the best hospital in the UK; the school has the world’s oldest School of Nursing, with Dentistry ranked 1st in the world, Nursing, Psychiatry and Psychology ranked 2nd in the world, Philosophy ranked 9th in the world. Law, Medicine, Geography, Politics, History and Literature ranked in the top 20 in the world.
Edinburgh VS KCL: Acceptance Rates
The University of Edinburgh is divided into three main faculties, with 23 smaller faculties. Each of the three colleges has distinctive characteristics and occupies an irreplaceable position in the University of Edinburgh. King’s College London has over 30,000 students. There are nine faculties across the university, making it one of the most comprehensive institutions in the UK regarding subject coverage. The University of Edinburgh and King’s College London attract tens of thousands of students yearly! Both schools have become dream schools for countless people due to their high profile and academic standing. Let’s look at the acceptance rates of these two schools for the last three years.
Edinburgh VS KCL: Admission Requirements
Edinburgh VS KCL: Location
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is situated on the seafront on the eastern border of Scotland. The University of Edinburgh is located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, a city with a rich history. During the European Enlightenment in the 18th century, Edinburgh became the centre of the Enlightenment. It was known as the ‘Athens of the North’. The city’s architecture retains a unique historical style, with the Old Town dominated by medieval fortresses and the New Town displaying the neo-classical style of the 18th century onwards. Edinburgh’s urban planning ideas have had a profound influence on the whole of Europe. Edinburgh also hosts a regular programme of cultural events, including the Booker Prize and the annual Christmas market, which are both worth a visit.
King’s College London
KCL University is located in the centre of London. It has several campuses, including Strand Campus, Guy’s Campus, Waterloo Campus and Denmark Hill Campus. London is the capital of the United Kingdom and the largest city in Europe. London is a very diverse city, with people from all over the world, a wide range of races, religions and cultures, and many attractions, museums, galleries, theatres and other places of interest. King’s College London is also very well located. Its five campuses are situated in locations where transport is very convenient; whether it is to go to the tube station or take the bus, it is very convenient and fast. In addition, for those who like shopping and food, the large commercial area is simply the best place to go. Various supermarkets and restaurants offering various cuisines make your life exciting. In addition, KCL is a neighbour of UCL and LSE, so academic exchanges are just a few roads away.
Edinburgh VS KCL: Cost of Education and Living
Tuition fees at both Edinburgh University and KCL are costly. But don’t stress; the university provides financial assistance to students who need help with their finances. If you are from another country, your tuition fee depends on your course. It costs a lot of money to live in these places, especially the rent, uhomes provide students with reliable student flats.
Conclusion
You can have a clear picture from the above comparison of Edinburgh University and KCL. In terms of ranking, Edinburgh University is better than KCL. In terms of location, KCL is significantly better than Edinburgh. In terms of subject strengths, both schools have their strengths. In terms of the total acceptance rate, KCL is higher than Edinburgh. Therefore, students should not consider a single dimension when choosing colleges and universities; they should choose according to their professional and future employment situation.
FAQ
In terms of ranking, Edinburgh University is better than KCL. In terms of location, KCL is significantly better than Edinburgh. Therefore, students should not consider a single dimension when choosing colleges and universities; they should choose according to their professional and future employment situation.
The cost of living in both cities is relatively high, but it may vary depending on the specific area and accommodation options chosen. It is advisable to research and compare the cost of living before deciding which city to study in.
Both universities offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies for students to get involved in. However, the campus life at KCL may be more fast-paced due to its central location in London, while Edinburgh offers a more laid-back and traditional campus experience.
