A venerable university in an iconic city, the University of Liverpool has always had a lot to recommend it. Now it adds soaring student satisfaction to its list of attractions. In our new National Student Survey analysis, Liverpool has jumped into the UK top 10 for student experience — a remarkable turnaround from joint 100th only two years ago. The main campus is about five minutes on foot from the city centre, putting students at the heart of Liverpool’s legendary culture, nightlife and sport. Beyond Merseyside, Liverpool’s global reach allows students on most courses opportunities to study abroad at one of more than 100 partner institutions — from America to South Korea.
What is the University of Liverpool’s reputation?
Liverpool claims to be the original “redbrick” university, a term derived from the gothic terracotta detail of its Victoria Building, opened in 1892, grouping together a new tier of 19th-century civic universities.
Impressive results in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) triggered a 16-place rise in our research quality index for Liverpool to 24th, with 91 per cent of its work rated world-leading or internationally excellent, led by veterinary science, chemistry, psychology and modern languages. The Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research launched in 2024.
Liverpool was upgraded to gold overall in the government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), and also rated gold for student outcomes, with silver for the student experience. Assessors praised the university’s research and industry connections, which “are used to contribute to an outstanding academic experience for students”.
What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses have been introduced?
Liverpool has introduced graduate entry law from 2025, and will add a year in industry to its economics degrees from 2026.
What are the University of Liverpool’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?
Standard undergraduate degrees ask for up to AAA at A-level, with foundation options available. Contextual offers, received by about 10 per cent of new entrants in 2024, can reduce the standard grade requirements by up to two A-level grades for eligible students. The university is highly popular, receiving more than 43,000 applications and accepting its largest-ever intake of more than 7,300 new undergraduates in 2024.
What are the graduate prospects?
A top 30 ranking in our analysis of the Graduate Outcomes survey — based on leavers in highly skilled jobs or further study 15 months — is powered by strong industry links with leading employers such as AstraZeneca, Unilever and Airbus. There are also taster sessions, such as hackathons, guest lectures and work experience. The university offers students paid internships, work experience and long-term schemes to ease pathways into competitive professions. The Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise, which opened in 2024, provides co-working spaces and a podcast studio to help student entrepreneurs develop their ventures.
What is the University of Liverpool campus like?
Most teaching takes place at the main city Knowledge Quarter campus. Modern university facilities include the £12.7 million Digital Innovation Facility (DIF), which opened in 2022, bringing together computer science, robotics and engineering research.
Recent campus improvements have revamped the Walker, Brunner and Gossage lecture theatres. A gaming suite has been added in the Rendall Building and two new computer suites have been introduced. Teaching spaces for subjects from veterinary science to languages have been improved.
The Tung auditorium, Liverpool’s teaching and performance centre, opened in 2021, with space for a 70-piece orchestra and an audience of 400 people.
University Square, the gateway to Liverpool’s campus, has been redeveloped to be more open and inclusive. A colourful installation — part of the nationwide Neurodiversity Umbrella Project co-ordinated by the ADHD Foundation — underlines the point outside the Foundation Building, the headquarters for student services and careers advice.
An extension to the School of Architecture is due to complete in spring 2026, adding 2,000 sq m of technology-enabled suites, collaborative workspaces and exhibition and teaching areas.
Liverpool’s veterinary students have a second campus, Leahurst, 12 miles south of the city in rural Cheshire.
A third campus is in Suzhou Industrial Park in China.
When can I visit?
liverpool.ac.uk
Everything you need to know about the University of Liverpool’s student life and wellbeing support
Liverpool is one of Britain’s friendliest cities and its nightlife is up there with the best the UK can offer, from cosy pubs to warehouse raves. Culture takes centre stage, as well as the Tung auditorium there is Mountford Hall, where artists such as Sam Fender and the 1975 have performed. There are two university museums, the Victoria Gallery and Museum and the Garstang. The Liverpool Literary Festival is an annual three-day event on campus and events such as Feel Good Friday also help to bring students together.
Students have access to a 25m pool, two sports halls, a bouldering wall and spin studios. An outdoor gym, half basketball court and 100m running track are free to use. Off campus, the Wyncote Sports Ground has ten pitches for football and rugby.
Therapeutic services for mental health range from single-session to longer-term counselling, and art therapy. A 24-hour confidential phoneline, operated by counsellors, takes calls from those trying to cope with stress, debt, education pressures and relationships.
What do the students say?
“I was drawn to the university because of the strong academic reputation and the inclusive and supportive environment. The city is wonderful and there is so much room for my personal growth and development here.”
Lily-Ella, marketing
What about student accommodation in the University of Liverpool?
A place in university halls is guaranteed for all first-year students — including those who come through clearing or as an insurance choice — provided they apply by the deadline.
How diverse and inclusive is the University of Liverpool?
Liverpool is 104th overall and the university runs an extensive range of outreach activities. The Liverpool Scholars programme, for example, supports students from underrepresented backgrounds and can lead to a reduced A-level offer.
Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at the University of Liverpool
More than a quarter of UK undergraduates receive financial support. The Liverpool Bursary offers up to £2,000 per year for students from households with an income up to £35,000. Further support is available for care leavers, mature students, and young adult carers, including a 10 per cent discount on accommodation.
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