Are you applying to Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and wondering what it takes to secure a place? 

Well look no further.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the admissions process, acceptance rate, qualifications needed, as well as the reputation and rankings of Queen Mary University of London. 

Whether you’re a prospective student hoping to join QMUL’s diverse and vibrant community or a parent seeking insights into the university’s academic standards, here’s the information you need to navigate admissions at QMUL.

QMUL Admissions

What is the acceptance rate of Queen Mary University of London?

In the latest UCAS admissions data (going up to 2022), Queen Mary University of London received 41,820 applications for 5,575 places. This gives an acceptance rate of 13%, making QMUL an extremely competitive institution to secure a place. The amount of applications is also rising each year, jumping from 32,155 in 2018.

It’s important to note that acceptance rates vary depending on factors such as the program of study, applicant pool and admissions criteria. 

Generally speaking, the higher ranked a particular course, the more competition there will be. 

For instance, QMUL is ranked in the top ten for Materials Technology degrees (coming fourth in the whole country, only behind Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial) which means you’ll have to secure top A Level grades to stand out from the crowd.

Is Queen Mary London hard to get into?

Securing a place at Queen Mary University of London can be challenging due to the institution’s high academic standards and competitive admissions process. 

You’ll need to aim for the best A Level grades possible and make sure your personal statement is in tip-top shape. It’s important to not only demonstrate your academic abilities, but also your potential to contribute to the strong QMUL community through extracurricular activities and personal achievements.

The grades QMUL ask for differ depending on your course of study, the number of applicants, your circumstances and UCAS application. But to give you an idea, here are some standard entry requirements for QMUL courses.

• Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons): AAA
• Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons): AAB
• Comparative Literature BA Hons: BBB
• Geography BA (Hons): ABB
• Medicine (MBBS): A*AA

Thinking about other universities in London? Don’t miss our complete list of universities in the capital.

What rank is Queen Mary University in the UK?

Queen Mary University of London consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK for its academic excellence and research output. 

While specific rankings vary depending on the league table you look at, QMUL sits in the best 100 universities in the country for the Complete University Guide, Guardian University Guide and Times Higher Education Guide.

Here is Queen Mary University of London’s 2024 league table rankings.

• Complete University Guide: 53rd
• Guardian University Guide: 73rd
• Times Good University Guide: 46th

QMUL Entry Requirements

What GCSE do you need for QMUL?

As specified in Queen Mary’s general admissions information for undergraduate degrees, all applicants have to meet their minimum standards for GCSE English and Maths.

For UK applicants who’ve sat GCSEs, you’ll need a minimum of a 4 (equivalent to a grade C) in GCSE English Language. You’ll also need a 5 (equivalent to a grade B) in GCSE Maths.

They also accept a grade C in Core Maths to meet the standard 5/B requirement.

Remember, these are just the minimum standards you need to meet to be eligible for a place at QMUL. For competitive courses, you’ll need a strong academic background at both GCSE and A Level.

What A Levels do you need for Queen Mary University of London?

A Level requirements for admission to QMUL will vary depending on your chosen program. So check your degree page in the first instance, for information on specific grades and entry requirements.

As a rule of thumb though, most QMUL courses ask for a mixture of As and Bs at A Level.

Entrance requirements are normally based on three A Levels. 

For a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering degree at Queen Mary, standard grades are AAB. For Masters programmes, you’ll probably need AAA or AAB (including A Level Maths or Computer Science).

In addition to these general requirements, QMUL might also ask for specific grades in particular A Level subjects. They give more information about subject combinations on their website.

Although QMUL offers these guidelines on A Level grades, they stress these requirements aren’t definitive. If they think you’re “adequately prepared” for their degree programmes, you might receive an offer even if your A Levels (or equivalent qualifications like BTECs) don’t exactly match QMUL’s recommendations.

Does Queen Mary give unconditional offers?

While Queen Mary University of London may occasionally offer unconditional offers to exceptional candidates, the majority of offers are conditional on meeting specific academic requirements. 

Meeting or exceeding the conditions outlined in your offer is essential for securing admission to QMUL.

If you do have an unconditional offer, it’s likely you’ve already met the entry requirements for your course. This is more common for mature students or postgraduate degrees.

QMUL Reputation and Rankings

Is Queen Mary London prestigious?

Queen Mary University of London is widely regarded as a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence, research prowess and commitment to diversity and inclusivity. 

According to the QS World University Rankings, Queen Mary ranks 145th internationally. The university’s global reputation attracts students and scholars from around the world, contributing to its esteemed status in the academic community.

Is Queen Mary University part of the Russell Group?

Yes, Queen Mary University of London is a member of the Russell Group.

As such, QMUL is recognised as one of the UK’s top research-intensive institutions. It’s ranked 14th in the world for research quality and 5th in the UK.

But what exactly is the Russell Group? 

Well, membership in this exclusive club is reserved for the most elite universities in the UK. There are only 24 members (including Oxford, Cambridge and other London universities like UCL), and these institutions all prioritise the highest standards of teaching and research.

To find out more about the Russell Group, read our guide to Russell Group universities (and whether they’re really better than their non-Russell Group counterparts) as well as the best non-Russell Group universities in the UK.

What does Queen Mary specialise in?

Queen Mary University of London offers a massive array of courses across a whole range of disciplines including the arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering and medicine. The university has around 27,000 students studying over 200 degree programmes.

Within this extensive offering, the university ranks particularly highly for Materials Technology.

QMUL is also known for its specialism in Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences. It’s a major centre for medical research and teaching, as a leading member of UCL Partners – the world’s largest academic health science centre.

Just some of QMUL’s recent medical research breakthroughs include an HPV vaccine for use in preventing cervical cancer and gene research providing better health outcomes for British Bangladeshi and Pakistani people.

What is Queen Mary University of London best known for?

If there’s one thing QMUL is best known for, it’s a diverse and inclusive student body.

We’ve seen the university is known for its fantastic research and academic specialisms in Medicine and Materials Technology. But QMUL also has an amazing commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment with students from all over the world.

The university describes itself as a place “that opens the doors of opportunity to anyone with the potential to succeed.” Indeed, QMUL hosts students from over 170 countries on its London campuses alone.

According to the Times Good University Guide, 77% of QMUL students are from black or ethnic minority backgrounds – the highest percentage of any Russell Group university. 

The university was also awarded an Athena Swan Silver Award in 2017 (renewed in 2022) in recognition of QMUL’s efforts in promoting gender equality and diversity.

Are you applying to university in London?

Looking to apply to one of London’s top universities? Reach out to our Academic Coaching team for help with your application. 

With a successful history of guiding students into prestigious institutions like Imperial College, UCL, LSE and Queen Mary University of London, we offer assistance with study techniques and exam strategy, UCAS applications and crafting personal statements, as well as academic life coaching for these pivotal decisions.