The “elite Eastender”, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) combines its Russell Group status with a deep-seated mission to improve lives through education. With nine Nobel laureates among its alumni and former staff, its research ranks 16th in the UK. Yet it is equally known for its trailblazing work on social mobility, making it a rare institution that excels in both academic league tables and social inclusion.Famous alumni include the Victorian philanthropist Thomas Barnardo and the novelists JG Ballard and Sarah Waters.Most of its living and learning happens on the biggest self-contained residential campus in the capital, located in Mile End. Students have London at their fingertips, with the hip enclaves of Brick Lane and Shoreditch nearby. A student hub should be up and running in mid-2027.
What is Queen Mary University of London’s reputation?
QMUL’s research standing is formidable. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 92 per cent of its submission was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent, with drama and film departments producing some of the best results, along with politics and international studies, engineering, economics and history. This academic power is reflected in its 35-place climb in the QS World University Rankings over the past two years.
Its historic 18th-century roots in London’s East End give it a distinctive focus on social justice. In the modern era, it was the first Russell Group university to deliver degree apprenticeships, a provision now rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted.
The latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023) awarded QMUL silver overall, praising its “very high rates of continuation and completion.” However, it received bronze for student experience, which aligns with its historically mixed results in the National Student Survey where it has tended to yo-yo up and down the lower reaches. In our analysis of NSS 2025, QMUL is 91= (down seven places) for satisfaction with the wider undergraduate experience but has gained ground on satisfaction with teaching quality (up nine places to 112th). A new digital interface that answers student inquiries round-the-clock may prove fruitful at lifting satisfaction ratings in future.
What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?
As part of a curriculum review, courses closing in 2025-26 include accounting and management and English language. New degrees beginning in 2025 reflect a focus on future technologies, including applied AI and an online degree in pharmacology and drug discovery.
What are Queen Mary University of London’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?
Standard offers range from A*AA to BBB at A-level. An excellent contextual offer scheme can reduce entry requirements by up to three grades for eligible students. Demand is high, with applications passing 42,000 for the first time in 2024, when more than a fifth (22 per cent) of new students were accepted through clearing.
What are the graduate prospects?
QMUL ranks in the top 50 for graduate prospects. Almost four in five graduates are in highly skilled work or further study 15 months after completion according to our analysis of the Graduate Prospects survey. This is supported by about 150 annual employer events and a "micro-internship" programme connecting students with London businesses. There is funding for full internships too, many of them with local organisations and small and medium enterprises.
What is Queen Mary University of London's campus like?
QMUL’s main campuses at Mile End and Whitechapel are complemented by sites at Charterhouse Square, West Smithfield and Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Recent investments include 500 new study spaces in the 24-hour library and Bloc, a new cinema and arts lab. The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in Whitechapel features the striking Neuron Pod, an award-winning science education centre. A new, canalside home for the School of Business and Management is due to open in 2027.
The refurbished Garrod building, also on the Whitechapel campus, provides students with a library and study spaces along with a multifaith centre, fitness studio and bookable areas for activities. The People’s Palace in Mile End is another part of the QMUL estate, where the art deco Great Hall has been restored to host events. There are QMUL campuses in Paris, Malta and China.
When can I visit?
qmul.ac.uk
Everything you need to know about Queen Mary University of London’s student life and wellbeing support
Culturally rich east London has a grittier cool to it than more central locations in the capital. The Qmotion sport and fitness centre on the Mile End campus offers more than 25 classes a week, and students have access to facilities at the nearby Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Music is also well supported with scholarships and student-led ensembles. In the People's Palace, there are bookable practice rooms equipped with pianos, drum kits and other musical equipment. Advice on housing, money, immigration concerns and emotional wellbeing is readily available. Wellbeing services have seen significant investment, offering everything from mindfulness workshops to counselling and one-to-one support from sexual assault and harassment advisers. It is one of the few universities to introduce mandatory training on sexual consent.
What do the students say?
“I chose Queen Mary because of its tight-knit, campus-based community. Everything is in one place where you feel a real sense of belonging. No matter your passion — whether it’s sports, art or machine learning — there’s a club, society or opportunity waiting for you, and you will find your people.”
Appadu, BSc Mathematics
What about student accommodation at Queen Mary University of London?
Accommodation is guaranteed either on or near campus to first-years who have a firm offer and apply by June 30.
How diverse and inclusive is Queen Mary University of London?
QMUL has the sixth-highest intake of students from black and minority ethnic backgrounds (77.1 per cent). Crucially, it also has the narrowest black awarding gap in England and Wales (minus 3 per cent), demonstrating its outstanding commitment to ensuring students from all backgrounds can succeed. Extensive outreach schemes help, such as Access to Queen Mary, an 18-month programme helping to prepare students for higher education, and Queen Mary Futures, four weeks of activities that introduce some of the university’s subjects. There is targeted information for families who are supporting their student in progressing to university, and travel bursaries for prospective applicants who receive free school meals.
Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at Queen Mary University of London
More than a third of undergraduates are expected to receive financial support, with the majority qualifying for the Queen Mary Bursary, worth up to £1,700 a year depending on household income.
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