Royal Holloway, University of London
London, United Kingdom
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham, United Kingdom
Founded
1879
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
12,699
QS World Ranking
#461 (2026)
Discover Royal Holloway, University of London
Discover Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London is a public research university and a member institution of the federal University of London. Founded in 1879 by the Victorian entrepreneur and philanthropist Thomas Holloway, the university has a proud history rooted in pioneering women's education and social purpose. Today it comprises six schools, 21 academic departments, and welcomes students from more than 100 countries.
The university is set on a stunning 135-acre campus in Egham, Surrey, just 40 minutes by train from central London and only 7 miles from Heathrow Airport. It also maintains a central London campus at Bedford Square in Bloomsbury. The campus is dominated by the iconic Founder's Building, a Grade I listed red-brick masterpiece modelled on the Chateau de Chambord in France's Loire Valley.
Royal Holloway is recognised as a leading research-intensive university, with 88% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. This places it in the top 25% of UK universities for research quality. The university offers courses spanning arts, business, humanities, law, and sciences, often taking a cross-disciplinary approach.
Key Milestones
- 1879: Thomas Holloway laid the foundation for Royal Holloway College on the Mount Lee Estate in Egham, Surrey.
- 1886: Queen Victoria officially opened Royal Holloway College and bestowed the title 'Royal' upon the institution.
- 1985: Royal Holloway College merged with Bedford College (founded 1849) to form Royal Holloway and Bedford New College.
- 2022: Royal Holloway became a university in its own right within the University of London federation.
Academic Structure and Schools
Academic Structure and Schools
Royal Holloway operates through six academic schools, each led by an Executive Dean, along with a Doctoral School for postgraduate research students. This structure, adopted in August 2019, replaced the previous three-faculty system and supports interdisciplinary collaboration across 21 departments.
School of Business and Management
One of the UK's established management schools with AMBA-accredited MBA programmes, offering research-led teaching across accounting, marketing, strategy, and human resource management.
- BSc Business and Management
- MSc International Management
- MBA (AMBA Accredited)
School of Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Home to departments of Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and the renowned Information Security Group, one of the largest cybersecurity research centres in Europe.
- BSc Computer Science
- MSc Information Security
- BSc Mathematics
School of Humanities
Offers a rich, research-led curriculum through the departments of Classics, English, History, and Languages, Literatures and Cultures, preparing students for diverse career paths.
- BA English
- BA History
- BA Modern Languages
School of Law, Economics and Social Sciences
Encompasses Economics, Law and Criminology, and Politics, International Relations and Philosophy, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills across the social sciences.
- BSc Economics
- LLB Law
- BA Politics and International Relations
School of Life Sciences and the Environment
Covers biological sciences, geography, and psychology, with strong research output in areas ranging from ecology and earth sciences to cognitive neuroscience.
- BSc Psychology
- BSc Biological Sciences
- BSc Geography
School of Performing and Digital Arts
Brings together Drama, Theatre and Dance, Media Arts, and Music, including the Regius Professorship of Music awarded by the Queen in recognition of exceptional teaching and research standards.
- BA Drama and Theatre Studies
- BMus Music
- BA Media Arts
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application MethodApply via UCAS
- Typical A-Level OfferABB - AAB (varies by course)
- IB Diploma30-34 points (varies by course)
- English Language (IELTS)6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 per component)
- Personal StatementRequired via UCAS application
Postgraduate Admissions
- Minimum DegreeUK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent
- English Language (IELTS)6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 per component)
- ReferencesTwo academic references typically required
- Personal StatementStatement of purpose required
- Visa DepositGBP 3,000 or GBP 10,000 for CAS issuance
Standard deadline for most undergraduate programmes via UCAS.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until programmes are full. Early application is strongly recommended.
Research degree deadlines vary by department and funding availability. Check with your chosen department.
Final UCAS deadline for late undergraduate applications, subject to course availability.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Royal Holloway offers competitive tuition fees for both UK/Home and international students. Fees are reviewed annually and may increase during your course of study. The university provides a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students financially.
| Fee Category | UK/Home Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 20,250 - 31,100 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | Contact university | GBP 17,500 - 31,100 |
| Accommodation (per year, approx.) | GBP 5,000 - 8,500 | GBP 5,000 - 8,500 |
| Living Expenses (per month, approx.) | GBP 800 | GBP 800 |
| Total | Contact university for total programme costs | Contact university for total programme costs |
Royal Holloway Alumni Discount
Royal Holloway graduates who continue to postgraduate study automatically receive a tuition fee discount, with no separate application required.
- Discount Amount: 20% off first-year postgraduate tuition fees
- Eligibility: All Royal Holloway graduates
- Application: Automatic - no separate application needed
International Scholarships and Bursaries
Royal Holloway offers a range of country-specific and merit-based scholarships for international students, including automatic tuition fee reductions for applicants from certain countries.
- Type: Merit-based and country-specific awards
- Value: GBP 2,000 - GBP 6,000 fee reduction
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students (varies by scheme)
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Royal Holloway's main campus spans 135 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland in Egham, Surrey, offering a peaceful collegiate atmosphere while remaining well-connected to central London. The university also maintains a central London campus at Bedford Square in Bloomsbury for select programmes.
A Grade I listed masterpiece of Victorian architecture, housing student rooms, the Picture Gallery, chapel, and reading room.
A state-of-the-art library offering over 1,250 study seats across silent, social, creative, and collaborative zones.
The expansive green campus features woodland walks, sports facilities, cafes, and modern teaching spaces set in a tranquil Surrey landscape.
Housing and Dining
Accommodation
Royal Holloway offers nearly 3,000 rooms across campus, with priority given to first-year and international students who apply by the deadline.
- Historic rooms in the Founder's Building
- Modern en-suite halls (Williamson, Tuke, Butler)
- Catered and self-catered options available
Dining and Social Spaces
The campus features multiple restaurants, cafes, and social spaces where students can eat, relax, and socialise between lectures.
- On-campus restaurants and cafes
- Crosslands Bar in the Founder's Building
- College shop and health centre on campus
Student Life at Royal Holloway
Student Life at Royal Holloway
Royal Holloway offers a vibrant and supportive student community with a wide range of clubs, societies, sports, and cultural events. The close-knit campus atmosphere means you will quickly feel part of a welcoming community while having easy access to London's cultural and professional opportunities.
Location: Egham, Surrey and London
Location: Egham, Surrey and London
The Best of Both Worlds: Surrey Countryside and London Access
Royal Holloway's campus in Egham, Surrey provides a peaceful, green setting ideal for focused study, while central London is just a 40-minute train ride away. The nearby towns of Windsor and Staines-upon-Thames offer shops, restaurants, and leisure activities, and Heathrow Airport is only 7 miles away, making it exceptionally convenient for international students.
Central London Access
Regular trains from Egham station reach London Waterloo in approximately 40 minutes, giving you access to the capital's cultural, social, and professional opportunities.
Proximity to Heathrow Airport
Just 7 miles from Heathrow Airport, making arrivals and departures straightforward for international students and enabling easy travel across the globe.
Windsor and the Thames Valley
The historic town of Windsor, home to Windsor Castle, is nearby, along with beautiful Thames Valley countryside perfect for walks and outdoor activities.
Central London Campus
Royal Holloway also has a campus at Bedford Square, Stewart House, and Senate House in Bloomsbury, providing a base in the heart of London for select programmes.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Our Graduates Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
The university provides guidance on Student visa applications, CAS issuance, and immigration compliance. International students must pay a tuition fee deposit of GBP 3,000 or GBP 10,000 before a CAS number is issued.
Royal Holloway's International Study Centre offers foundation and pre-sessional programmes to help international students meet entry requirements and prepare for degree-level study in the UK.
Comprehensive support services include health and wellbeing advice, budgeting guidance, help finding part-time work, and dedicated careers support from day one through to two years after graduation.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
Royal Holloway, University of London is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and holds strong positions in global league tables. The university is particularly recognised for its research quality, with 88% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Information Security | Queen's Anniversary Prize | Leading UK Centre |
| Arts and Humanities | QS World Rankings by Subject | #224 |
| Music | QS World Rankings by Subject | Top 10 UK |
| Computer Science | EduRank National | #45 UK |
Features
Royal Holloway, University of London, offers a blend of beautiful campus life, strong academics, and a supportive environment. It's known for its stunning Founder's Building, world-class research, and a commitment to student support, including careers services extending two years post-graduation. \nHere's a more detailed look at its features:\nCampus Life:\nBeautiful Setting:\nThe university is situated on a 135-acre parkland campus, offering a unique and picturesque environment.\nCommunity Focus:\nRoyal Holloway fosters a close-knit community with numerous social spaces, including bars, cafes, and sports facilities.\nHistorical Significance:\nFounder's Building is a notable landmark, housing the Picture Gallery, chapel, and dining hall. \nAcademics:\nWorld-Class Teaching and Research:\nRoyal Holloway is a research-led institution with a strong reputation for both teaching and impactful research across various disciplines. ETC...
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
August - December
Location
Egham campus\nWe have a best-of-both-worlds location; a safe, leafy campus in Egham, Surrey - 40 minutes by train from central London and just seven miles from Heathrow Airport, with excellent road and transport links. \nAddress\nRoyal Holloway, University of London\nEgham Hill\nEgham\nSurrey\nTW20 0EX\n\nCentral London\nRoyal Holloway has a Central London campus in Bedford Square, as well as Stewart House and Senate House.\nAddress\n11 Bedford Square\nLondon\nWC1B 3RF
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