St Mary's University, London
London, United Kingdom
St Mary's University, Twickenham, London
London, United Kingdom
Founded
1850
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
6,000+
TEF Rating
Gold (Student Experience)
Discover St Mary's University, London
Discover St Mary's University, London
St Mary's University, Twickenham, London is a public university located in Strawberry Hill, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Established in 1850, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United Kingdom, with a deep heritage in education and a strong reputation for teaching excellence and a student-centred approach.
The university is rated Gold for Student Experience in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and consistently ranks among the top five universities in London for teaching quality and academic support. With a welcoming community of around 6,000 students, approximately 10% of whom are international from over 90 nationalities, St Mary's offers small class sizes and personalised support.
Set on a picturesque campus adjacent to the historic Strawberry Hill House, St Mary's combines its rich Catholic heritage with a modern, inclusive outlook. The university is also renowned as one of London's top-performing sports institutions, with Olympic-quality facilities that have been used by elite athletes including Mo Farah and international Olympic teams.
Key Milestones
- 1850: Founded by the Catholic Poor Schools Committee in Brook Green, Hammersmith, with an original intake of just six male students to train Catholic schoolmasters.
- 1925: The college relocated from Hammersmith to its current Strawberry Hill site in Twickenham, occupying the historic Walpole-Waldegrave property.
- 2014: Granted full university status by the Privy Council on 23 January 2014, becoming St Mary's University, Twickenham.
- 2023: Awarded Gold for Student Experience in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognising outstanding teaching quality and student support.
Academic Structure at St Mary's University
Academic Structure at St Mary's University
St Mary's University is organised into two academic faculties and six schools, offering a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes. A new School of Medicine is set to welcome its first medical students in September 2026. The university's academic portfolio spans the humanities, social sciences, education, sport, health, business, law, and theology.
School of Business and Law
Offers professionally accredited programmes in business management, accounting, law, and related disciplines, with strong links to London's professional sectors and integrated work placement opportunities.
- Business Management
- Law (LLB)
- Accounting and Finance
School of Education, Theology and Leadership
Home to the university's Ofsted Outstanding-rated teacher training programmes and theology courses, continuing St Mary's founding mission in Catholic education and pedagogical excellence.
- Primary Education (QTS)
- Theology and Religious Studies
- Education Studies
School of Sport, Health and Applied Science
A nationally recognised centre for sport science and health sciences, equipped with Olympic-quality facilities and home to the university's Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre (EPACC).
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Nutrition
- Strength and Conditioning Science
School of Arts and Humanities
Delivers programmes in English, creative writing, history, and media, with research rated as world-leading and internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework.
- English Literature
- Creative Writing
- History
School of Social, Political and Behavioural Sciences
Covers psychology, criminology, sociology, and related disciplines, preparing students for careers in social work, criminal justice, and mental health services.
- Psychology
- Criminology and Sociology
- Social Work
School of Media, Communications and Creative Arts
Features a professional media suite equipped for filmmaking, TV, radio, and online broadcasting, alongside programmes in acting and communications.
- Acting
- Film and Screen Media
- Communications and Media
Admission Requirements for St Mary's University
Admission Requirements for St Mary's University
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application MethodVia UCAS or direct application for international students
- A-Levels / EquivalentTypical offers range from 96-128 UCAS tariff points depending on programme
- IELTS (International)6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) for most programmes
- GCSE RequirementsEnglish Language and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above typically required
- Personal StatementRequired as part of the UCAS application demonstrating motivation and suitability
Postgraduate Admissions
- Bachelor's DegreeA recognised bachelor's degree, typically 2:1 (60%) or 2:2 (55%) depending on programme
- IELTS (International)6.0-6.5 overall depending on programme, with minimum component scores
- ReferencesTwo academic or professional references required with application
- Personal StatementStatement outlining research interests, career goals, and programme relevance
- Supporting DocumentsCertified copies of transcripts and highest qualification certificates
Deadline for undergraduate applications to receive equal consideration from all UK universities through UCAS.
Clearing period begins for undergraduate places still available after the main application cycle.
Postgraduate taught programmes accept applications on a rolling basis. Early application is recommended to secure your place.
International students should apply early to allow sufficient time for visa processing, typically at least three months before the programme start date.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at St Mary's University
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at St Mary's University
St Mary's University offers competitive tuition fees, particularly for a London-based institution. The university provides a range of scholarships for both UK and international students to help make higher education more accessible.
| Fee Category | UK/Home Students (Annual) | International Students (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degree | GBP 9,535 | GBP 17,100 |
| Postgraduate Taught (MA/MSc) | GBP 11,910 | GBP 17,820 |
| Research Degree (MPhil/PhD) | Contact university | GBP 15,960 approx. |
| On-Campus Accommodation | From GBP 6,250/year | From GBP 6,250/year |
| Total | Contact university for total programme costs | Contact university for total programme costs |
International Excellence Scholarship
Merit-based tuition fee discounts automatically considered for international undergraduate applicants who meet academic thresholds, with no separate application required.
- Award Amount: Up to GBP 3,000 per year
- Eligibility: International fee-paying undergraduate students
- Application: Automatically assessed upon offer of admission
International Postgraduate Scholarship
First-year tuition fee discounts for international students enrolling on taught master's or MBA programmes, helping to reduce the overall cost of postgraduate study.
- Award Amount: GBP 1,000 - GBP 2,500
- Eligibility: International fee-paying postgraduate taught students
- Application: Automatically considered with your application
Campus and Facilities at St Mary's University
Campus and Facilities at St Mary's University
St Mary's University occupies a beautiful campus in Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, built on approximately 35 acres of land originally attached to the historic Strawberry Hill House. The campus blends historic neo-Gothic architecture with modern, state-of-the-art facilities including a new library, TV production suite, and extensive sports infrastructure.
A nationally significant example of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture, originally built by Horace Walpole in the 18th century and now a centrepiece of the university campus.
Olympic-quality sports facilities including the Sir Mo Farah athletics track, performance laboratories, and a multi-million pound sports centre opened by Lord Sebastian Coe.
A modern, well-resourced library offering extensive study spaces, digital resources, and academic support services for students across all disciplines.
Housing and Dining
On-Campus Accommodation
International undergraduate students are usually guaranteed university accommodation, provided they confirm their place by the accommodation deadline. Options range from catered to self-catered, ensuite to shared rooms.
- Catered rooms with 14 meals per week included
- Self-catered rooms with kitchen access
- Prices from approximately GBP 178 to GBP 323 per week
Dining and Meal Plans
The campus refectory offers an extensive menu catering to various dietary needs. Catered accommodation packages typically include breakfast on weekdays, brunch at weekends, and an evening meal every day during term time.
- On-campus refectory with diverse menu options
- Catered packages from GBP 6,250 per academic year
- Local shops and restaurants in Twickenham and Teddington within walking distance
Student Life at St Mary's University
Student Life at St Mary's University
St Mary's offers a vibrant student experience on a close-knit campus where community is central. The active Students' Union organises entertainment from weekly events to major annual occasions like Freshers' Week and the Summer Ball, while the university's southwest London location provides easy access to the cultural attractions of the capital.
London: A Dynamic City for Students
London: A Dynamic City for Students
Studying in Southwest London
St Mary's University is located in Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, one of London's safest and greenest boroughs. The campus is a five-minute walk from Strawberry Hill Rail Station, with regular trains reaching central London Waterloo in under 30 minutes, giving students easy access to everything the capital has to offer.
Richmond and Bushy Parks
Hundreds of acres of beautiful woodland, open spaces, and roaming deer herds, perfect for walking, cycling, and outdoor recreation just minutes from campus.
Hampton Court Palace
The iconic Tudor royal palace is located nearby, offering students a stunning piece of British history and beautiful gardens to explore.
Kew Royal Botanical Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short journey from campus, home to the world's largest collection of living plants and a popular destination for students.
Central London Access
Waterloo station is under 30 minutes by train, providing easy access to London's museums, galleries, theatres, shops, and vibrant nightlife.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where St Mary's Graduates Work
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
The International Office provides guidance on Student visa applications, CAS issuance, and immigration compliance throughout your studies in the UK.
International undergraduate students are usually guaranteed on-campus accommodation provided they confirm their place by the accommodation deadline in late spring or early summer.
The Careers Service, part of the University of London Careers Group, offers CV support, interview preparation, employer events, and access to work placements and the Gradventure entrepreneurship competition.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
St Mary's University Rankings
St Mary's University Rankings
St Mary's University has been climbing UK league tables in recent years and is consistently recognised for teaching quality and student satisfaction. The university is ranked among the top five in London for teaching quality and academic support in the National Student Survey.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sport Science | National ranking | Top tier nationally |
| Education | Ofsted | Outstanding (10+ years) |
| Teaching Quality | NSS / TEF | Top 5 in London |
| Academic Support | National Student Survey | #1 in London (NSS 2023) |
Features
"St Mary’s is a London-based Catholic university known for small class sizes, strong community, and career-focused programs. Its heritage, student support services, and high graduate employability make it a top choice for personal and academic growth."\n\n
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
September - July
Location
Waldegrave Rd, Twickenham TW1 4SX, United Kingdom
Map not found.
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