Choosing the right university is a pivotal moment in any student’s life. It’s an exciting time, but one that’s full of questions and uncertainty. It’s completely new after all!

In this comprehensive and no-nonsense guide, we invite you to explore the University of Surrey – a vibrant institution with a global outlook. We’ll answer all the most commonly asked questions from how prestigious Surrey is, to entry requirements, Russell Group membership and specialist subjects.

From its picturesque campus to impressive results, let’s delve into the factors making the University of Surrey unique – so you can decide whether it’s right for your academic journey.

The University of Surrey: A brief introduction

Welcome to the University of Surrey, where a diverse community of more than 16,000 students from 140 countries converges on a leafy campus in Guildford. 

Surrounded by picturesque countryside (with the bustling metropolis of London just 30 minutes to the east), Surrey provides an ideal environment for academic and personal growth.

The university’s history, rooted in a commitment to global education, sets the stage for an enriching student experience. Surrey was officially established in 1966, but its roots go way back to nineteenth century London. The University traces its beginnings to Battersea Polytechnic Institute (founded 1891) which focused on science and technology.

Surrey University moved to Guildford in the early 1960s. Opened by the Duke of Kent in 1985, the renowned Surrey Research Park followed. Home to over 270 businesses and research facilities (generating 10% of Guildford’s income), it’s a hub of scientific and tech excellence that partners closely with the university. 

In the years since, the University has invested millions in a new Surrey Sports Park, Ivy Arts Centre and School of Veterinary Medicine (to name just a few projects) as well as a brand new campus at Manor Park 

Is the University of Surrey good?

In short, yes. The University of Surrey is an excellent place to study. Named “University of the Year” by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2016, it has since maintained its high academic standards and strong reputation. Surrey ranks particularly highly for both graduate employability and student satisfaction.

Let’s delve into the details.

Now, what makes a uni “good” will be different for everyone. But it’s probably going to be down to whether you enjoy your time there – and whether your degree helps you get a good job.

So, in the latest National Student Survey, Surrey ranks 4th in the UK for overall student satisfaction. It boasts a “positivity” score of 85.3% – showing its students genuinely love their uni experience.

As well as a great time during their degrees, Surrey students also look forward to some pretty impressive career prospects. In the most recent Graduate Outcomes Survey, 95% went straight to work or higher education. It ranks 2nd in the South East for graduates in “high skilled” jobs and 12th overall in the UK. Not bad at all.

What’s more, the university’s career service was voted best in the country by the 2022 National Undergraduate Employability Awards. Their professional training placements (pioneered since the university’s inception) are particularly successful at getting graduates into great jobs.

Is the University of Surrey prestigious?

So aside from student satisfaction and career prospects, how does Surrey fare in the league tables?

You’ll be pleased to hear that Surrey consistently performs well in national and international rankings. It recently moved up to 21st in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. This is arguably the most prestigious national league table, ranking universities on graduate prospects, research quality, entry standards and student satisfaction.

But if that wasn’t enough, Surrey also ranks 13th in the Complete University Guide and 21st in the Guardian’s University League Table.

Further afield, Surrey’s research impact ranks 46th globally in the The University Impact Rankings 2023. It also witnessed a dramatic ascent in the QS World University Rankings 2024, rising 61 places, securing a spot in the top 250 universities worldwide (ranked 244th).

Prestige and global recognition? Check.

But what about its reputation for teaching and subject specialisms?

Does the University of Surrey have a good reputation?

We’ve seen that overall, yes, Surrey has a great reputation. But you’re probably more interested in its reputation for your specific subject.

Surrey provides almost 100 different undergraduate degrees. So it’s worthwhile exploring the full list of courses on their website. Here, you’ll find information on student satisfaction, facilities and course content.

But of these, seven subjects make it into The Complete University Guide’s top ten.

This includes:

• Tourism, Transport, Travel and Heritage Studies
• Paramedic Science
• Information Technology and Systems
• Food Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Manufacturing and Production Engineering
• Iberian Languages

In fact, Surrey ranks number one in the country for Paramedic Science, Tourism and Information Technology. If you’re looking for a uni with a great reputation in these subjects, you really can’t do better.

Surrey ranks third for Food Science, fourth for Veterinary Medicine and seventh for both Iberian Languages and Manufacturing and Production Engineering.

So, thinking of applying?

Is the University of Surrey hard to get into?

The University of Surrey has a thorough admissions process, with high entry standards for its courses. It’s not one of the most difficult unis to get into, but the grades you’ll need depend on the subject you’re applying for.

For instance, Veterinary Medicine and Science asks for AAA at A Level. Two of these subjects must be Biology and Chemistry.

For Politics and English Literature, you’ll need BBB while Mathematics entry requirements are ABB with an A in Maths. For an Acting or Applied and Contemporary Theatre degree, offers usually just ask for CCC at A Level.

So as you can see, requirements vary massively depending on your course. Given the university’s prestige and reputation though, you’ll probably need at least the minimum academic requirements for entry.

In good news, the University of Surrey accepts a wide range of qualifications (not just A Levels!) for their courses. This includes BTECs and International Baccalaureate. You can find all the relevant info on their individual course pages.

What is the University of Surrey known for?

The University of Surrey is a global community dedicated to life-changing education and research. It’s one of the few universities that has an equally strong reputation for humanities, sports and the sciences.

The university boasts a £36 million Sports Park. It’s home to over 40 sports clubs, a 120-station gym and an Olympic-size swimming pool – a perfect setting for Sports and Exercise Science students.

With Surrey’s cutting-edge Research Park, they are also particularly known for scientific, engineering and manufacturing degrees. Surrey offer several “niche” engineering courses such as Petroleum and Chemical Engineering and Astronautics and Space Engineering.

If the creative arts are more your thing, the university is further celebrated for its broad range of drama degrees. Surrey merged with the Guildford School of Acting in 2009 and provides a wide array of courses including Actor-Musician, Creative Music Technology and Theatre Production. 

Finally, the county of Surrey is also known for inspiring some of England’s most influential writers! It boasts historical ties to literary greats such as Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle and E.M. Forster. Following in such illustrious footsteps, it’s perhaps no surprise that English Literature at Surrey ranks top five in the country for student satisfaction. 

Is Surrey University a Russell Group member?

No, the University of Surrey isn’t a member of the Russell Group.

For those who don’t know, the Russell Group is a club of 24 leading UK universities, priding themselves on high academic and research standards.

Surrey also left the 1994 Group (similar to the Russell Group but for smaller research universities) in 2012, citing a changing higher education landscape.

While membership of these prestigious groups is no doubt impressive, it isn’t the only measure of academic success. Many universities choose not to join the group, preferring to prioritise high-quality teaching and links with industry rather than a strict research focus. 

Given Surrey’s continued high rankings in student satisfaction and graduate employability, it’s a decision that’s clearly paid dividends.

Are you applying to the University of Surrey?

If you’re thinking about university, get in touch for help with your applications. Whether you’re looking for guidance on A Level exam and study skills, university applications and personal statements, or just some advice – our academic coaches are here for you. Take the next steps on your academic journey today.