University of Surrey
Surrey, United Kingdom
University of Surrey
Guildford, United Kingdom
Founded
1966
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
16,400+
International Students
From 140+ Countries
University of Surrey: Overview and History
University of Surrey: Overview and History
The University of Surrey is a public research university located on the Stag Hill campus in Guildford, Surrey, England. Established by Royal Charter on 9 September 1966, the university is dedicated to life-changing education and research, with a strong emphasis on graduate employability and industry partnerships.
Surrey's roots trace back to the Battersea Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1891 to provide greater access to education for London's residents. The institution focused on science and technology from around 1920, was designated a College of Advanced Technology in 1956, and relocated from London to Guildford in the 1960s before receiving university status.
Today, the University of Surrey is recognised for its strengths in engineering, business, hospitality and tourism management, health sciences, and space technology. The university hosts the Surrey Research Park accommodating over 100 companies and maintains extensive industry partnerships with more than 2,300 global collaborators.
Key Milestones
- 1891: Battersea Polytechnic Institute founded in London, providing access to further and higher education.
- 1966: University of Surrey established by Royal Charter, marking its transition to a full university.
- 1985: Surrey Research Park opened by the Duke of Kent, fostering industry-university collaboration.
- 2009: Guildford School of Acting merged with the university, expanding its performing arts programmes.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The University of Surrey organises its academic activities across three main faculties, each encompassing multiple schools and departments. Together they offer a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes with a strong emphasis on practical learning and professional training placements.
Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences
This faculty brings together scholars and students from a range of academic disciplines dedicated to the discovery and enrichment of arts, humanities, and social sciences. It includes Surrey Business School, which holds triple-crown accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS).
- Business Management
- Economics
- Law
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Covering core engineering disciplines alongside chemistry, computing, mathematics, and physics, this faculty is home to cutting-edge research centres including the 5G/6G Innovation Centre and the Surrey Space Centre.
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Chemical and Process Engineering
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Comprising five schools working under a One Health vision, this faculty provides interdisciplinary research and teaching in human and animal health. It offers programmes in biosciences, health sciences, medicine, psychology, and veterinary medicine.
- Veterinary Medicine
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Psychology
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Consistently ranked among the top hospitality and tourism programmes globally, this school within the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences is a leading centre for research and teaching in the hospitality sector.
- International Hospitality Management
- Tourism Management
- Events Management
Guildford School of Acting (GSA)
One of the UK's most highly regarded theatre schools, GSA became part of the University of Surrey in 2009. It offers a vibrant community of performers, performance makers, and creative practitioners.
- Acting
- Musical Theatre
- Dance Studies
Surrey Institute of Education
The Surrey Institute of Education supports all faculties in delivering high-quality teaching, higher education research, and pedagogical projects. It plays a key role in professional development and educational innovation across the university.
- Education MA
- PGCE Teacher Training
- Educational Research
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application MethodApply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- Typical A-Level OfferBBB to AAB depending on programme
- IELTS RequirementMinimum 6.0 overall with no sub-score below 5.5 (varies by programme)
- Required DocumentsAcademic transcripts, personal statement, reference letter, passport copy
- Application FeeContact the university for current UCAS application fees
Postgraduate Admissions
- Academic RequirementBachelor's degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 or 2:2 (programme dependent)
- IELTS RequirementMinimum 6.5 overall (varies by programme; some require 7.0)
- Required DocumentsTranscripts, two references, personal statement, CV, passport copy
- DepositGBP 3,000 deposit towards tuition fees for international applicants
- Research ProposalsRequired for research degree applications (PhD/MPhil)
Standard UCAS deadline for equal consideration of undergraduate applications (typically late January).
The primary intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes begins in September.
A smaller number of postgraduate courses offer a January start for additional flexibility.
Most postgraduate taught programmes accept applications on a rolling basis until places are filled.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
The University of Surrey charges different fees depending on whether a student is classified as a home (UK) or overseas student. International students should budget for tuition plus living expenses in Guildford, which is located in the southeast of England.
| Fee Category | Home (UK) Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 17,900 - 23,100 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | GBP 9,000 - 14,000 | GBP 15,000 - 25,000 |
| Accommodation (per year approx.) | GBP 4,650 - 8,500 | GBP 4,650 - 8,500 |
| Living Expenses (per year est.) | GBP 9,000 - 12,000 | GBP 9,000 - 12,000 |
| Total | GBP 22,685 - 44,035 | GBP 31,550 - 56,600 |
Surrey International Scholarship
Merit-based scholarships available for international students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, helping to reduce tuition costs.
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students with strong academic profiles
- Award Value: Contact the university for current scholarship amounts
- Application: Automatically considered upon admission or via separate application
External Scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth, etc.)
The University of Surrey supports students applying for prestigious external funding programmes including Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and Fulbright awards.
- Total Scholarship Fund: GBP 6 million+ available across all scholarships
- Types: Fee discounts, accommodation waivers, and financial grants
- Deadline: Varies by scholarship; check the university website for details
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Surrey operates across two main sites in Guildford: the Stag Hill campus (the main campus) and the nearby Manor Park campus. Both campuses are just a 10-minute walk from Guildford town centre and feature modern academic buildings set within beautiful Surrey countryside.
The main campus houses the majority of academic departments, the university library, student union, and social spaces.
A GBP 36 million facility featuring a 50-metre swimming pool, 120-station gym, and multi-sport courts that hosted 2012 Olympic preparation teams.
The recently upgraded library offers state-of-the-art study environments, digital resources, and academic skills support services.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
The university offers more than 5,750 study-bedrooms on campus, with 4,000 featuring en-suite facilities. First-year students who apply by the deadline are guaranteed a room.
- En-suite, shared, and studio flat options available
- Prices start from approximately GBP 89.50 per week
- Free Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, and social areas in all halls
Dining and Amenities
The campus provides a wide range of dining and retail options to suit all tastes and budgets, from cafes and restaurants to convenience stores.
- Multiple restaurants, cafes, and a pub on campus
- SimplyFresh convenience store and campus bookshop
- Santander Bank branch and UniTemps employment service
Student Life at the University of Surrey
Student Life at the University of Surrey
Student life at Surrey is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events to help you make the most of your university experience. The Students Union organises activities throughout the year and provides representation for all students.
Guildford: Location and City Life
Guildford: Location and City Life
Living in Guildford
Guildford is a vibrant and historic market town in the heart of southeast England, offering students a safe, welcoming environment with excellent transport links. Central London is just 34 minutes away by regular train service, while the surrounding Surrey countryside provides beautiful natural landscapes to explore.
Transport Links
Guildford station offers direct trains to London Waterloo in 34 minutes. The town is also well connected to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Culture and Entertainment
The town features a wide variety of bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, a cinema, theatres, and cultural attractions including Guildford Castle and Cathedral.
Natural Beauty
Surrey's picturesque countryside, including the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is easily accessible for hiking, cycling, and outdoor activities.
Safety and Quality of Life
Guildford is consistently rated as one of the safest and most desirable places to live in the UK, with a high quality of life for students and residents alike.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Surrey Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
A dedicated team helps international students throughout the application process, from choosing the right course to applying for a UK student visa and preparing for arrival.
The MySurrey online portal and in-person MySurrey Hive provide 24/7 access to support, advice, wellbeing services, and academic guidance for all students.
The Surrey International Study Centre offers pathway programmes and pre-sessional English courses for international students who need additional preparation before starting their degree.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Surrey: Worldwide Rankings
University of Surrey: Worldwide Rankings
The University of Surrey consistently features in major global and national university rankings, with particular strengths in graduate employability, student satisfaction, and subject-specific areas such as hospitality, engineering, and business.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality and Tourism Management | QS World Rankings | Top 10 Globally |
| Electronic Engineering | Complete University Guide | Top 10 in UK |
| Computer Science | QS World Rankings | #184 |
| Petroleum Engineering | QS World Rankings | #13 |
Features
Surrey is ranked first in the UK for work placements (National University Employability Awards) and graduate employability (The Times and Sunday Times Complete University Guide). There are also plenty of opportunities to develop your professional skills outside of your core degree.
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 - June
Location
Stag Hill, University Campus, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
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