Looking to study in the UK? Wondering which universities have the most students? You’re in the right place! In this post, we’ll introduce some of UK’s largest universities by student enrollment. And to make it even easier, we’ve included a table at the end listing the top 100 largest universities in the UK by size. Let’s dive in and discover where the student crowds are!
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The Open University
At the top of the list of UK universities by size is The Open University, which might surprise some international students who aren’t familiar with it. While it may not have the same prestige as some of the more well-known universities in the UK, The Open University has carved out its own unique place in the world of higher education.
Unlike traditional universities, The Open University was created in 1969 to provide flexible education options for students who couldn’t attend regular campus-based schools. The Open University offers distance learning programs that cater to a wide range of students, including working professionals, adults with family commitments, and people who prefer to learn at their own pace. It’s an open-door university, meaning anyone can enroll, and they have a wide variety of courses to choose from.
Even though it may not have the same prestigious reputation as other universities, The Open University’s emphasis on accessibility and lifelong learning has attracted a large number of students who value the opportunity to pursue higher education in their own way. Having a total student enrollment of 151,840, The Open University has now claimed the title of being the largest university in the UK by size.
University College London
With a total enrollment of 46,830 students, University College London (UCL) ranks as the second largest university in the UK by enrollment. And it is also renowned for its wide range of subjects. The university has a significant international student population, with around 40% of students from overseas (2021).
Founded in 1826, UCL is not only one of the oldest universities in England but also a pioneering institution in terms of inclusivity, being the first British university to admit students regardless of their race, religion, or political beliefs. UCL is highly regarded in the UK education system and is considered one of the top universities in the country. It’s part of the prestigious “Golden Triangle” alongside Cambridge and Oxford, as well as the group known as the G5 universities, which includes Imperial College London and the London School of Economics as well. Being a member of the respected Russell Group, UCL puts a lot of focus on research and manages to attract significant funding in this field.
Located in the heart of London’s Bloomsbury Square, UCL enjoys proximity to renowned institutions such as the British Library, museums, and research centres. The university boasts an impressive alumni network, with 31 Nobel Prize winners, including notable figures like Francis Crick, William Ramsey, and Rabindranath Tagore. Charles Kuen Kao, known as the father of fiber optics communications, is also an alumnus of UCL and received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009.
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester takes the third place in the list of largest UK universities by enrollment, with 46,410 students in total. In 2023, the university achieved an impressive global ranking of 28th by QS. It has always been a popular choice among students, receiving over 80,000 applications annually.
Established in 1824, the University of Manchester is located in the vibrant city of Manchester, the UK’s largest industrial city and the second largest overall. It’s a comprehensive university offering a wide range of disciplines and is known as one of the six Red Brick Universities in the UK. It’s also a founding member of the Russell Group.
Manchester’s location is a major advantage, with easy access to nearby cities like Sheffield, Liverpool, Leeds, and popular destinations like the Peak District and Lake District, two of the UK’s stunning national parks. Transportation is well-developed, with frequent direct trains to London, making the journey only two hours.
The University of Manchester is renowned for its rigorous teaching and a liberal academic ethos. It has an impressive track record of producing world leaders, with 25 Nobel Prize winners among its current and former staff and students. Notably, professors Kostya Novoselov and Andre Geim jointly received the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking work on graphene.
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is the fourth largest university in the UK, with a total of 42,980 students. It’s a comprehensive university located in Scotland and holds the honor of being the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. As a member of the Russell Group, it’s known for its academic excellence. The university also ranks among the top 80 global universities, making it one of the top-notch institutions in the UK and Scotland. The Adam Smith School of Business at the University of Glasgow is particularly impressive, being one of the largest and most renowned business schools in the UK. Many of its graduates go on to work for leading UK investment banks and major corporations.
Situated in Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, the university enjoys a vibrant location. Travel to London is convenient, with a direct four-hour train ride. There’s also a frequent train service connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh, which takes just an hour.
The University of Glasgow has a remarkable list of famous alumni. Adam Smith, known as the father of economics, and James Watt, the father of the industrial revolution, are among its notable graduates. The university has produced seven Nobel Prize winners, along with two British Prime Ministers and four founders of higher education institutions. It has nurtured numerous accomplished individuals in law, science, and business.
King’s College London
King’s College London, often referred to as KCL, holds the fifth position on the list of the largest universities in the UK, with a total enrollment of 41,490 students. Approximately 40% of its student body comprises international students, showcasing its global appeal.
Established in 1829, King’s College London is one of the founding colleges of the University of London. It was founded by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington in the heart of London, along the prestigious River Thames. KCL is widely recognized as a leading research-led institution and holds the distinction of being the fourth oldest university in the UK. As a member of both the Russell Group and the Golden Triangle, King’s College London enjoys a stellar academic reputation. In the QS World University Rankings 2023, it secured a 37th position globally.
The main campus of King’s College is situated on River Street in Westminster, London, offering a prime location in the heart of the city. In addition to the main campus, the university has three other campuses along the River Thames and a campus in Denmark Hill, South London.
The university boasts an impressive list of alumni and staff who have achieved significant recognition, among them are 12 Nobel Prize winners. Notable figures such as the renowned poet Thomas Hardy, the celebrated poet John Keats, and Peter Higgs, a prominent figure in theoretical physics, have also graduated from King’s College London.
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University holds the sixth position on the list of the largest universities in the UK, with a total enrollment of 41,465 students. Nottingham Trent University has a lower proportion of international students, with approximately 10% of its student body coming from international backgrounds.
Nottingham Trent University is situated in Nottingham, England, and operates across three campuses. The City Campus is located in the heart of the city center, providing students with easy access to various amenities and cultural attractions. The Clifton Campus is situated approximately 30 minutes from the city center, while the Brackenhurst Campus is around 40 minutes away. The university derives its name from the River Trent, which flows through the city centre.
Established in 1843, Nottingham Trent University is a prominent public comprehensive university located in the city center of Nottingham, England. It is widely recognized as one of the most popular universities in the UK, offering a comprehensive range of courses and maintaining a strong reputation for academic excellence and teaching quality. The university has received excellent ratings in recent assessments conducted by the governmental Quality Assurance Agency for Education (QAA). Nottingham Trent University is particularly renowned for its strengths in fields such as Journalism, Public Relations, Design, Agriculture, Food Security, and Architecture.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh holds the seventh spot on the list of the largest universities in the UK, with a total enrollment of 41,250 students. International students make up over 44% of the student population, representing 167 countries.
The University of Edinburgh is highly sought after by students during the application season. It is also a member of the Russell Group and renowned as a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, it ranks 22nd. And in the USNews World University Rankings 2023, it holds the 34th position.
Situated in the culturally rich and famous city of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, the university enjoys a vibrant location. Edinburgh is known for its historical significance and has become the second most popular tourist city in the UK, following London. The city hosts the renowned Edinburgh International Arts Festival and various cultural events, attracting many international students. Transportation in Edinburgh is also convenient, with Edinburgh Airport being the largest and busiest airport in Scotland.
The University of Edinburgh offers excellent programs in various fields. Their standout majors include business, engineering, computing, education, philosophy, linguistics, archaeology, history, law, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and more, all of which are ranked among the top 100 in the world. The University of Edinburgh Business School holds triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, and offers majors such as Accounting and Finance, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Human Resource Management, Marketing, and International Business.
Coventry University
Coventry University holds the eighth position on the list of the largest universities in the UK by enrollment, with a total of 38,190 students. International students make up over 34.6% of the student population.
With a history dating back to the 12th century, Coventry University has established itself as one of the leading universities in the UK. In the Guardian University Guide 2024, it was ranked 46th in the UK, and the Complete University Guide 2024 placed it at the 69th position.
Coventry University operates across three campuses. The Coventry Campus is located in the city center of Coventry, England, while the London Campus is situated in the City of London. Additionally, the university has a Scarborough Campus in North Yorkshire, England. The main campus of Coventry University is in Coventry, which is strategically located in the heart of England. It serves as a transportation hub connecting the south and north of the country. The city is conveniently situated just an hour’s drive from London and a short 15-minute train ride from Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city.
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is the ninth largest university in the UK, with a total of 37,990 students. Around 20% of the students are international.
Established in 1825, the University of Birmingham is located in Birmingham, the second largest city in the UK. It is a well-known research university and is part of the Red Brick and Russell Group of universities. It ranks 89th in the 2023 U.S. News World University Rankings and 84th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.
At the University of Birmingham, you’ll find the Lapworth Museum of Geology and the Barber Institute of Fine Art, showcasing remarkable masterpieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet. Additionally, the university’s main library proudly holds the world’s oldest compilation of Quranic manuscripts.
The University of Birmingham encompasses a wide range of research areas, ranging from cancer to nanotechnology. Moreover, it boasts a multitude of outstanding researchers who are internationally recognized in their respective fields. Notably, the university has an impressive track record with eleven Nobel Prize winners and notable research milestones. Additionally, the university has made significant contributions to the British Antarctic Expedition. It is held in high regard not only for its scientific research but also for its achievements in the humanities, social sciences, education, and law. Remarkably, the University of Birmingham generates an annual income of over £500 million from its research outcomes.
University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is the tenth largest university in the UK, with a total of 37,260 students. International students make up approximately 15% of the student population.
Established in 1881, the University of Nottingham is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. It is a member of the Russell Group of Universities. The university’s main campuses, University Park and Silver Jubilee, along with the Queen’s Medical Center teaching hospital, are located in the city of Nottingham. Additionally, the university has smaller campuses in various locations in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Beyond the UK, the University of Nottingham has campuses in Semenyih, Malaysia, and Ningbo, China.
The University of Nottingham comprises five faculties and offers a wide range of degrees across natural sciences and humanities. It is known for its competitive nature and is considered one of the leading UK public research universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Nottingham is ranked 100th.
Largest UK Universities by Enrollment – Full List
| Rank | Institution | Total Students |
| 1 | The Open University | 151,840 |
| 2 | University College London | 46,830 |
| 3 | The University of Manchester | 46,410 |
| 4 | The University of Glasgow | 42,980 |
| 5 | King’s College London | 41,490 |
| 6 | The Nottingham Trent University | 41,465 |
| 7 | The University of Edinburgh | 41,250 |
| 8 | Coventry University | 38,190 |
| 9 | The University of Birmingham | 37,990 |
| 10 | University of Nottingham | 37,260 |
| 11 | The University of Leeds | 37,190 |
| 12 | University of the West of England, Bristol | 37,170 |
| 13 | The Manchester Metropolitan University | 36,980 |
| 14 | Anglia Ruskin University | 35,195 |
| 15 | Ulster University | 34,550 |
| 16 | Sheffield Hallam University | 34,535 |
| 17 | Cardiff University | 33,985 |
| 18 | University of Northumbria at Newcastle | 32,570 |
| 19 | The University of Exeter | 32,465 |
| 20 | University of Hertfordshire | 31,940 |
| 21 | The University of Bristol | 31,485 |
| 22 | The University of Sheffield | 30,860 |
| 23 | Birmingham City University | 30,285 |
| 24 | The University of Warwick | 28,825 |
| 25 | The University of Liverpool | 28,680 |
| 26 | De Montfort University | 28,335 |
| 27 | The University of Central Lancashire | 28,325 |
| 28 | Liverpool John Moores University | 28,100 |
| 29 | The University of Oxford | 27,290 |
| 30 | Newcastle University | 27,280 |
| 31 | The University of Greenwich | 26,610 |
| 32 | The University of Portsmouth | 26,500 |
| 33 | Queen Mary University of London | 26,045 |
| 34 | The University of Strathclyde | 25,715 |
| 35 | The University of Salford | 25,415 |
| 36 | Queen’s University Belfast | 25,295 |
| 37 | Canterbury Christ Church University | 24,660 |
| 38 | The University of Southampton | 23,795 |
| 39 | The University of York | 23,420 |
| 40 | Leeds Beckett University | 23,365 |
| 41 | University of South Wales | 23,270 |
| 42 | Teesside University | 22,695 |
| 43 | The University of Cambridge | 22,610 |
| 44 | University of the Arts, London | 22,455 |
| 45 | Swansea University | 22,290 |
| 46 | University of Durham | 22,230 |
| 47 | Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine | 21,470 |
| 48 | University of Derby | 20,955 |
| 49 | The University of Westminster | 20,915 |
| 50 | The University of Huddersfield | 20,885 |
| 51 | City, University of London | 20,685 |
| 52 | Buckinghamshire New University | 20,570 |
| 53 | The University of Wolverhampton | 20,250 |
| 54 | The University of the West of Scotland | 20,070 |
| 55 | Glasgow Caledonian University | 20,050 |
| 56 | The University of Sunderland | 19,975 |
| 57 | Kingston University | 19,920 |
| 58 | The University of Sussex | 19,865 |
| 59 | The University of East London | 19,550 |
| 60 | The University of Reading | 19,390 |
| 61 | Middlesex University | 19,225 |
| 62 | London South Bank University | 19,185 |
| 63 | The University of East Anglia | 19,130 |
| 64 | University of Plymouth | 19,095 |
| 65 | The University of Bath | 18,890 |
| 66 | Loughborough University | 18,760 |
| 67 | The University of West London | 18,695 |
| 68 | Brunel University London | 18,655 |
| 69 | Staffordshire University | 18,460 |
| 70 | The University of Kent | 18,155 |
| 71 | The University of Essex | 18,110 |
| 72 | The University of Dundee | 18,100 |
| 73 | The University of Lincoln | 17,975 |
| 74 | Bournemouth University | 17,960 |
| 75 | The University of Brighton | 17,835 |
| 76 | The University of Lancaster | 17,770 |
| 77 | Aston University | 17,595 |
| 78 | Oxford Brookes University | 17,470 |
| 79 | The University of Leicester | 16,670 |
| 80 | The University of Aberdeen | 16,565 |
| 81 | University of Bedfordshire | 16,430 |
| 82 | The University of Northampton | 16,100 |
| 83 | BPP University | 15,910 |
| 84 | The University of Surrey | 15,575 |
| 85 | Edinburgh Napier University | 15,530 |
| 86 | The University of Law | 15,235 |
| 87 | Arden University | 15,120 |
| 88 | The University of Hull | 15,075 |
| 89 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David | 15,045 |
| 90 | Robert Gordon University | 14,970 |
| 91 | The University of Stirling | 14,895 |
| 92 | Edge Hill University | 14,700 |
| 93 | University of Suffolk | 14,555 |
| 94 | University of Chester | 14,325 |
| 95 | London Metropolitan University | 13,435 |
| 96 | Bath Spa University | 13,240 |
| 97 | London School of Economics and Political Science | 12,975 |
| 98 | Cardiff Metropolitan University | 12,620 |
| 99 | Royal Holloway and Bedford New College | 12,480 |
| 100 | Roehampton University | 12,335 |
Largest Universities in the UK FAQ
There are 166 universities are there in the UK.
Most undergraduate degrees in the UK take three years to complete. However, some courses, such as medicine, architecture, or engineering, may take longer.
Choosing the right university involves considering factors such as the course offerings, location, reputation, campus facilities, and student support services. Researching university websites, attending open days or virtual events, and speaking with current students or alumni can help you make an informed decision.
