When it comes to choosing the right university, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed – especially when you’re looking at options in London. It’s one of the most exciting and competitive cities for higher education in the world. 

With so many choices, you might wonder: Is City, University of London, a good fit for me? 

Well, spoiler alert: it could be just what you’re looking for, depending on your goals. 

City, University of London, stands out for its central location, career-focused courses and specialist programs like those at Bayes Business School. 

In this blog, we’ll explore City’s strengths, drawbacks and what makes it unique. We’ll cover everything from its reputation and rankings, to what student life at City is really like. So whether you’re drawn to its practical approach, diverse student community, city-centre location or career opportunities, you can decide if City deserves a spot on your UCAS list.

City University of London: Reputation and Rankings

Does City University have a good reputation?

Yes, City University of London has a strong reputation, especially in areas like business, healthcare, journalism and law. Its Bayes Business School is one of the top in the UK, ranking highly in business and finance league tables. What’s even more impressive is City’s focus on employability. Its courses give students practical, career-ready skills, meaning graduates stand out to employers.

So if you’re looking for a university that prioritises career prospects, offers a vibrant community and has a practical approach to learning, City University is worth considering.

Here are a few areas where City’s reputation stands out:

• Bayes Business School: Known for its world-class programmes in finance, management, and entrepreneurship.
• Healthcare programmes: Courses in Nursing, Optometry, and Radiography are highly respected, with an emphasis on practical, hands-on experience.
• Law and Journalism: These programmes are well-regarded for their strong industry connections and graduate prospects, giving students a professional edge.
• Diverse student body: City attracts students from all over the world, creating a rich and dynamic learning environment.
• Career-focused courses: City’s practical approach ensures students graduate with the skills and experience to succeed in their chosen fields.

In exciting news, City recently merged with St George’s, combining their strengths, particularly in healthcare education. St George’s is well-known for its expertise in Medicine, so now City students have even more opportunities and resources in these areas.

Is City a prestigious university?

City isn’t a “prestigious” university in the way that Imperial, UCL or King’s College London are. However, it’s highly respected in certain fields (especially business, healthcare, journalism and law) where its career-focused courses and industry connections stand out.

City’s reputation is built on preparing students for the workplace. Many of its programs are designed to lead directly into specific careers, and its strong ties with professional organisations make it a great choice for students with lucrative graduate jobs in mind.

So, is the City University of London prestigious? Yes. But in its own way. While City may not have the prestige of a Russell Group or Red Brick university, its practical approach to education gives it an edge for career-minded students.

Is City University Russell Group?

No, City University isn’t a Russell Group university. The Russell Group is a collection of 24 research-intensive universities in the UK. It includes institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, alongside London unis such as UCL, LSE and Imperial.

However, City’s Bayes Business School is ranked among the top in the country. It’s ranked in the top five in the country and 27th in Europe by the Financial Times. Its Journalism School ranks first in the UK for graduate prospects in media and communications (Sunday Times) and first overall for Journalism (The Guardian).

The university also has a solid reputation for research and teaching in specialised areas like healthcare and law. City’s “Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics” courses rank 5th in the UK, while the City Law School ranks 18th in the country for research output. Indeed, in the latest Research Excellence Framework, over 82% of City’s legal research was “internationally excellent” or “world leading”.

What are the disadvantages of City University?

While City has a lot to offer, there are a few downsides. One is its non-campus layout. Unlike traditional universities where everything is in one place, City’s facilities are spread across multiple locations in central London. City’s main site is Northampton Square in Clerkenwell, while the Bayes Business School is in Moorgate. Another challenge is the high cost of living in London, which can be a big adjustment.

You’ll get a true city-living experience but might miss out on the close-knit vibe of a campus. And if you love green spaces, City’s urban environment might feel concrete-heavy.

Pros

• A vibrant and diverse student body from all over the world.
• Endless opportunities to explore London’s culture, nightlife and career options.
• Career-focused courses that prepare you for the job market.
• Subject-specific specialisms in healthcare, law, journalism and business.

Cons

• You’ll need to travel between sites for some facilities.
• The urban environment lacks the green spaces of a traditional campus.
• London’s high living costs can be a challenge.
• Not as prestigious as other London unis like UCL, Imperial and LSE.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, city-centred environment, these disadvantages might not matter much. But they’re worth considering if you’re after a more relaxed, campus-style experience.

What rank is City University in the UK?

City University usually ranks around 40th in UK university league tables. While it may not dominate the overall rankings, we’ve seen how City excels in specific areas. For instance, the Bayes Business School and its Journalism, Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics courses all rank in the top five in the UK.

Here are City University’s current league table rankings:

• Sunday Times: 49th in the UK and 8th in London
• Complete University Guide: 39th in the UK and 7th in London
• The Guardian: 38th in the UK and 6th in London

To give some context, top London universities like Imperial, LSE and UCL rank in the top 10 in the UK. City sits comfortably in the mid-range, alongside unis like Queen Mary University and Royal Holloway.

Which university is ranked #1 in London?

If you’re curious about the top university in London, it’s currently the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Known for its focus on economics, politics, and social sciences, LSE consistently leads the rankings thanks to its academic excellence, cutting-edge research and strong global reputation.

So, what makes LSE such a big deal? 

For starters, it’s right in the heart of London, giving students easy access to internships, networking events and career opportunities with top organisations. The university’s world-class facilities, like its renowned library (a dream for anyone diving into social sciences), and its diverse, international community are other major draws. Plus, it has a knack for producing graduates who land highly-paid jobs in government, finance and NGOs.

City University of London: Competition and Admissions

Is City Uni of London competitive?

Yes, City University of London is competitive, especially for its most sought-after programs like those at Bayes Business School and its healthcare courses. While it doesn’t have the ultra-high application numbers of universities like UCL or Imperial, it still attracts thousands of students each year.

What’s the acceptance rate for City University UK?

City doesn’t publish their exact acceptance rate. But you’ll likely face an acceptance rate somewhere between 12% and 55%. 

The level of competition depends on the course. For example:

• Bayes Business School sees strong competition, particularly for courses like Finance, Business Management and Marketing. These programs are well-ranked globally and have ties to leading companies in London and beyond.
• Healthcare programs, including Nursing, Medicine and Radiography, are also popular due to their excellent employment rates and placements in some of London’s top hospitals.
• Less competitive courses: Programs like Sociology, English Literature, Creative Arts or Media Studies face less competition – resulting in higher acceptance rates.

City’s practical focus and strong employability track record make it a popular choice, so it’s important to submit a strong personal statement and aim for the best grades you can.

Is City University hard to get into?

City University London can be challenging to get into, depending on the course. For example, Bayes Business School often looks for applicants with A Level grades of AAB or higher. Other courses, like those in the arts or humanities, have lower grade requirements. For instance, BCC could secure a place on City’s “English with Creative Writing” degree. Even so, they still expect a strong personal statement showing your experience and passion for the subject area. 

Here’s a snapshot of City University’s grade requirements:

• Accounting and Finance: AAA
• Business Analytics with Finance: AAA – including Maths
• Medicine: AAA – including Chemistry and Biology
• Law: AAB
• Journalism BA Hons: ABB
• English with Creative Writing: BCC
• Professional Dance and Musical Theatre: CDD

For healthcare courses like Nursing, Midwifery or Optometry, relevant work experience is an added bonus.

The good news? While City is selective, it’s less competitive than institutions like UCL or Imperial. With good grades, a clear motivation for your chosen course and relevant extracurricular activities or work experience, you stand a good chance of securing a place.

Wondering about the difference between BA Hons and BSc Hons degrees? We’ve got you covered with our in-depth guides.

What’s the easiest London university to get into?

If you’re looking for a university in London with less intense entry requirements, there are plenty of great options. These easiest universities and degree courses to get into have higher acceptance rates, meaning less competition. But they still offer a solid education with the perks of being in the capital.

Here are a few to consider:

• London South Bank University (LSBU): LSBU focuses on giving students practical, job-ready skills. So it’s a great choice if you’re aiming to head straight into the workforce. With an 83% acceptance rate and a UK ranking of 114, it’s also pretty accessible.
• University of Westminster: Spread across some of the best parts of London, Westminster combines great locations with strong programs in creative fields like media and design. While slightly more competitive with a 59% acceptance rate and a UK ranking of 118, it still provides an accessible option compared with top-tier London universities.
• University of East London (UEL): Situated in the vibrant East End, UEL is popular with students interested in creative industries, business and social sciences. With a modern campus and an inclusive vibe, it welcomes about 75% of applicants with a UK ranking of 125.
• London Metropolitan University: London Met is all about flexibility, offering a diverse range of courses and a student-friendly atmosphere. Its central location makes it ideal for city life. With a 74% acceptance rate and a UK ranking of 127, it’s a strong contender for accessible entry requirements.

Is City University London the same as UCL?

No, City University of London and University College London (UCL) aren’t the same – in fact, they’re quite different! UCL is part of the prestigious Russell Group, so it’s known for its top-tier academic reputation, cutting-edge research, and variety of courses across science, arts, and humanities. If you’re looking for a university that’s all about research and traditional academics, UCL is where you want to be.

On the other hand, City University of London has a more practical, career-focused approach. It’s strong in business, healthcare, journalism and law, offering courses that prepare students for the real world. While both universities are located in London, they each cater to different needs – UCL for those who want to dive into research and academia, and City for specialised training helping students kick-start their careers.

Ready to take the next step in your university journey?

Applying to universities like City, University of London, can feel like a big challenge. But with the right support, you’ve got everything it takes to shine. Whether it’s crafting a standout personal statement, fine-tuning your revision strategy, or getting 1-1 guidance for exams, we’re here to help you succeed.

Our expert academic life coaching, tailored university application support and study skills coaching will give you the confidence to reach your goals. So let’s find the university that’s perfect for you! Reach out today and unlock your full potential.