Studying in the United Kingdom offers international students access to a rich academic heritage, a robust educational system, a diverse cultural environment, and a plethora of career opportunities. Recognising the advantages offered by private UK universities, like smaller class sizes and personalised guidance, more students are now considering studying at private universities in the UK. Here is all you need to know about the best private universities in the UK.
Key highlights:
- Top Private Universities in the UK
- Difference Between Public and Private Universities in the UK
- Benefits of Studying in Private Universities in the UK for International Students
- Admission Requirements for Private Universities in the UK
- Final Thoughts: Is a Private UK University Right for You?
Top Private Universities in the UK
Arden University
Arden University began its journey as a chosen online delivery partner for traditional universities in 1990 and received degree-awarding powers in 2015 from the UK government, which is when it officially became Arden University.
| Location(s) | Annual Fees | Courses Available for International Students | Average No. of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate: ~GBP 12,000 to ~GBP 16,000 Postgraduate: ~GBP 12,500 to ~GBP 17,500 |
BA (Hons) Business Management BSc (Hons) Health and Care Management BSc (Hons) Computing MBA MSc Project Management |
~27,000 + |
BPP University
Founded in 1992, BPP University emphasises practical, career-oriented learning and offers degrees in areas like law, business, technology, and healthcare.
| Location(s) | Annual Fees | Popular Courses | Average No. of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate: ~GBP 11,000 to ~GBP 37,500 Postgraduate: GBP ~17,100 to ~GBP 20,200 |
MSc MBA/PGDM LLM BSN BBA |
~2,400 + |
University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham was incorporated in 1983 and became a registered charity in 2011. Today, the university welcomes international students from over 100 different nationalities. It offers a wide variety of courses - from law, economics, management and computing to recently added programmes in medicine and allied health.
| Location | Annual Fees | Popular Courses | Average No. of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckingham | ~GBP 22,200 to ~GBP 27,300 | MBA BSc (Hons) Computing BSc (Hons) Psychology with Business and Management BSc (Hons) Economics with Applied Computing MSc Management in a Service Economy |
~3,300 |
University of Law
Founded in 1962 as the College of Law, the University of Law is a long-established institution and the largest provider of legal education in the UK. Apart from law, the institution also offers degrees in psychology, business, criminology, and computer science.
| Location(s) | Annual Fees | Popular Courses | Average No. of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate: ~GBP 16,700 to ~GBP 22,150 | BSc (Hons) Psychology LLB Laws BSc Accounting with Finance MBA Tech Leadership LLM Corporate Governance |
~18,285 |
Regent’s University London
Regent’s University London is a private university that was founded in 1984 and became an official university in 2012. The campus is located within Regent’s Park. Regent’s University London offers a range of courses with an emphasis on practical experience.
| Location | Annual Fees | Popular Courses | Average No. of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regent’s Park, London | Undergraduate: ~GBP 23,000 to ~GBP 26,000 Postgraduate: ~GBP 10,500 to ~GBP 39,000 |
MSc Finance and Financial Technology BA (Hons) Psychology MA Management and Finance MSc Digital Marketing and Analytics BA (Hons) Business and Data Science |
~2,405 |
Richmond American University London
The Richmond American University London is a private, not-for-profit, American liberal arts university located in London. The university offers programmes in humanities and business and provides both UK and US degrees to students.
| Location | Annual Fees | Popular Courses | Average No. of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiswick Park, West London | Undergraduate:~GBP 17,500 Postgraduate:~GBP 18,500 to ~GBP 24,300 |
BA (Hons) International Business Management MA Luxury Brand Management BA (Hons) Film MA Advertising and Public Relations MA Art History and Visual Culture |
~1,100 |
Difference Between Public and Private Universities in the UK
Public and private universities in the UK differ mainly in funding, size, and recognition. While public universities rely on government grants and public funds, private institutions operate through tuition fees and private investment. Private universities are usually smaller with fewer students. They often focus on building specialised reputations in specific fields.
Benefits of Studying in Private Universities in the UK for International Students
- Career-Oriented Programmes
- Personalised Attention and Guidance
- Flexible, Accelerated Study Options
- Practical Learning
- Diverse, International Community
Admission Requirements for Private Universities in the UK
- Proof of previous education, like high school diplomas and bachelor’s degrees (for postgraduate studies), meeting minimum score requirements.
- English language proficiency tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV, if required
Also Read: The Guardian UK University Rankings
Are Private Universities in the UK Right for You?
The choice of a university is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your future job prospects and the career opportunities you get. Whether a private university is right for you or not will depend on your academic aspirations. Consider the specific course offerings, course content, curriculum, subjects, student experience, career prospects, and teaching standards of the institution to determine if they align with your goals.
Studying at private universities in the UK can open doors to unparalleled career opportunities, and with the right education loan for abroad studies, you can finance your higher education without any hassle.
We at Avanse Financial Services offer education loan solutions to ease the financial aspect of studying abroad. With quick loan sanctions and flexible repayment options, Avanse Financial Services can help turn your dream of studying abroad into reality.
You can use the education loan eligibility calculator to find the approximate student loan amount you are eligible to borrow based on your current finances. Take charge of your educational journey and connect with us today to finance your studies at the best private universities in the UK.
