If the University of Nottingham vs Nottingham Trent University is a choice you’re considering, then this is where we break it all down. Often these are choices for students looking at England as their study destination. UoN and NTU are prominent institutions in Nottingham, England, with unique strengths and experiences for students. We look at several aspects of these prestigious institutions.
This comparison between Nottingham University and Nottingham Trent will highlight the differences and similarities in financial aspects, career aspects, and campus and student experience, allowing prospective students and parents to make informed choices.
First, many ask a basic question – is Nottingham Trent the same as Nottingham University? The answer is no. They are not the same.
Overview of the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University
The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University are well-known institutions in the United Kingdom. Both have distinguishable characteristics and serve different educational needs. UoN, ranking 108th globally, offers a more traditional setup to students and is regarded for its research output and solid international presence. On the contrary, NTU places more emphasis on creative disciplines with practical and industry-aligned programs. Keep reading to find out more about these two universities.
Brief History and Background
University of Nottingham
Established in 1881, UoN has grown from a small college to a reputable global university with campuses in the United Kingdom, China, and Malaysia. The university, a member of the prestigious Russell Group, is recognised for its dedication to research and innovation. The University of Nottingham is well-known for its extensive arts, sciences, engineering, and social science programs.
UoN consistently ranks high in various international university rankings, making it one of the most popular choices for students worldwide. It ranks 108th in the world and 18th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Its picturesque main campus in the suburbs combines historic and modern architecture, reflecting its long history of academic excellence.
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University was founded in 1843 as the Nottingham Government School of Public Design and grew to get its university status in 1992. NTU quickly established itself as one of the UK’s leading universities. With a diverse student body of around 40,000, NTU is well-known for its creative courses, such as fashion design and graphic communication, as well as business and law programmes.
The university ranks 592nd in the world (QS WUR 2025) and 45th in the country (Complete University Guide 2025). It primarily focuses on providing students with hands-on experience through solid industry connections and partnerships. It is a popular choice for those looking to increase their employability after graduation.
Key Statistics and Rankings
The table below highlights the fundamental statistics and other metrics of both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
| Category | University of Nottingham | Nottingham Trent University |
| Campus | Suburban | Urban |
| Nickname | UoN | NTU |
| QS World University Rank 2025 | 108 | 592 |
| Complete University Guide UK Rank 2025 | 30 | 45 |
| Undergraduate Student Body | 28,585 | Around 32,700 |
| Graduate Student Body | 9,300 | 8,000+ |
| % of International Enrollment | 24% | 13% |
| International Acceptance Rate (Unofficial) | ~ 11% | ~ 22% |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 15.7 | 15.1 |
| Number of Undergraduate Programs | 260+ | 200+ |
| Number of Graduate Programs | 300+ | 180+ |
| Number of Athletic Teams | 70+ clubs | 60+ clubs |
| Number of Clubs and Student Organisations | 300+ | 100+ |
| Colours | Nottingham Blue | Pink, Black and White |
University of Nottingham vs Nottingham Trent University: Academic Comparison
The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University offer a wide range of programs catering to different interests and career aspirations. While Nottingham University focuses more on traditional academic disciplines and research excellence, Nottingham Trent emphasises practical skills and employability.
In this section of the article, we will compare UoN and NTU in-depth, analysing their undergraduate and graduate courses, choices and flexibility, ranking, degrees and class sizes, academic calendars, research facilities, and budgets, all of which can be important when deciding between the two universities.
Undergraduate Programs
Program Options and Focus Areas:
While both are world-class leading universities, their academic scopes and offerings differ significantly. The Uni of Nottingham offers approximately 260 undergraduate programs across various disciplines. UoN places a strong emphasis on research-based training, with key strengths in medicine, engineering, and the humanities. On the other hand, Nottingham Trent University has approximately 200 undergraduate programs. The primary focus of NTU is industry/ vocational training, particularly in business, law, psychology, and design.
Degrees Offered:
While both universities offer bachelor’s and bachelor’s honours degrees, one of the key differences is that Nottingham Trent also has a number of diplomas (both full-time and part-time) and part-time certificate courses to choose from.
Standardised Test Scores and Other Admission Criteria: The biggest advantage for students applying to study in the United Kingdom is the University and Colleges Admission Services (UCAS). An undergraduate student applying to study in any UK university can apply to up to five universities with a single application through UCAS.
The entry requirements for admission to most universities are GCSE (UK High School) scores, A levels, or IB Scores.
In comparing admission criteria for UoN vs NTU, we note that UoN requires high-level A-level grades(AAA-AAB) and considers the scores of standardised tests like the ACT and SAT for international students. On the other hand, Nottingham Trent University generally has lower entry requirements, usually around BBC or equivalent, making it accessible to a broad range of students. Standardised test scores are acceptable for international students at NTU as well.
Curriculum:
Contrary to the USA, universities in the United Kingdom do not have a mandatory general education or a core curriculum component at the undergraduate level. The idea behind this is that applicants have a basic, functional understanding of the foundations before entering university. If unprepared, students typically apply to a foundation year before applying for a 3-year bachelor’s degree in the United Kingdom.
When it comes to subject curricula, students at the University of Nottingham are exposed to a more diverse curriculum that balances core and elective subjects, promoting interdisciplinary and research-oriented learning. Conversely, NTU provides the students with a more flexible curriculum, usually including work placements or practical projects, enhancing employability.
Class Size:
Class size can significantly differ across departments at both universities. UoN ranges between 15-30 students for undergraduate courses, whereas NTU classes are smaller, with about 10-20 students, allowing for more personal attention.
Top Majors:
Students considering UoN or NTU as their study destination have varied options at their undergraduate level. The table below highlights the various fields offered by both the universities. Detailed course names and their codes under these fields can be found on the university website.
| University of Nottingham | Nottingham Trent University |
|
|
Graduate Programs
Graduate Program Options: Students applying for a Master’s Degree at either the University of Nottingham or Nottingham Trent University should note three essential points.
- Master’s courses in the UK last one year, unlike the two-year programs elsewhere.
- Before filing applications, students must check if their courses are taught master’s or research master’s courses. As their nomenclature suggests, the classes taught primarily consist of coursework, lectures, and minimal research work. Contrary to this, a Research master’s will emphasise research work with a single project and minimal coursework. Research Master’s programs can be considered as Mini PhD’s.
- In addition to the typical master’s programs, NTU also has a number of professional and practitioner level postgraduate degrees that will allow you to be experts in particular roles in the industry.
UoN provides around 300+ graduate programs with stringent research components and an increased focus on academic rigour, while NTU offers about 180 graduate programs that emphasise practical skills and industry relevance more.
College Admissions:
Securing admission at the graduate level in either the University of Nottingham or the Nottingham Trent University can be competitive. The acceptance percentage is more relevant to undergraduate students, while at the graduate level, these figures can differ across departments.
The general criteria for the Master’s program for both universities have been detailed out below:
- An upper second-class honours degree from a recognised university,
- Personal essays, letters of recommendation, audition tapes and portfolios (if required)
- Standardised English language tests are mandatory for international students.
- Standardised graduate tests (GMAT/ GRE scores) are required for some programs, especially when applying for business and management-related programs in both universities.
Admission requirements for UoN generally require an undergraduate degree with a strong GPA, whereas those for NTU are more flexible. Work experience and academic qualifications are also given equal importance.
Top Graduate Programs:
| University of Nottingham | Nottingham Trent University |
|
|
Overall and Subject Rankings
| University of Nottingham | Nottingham Trent University | |
| US News Global Rank 2024 – 2025 | 142 | 612 |
| Times Higher Education WUR 2025 | 136 | 601 – 800 |
| QS WUR 2025 | 108 | 592 |
| Guardian League Table 2025 | 61 | 49 |
| Global Subject Ranking (Source: QS Subject Rank 2024) | |
| Nottingham | Nottingham Trent |
|
|
When analysing the rankings, it is essential to note that while the University of Nottingham generally ranks higher, Nottingham Trent University strongly emphasises employability and vocational training, which can benefit students. Rankings can be valuable for assessing a university’s reputation, but other factors should be considered when making decisions.
Constituent Schools
The University of Nottingham is divided into five faculties with 41 departments.
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Social Sciences (also includes the Nottingham University Business School)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
The main Nottingham Trent University campus has 8 academic schools that are further divided into departments.
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences
- School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
- School of Arts and Humanities
- Nottingham Business School
- Nottingham Law School
- Nottingham School of Art and Design
- School of Social Sciences
- School of Science and Technology
In addition, NTU also has specialist campuses in Mansfield and London that provide alternative routes into higher education for students in the local area.
Note: It is common to confuse the b-schools of the two universities. At the University of Nottingham, it is called the Nottingham University Business School. At NTU, it is simply the Nottingham Business School.
Research Opportunities
The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University are both public universities that place equal emphasis on research but cater to wholly different academic environments.
The University of Nottingham boasts a well-established research infrastructure and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of Institutions that are known for their research power. The Institute of Mental Health and the Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre are some of its key facilities. Undergraduate students frequently participate in research projects and are mentored by faculty, which helps to foster a thriving research environment.
Nottingham Trent University has a smaller research budget and focuses primarily on applied research that meets industry needs. It houses research institutes like the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism and Business in Society. Students conduct research regularly as part of their coursework, gaining practical experience. Even though NTU is not part of the Russell Group, the university is considered a high-performing research institution.
Key Dates for Application
Prospective students can refer to the table below for the key application dates for UoN and NTU. The information provided here is more specific for undergraduate students for the fall semester. Details should also be cross-checked on the official website.
| Important Dates | UoN | NTU |
| UCAS Applications Opens | September 2024 | September 2024 |
| UCAS Application Deadline | End of January 2025 | 29 January 2025 |
| Course Begins | September 2025 | September 2025 |
| Master’s Application Deadline | August 2025 | No fixed deadline |
| Decision Posted in | 3 – 6 weeks | In about 3 weeks |
| Deadline to accept the offer of admission | Typically, within 6 weeks of receiving the offer, or as mentioned in the offer | Typically, within 8 weeks |
| Average Undergrad Acceptance Rate for international students | ~ 11% | ~ 22% |
Some important points to be considered when applying to Nottingham Trent or Nottingham:
- Unlike American universities, most UK universities do not have Early Action or Early Admission Decision pathways.
- While most universities accept master’s applications as long as seats are available, applications typically open in October of the previous year and it is recommended that you apply at the earliest, especially if you require a student visa.
- All undergraduate applications for both UoN and NTU go through University and Colleges Admissions Services or UCAS. The advantage is that you can apply for up to five colleges with just one application. The application fee is about £30.
- There is no common application portal for graduate-level applications. They can be submitted directly from the university/ department websites.
- Courses like nursing, dentistry and medicine can have deadlines as early as October of the previous year.
Academic Calendar
Like other English universities, UoN and NTU also divide the academic year according to the trimester system. The autumn term lasts from October to December, the Spring Term lasts from January to March, and the Summer Term lasts from April to June.
University of Nottingham Vs Nottingham Trent University: Campus Life and Environment
Besides academics, the nature of the campus, student life, accommodation, all play a role when it comes to choosing between Nottingham Trent vs Nottingham. Let us take a look at some of the other factors that can make a prospective student prefer one university over the other.
When it comes to the university location, there isn’t much to compare, since the main campuses of both the schools are located in the city of Nottingham, a city located about 50 miles from Birmingham, 100 miles south from Manchester, and about 120 miles from London. Known for its nightlife, Nottingham is a vibrant city with about 50,000 students. Nottingham is also considered one of the safest cities in the UK.
Campus size and amenities
University of Nottingham (UoN): The main campus of the University of Nottingham is 300 acres, offering students an expansive and picturesque environment. The university also has cutting-edge labs for science students, art studies for creative disciplines, and specially designated areas for business students.
Here is a list of UoN Campuses –
- Jubilee Campus
- King’s Meadow
- Medical School
- Sutton Bonington Campus
- University Park Campus
- UoN also has campuses in China and Malaysia.
All facilities on campus ensure that the students have all the required resources to excel in academic and extracurricular ventures. UoN boasts a vibrant and engaging campus with over 150 clubs and societies that include sports, cultural, and educational interests. Various events for all faculties and departments are conducted yearly, promoting community and inclusivity.
Nottingham Trent University (NTU): Compared to UoN, the campus at NTU is more compact, spread across 156 acres, but equally vibrant. Despite its small size, the campus is well-equipped and has modern facilities. It includes contemporary teaching spaces with designated spaces for design studios and sports centres.
The university campuses include –
- City Campus
- Clifton Campus
- Brackenhurst Campus
- London Campus
- Mansfield hub
There is a strong emphasis on practical education at Nottingham Trent University, particularly for the creative disciplines, which is reflected throughout the campus as well. With over 200 clubs from all the departments, the community at NTU is very active, focusing on creative arts, sports, and social activism. The university organises numerous events, such as Freshers’ Week and various workshops, providing students with abundant opportunities for involvement and engagement outside their studies.
Housing and Accommodation
UofN has over 30 residence halls to choose from, offering a range of options from studio apartments to shared living spaces. You also have the option of choosing between catered halls or those with self-catering options. Some of them are located on campus, while some are located outside of the university campus, but they have easy access. The rents range from £150 to £250 per week, depending on your choice of room. The university typically allocates rooms on a first-come, first-served basis and is therefore recommended to apply at the earliest.
At NTU, the accommodation booking process begins as early as February 2025 for the academic year that begins in September 2025. The university has 48 residence halls to choose from across its campuses, and the rents typically range between £150 – £300 per week.
Nottingham University vs Nottingham Trent: Financial Aspects
University of Nottingham (UoN): Prospective students should understand the University of Nottingham’s financial commitment. Tuition fees for international students at UoN range from £23,000 to £40,000 annually, depending on the program of study. In addition to tuition fees, students should factor in budgets for living expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. The total of all these typically amounts to £9,000 to £12,000 per year.
The University of Nottingham also offers various scholarships based on merit, financial need, and country of origin for domestic and international students. The university also guides students seeking loans and financial aid through government schemes, helping to alleviate some of the financial burden.
Nottingham Trent University (NTU): Tuition Fees at Nottingham Trent University are more affordable for international students, ranging from £15,000 to £22,000 annually, depending on the program. Living expenses at NTU are comparable to UoN, with estimated costs of around £9,000 to £11,000 per year. NTU also provides multiple scholarships, primarily for students from low-income backgrounds and international applicants. Nottingham Trent also offers financial support with different initiatives, helping students to budget effectively and access the resources they need to succeed.
UK students in both universities are typically charged about £9,250 for tuition.
University of Nottingham vs Nottingham Trent: Career Prospects and Alumni Network
University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham offers excellent career opportunities to its students through its robust career services. The university provides various internship and placement opportunities, allowing students to gain valuable practical experience. The Complete University Guide gives it a graduate employability success outcome rate of over 86%.
In addition to these opportunities, UoN has a global alum network of over 340,000, that spans multiple industries and regions, allowing graduates to make valuable connections. Regular alum events and networking opportunities keep former students engaged and foster relationships that can help them advance in their careers.
Some of their notable alumni include –
- D H Lawrence, Author
- Sir Clive Granger, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, was recognised for his work in time series analysis.
- Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Olympic gold medalist in heptathlon and one of the UK’s most celebrated athletes.
- Dr. Stewart Adams, the chemist, helped discover ibuprofen, a widely used pain reliever.
- Sir Andrew Witty, former CEO of GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.
- H. E. Mohamed Nasheed, former President of the Maldives and a prominent environmental advocate.
Nottingham Trent University (NTU)
Nottingham Trent University places a high value on employability, and many of its programs incorporate work placements and real-world projects into the curriculum. NTU’s dedicated careers service provides personalised assistance in securing internships and job placements, preparing students for successful careers.
The university’s alum network in creative industries is extensive, providing graduates with valuable networking and mentorship opportunities. NTU also actively engages with its alum community of over 250,000 through events and digital platforms, ensuring that graduates can maintain meaningful connections and benefit from the university’s support throughout their careers.
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Notable Alumni
Nottingham Trent University is known for producing influential figures, particularly in the creative and business sectors. Some notable alumni include:
- Matt Berry, actor, comedian, and musician, is famous for roles in “The IT Crowd” and “What We Do in the Shadows.”
- Paul Kaye is an actor and comedian best known for his role as Thoros of Myr in Game of Thrones and his performances in the series.
- Kwame Kwei-Armah is a playwright and artistic director of the Young Vic who has significantly contributed to theatre in the UK and abroad.
- Paul Franks, professional cricketer and coach, is recognised for his contributions to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.
University of Nottingham vs Nottingham Trent: Conclusion
In summary, both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University offer unique strengths and opportunities for students.
- UoN is ideal for those seeking a traditional academic experience with a strong research focus, while NTU appeals to students looking for practical, industry-oriented education.
- UoN is ranked higher according to most metrics, while NTU has a better reputation for industry preparedness.
- NTU has more professional and practitioner options while UoN is more conventionally academic and research based. The University of Nottingham is part of the Russell Group while NTU is not.
- Admissions into UoN is more competitive with more rigorous eligibility criteria while NTU offers more flexible options across different levels.
- The University of Nottingham has a more sprawling, traditional campus, while the NTU city campus is integrated into city life.
- Simply put, UoN is more research-intensive and globally recognised, while NTU is more vocational and offers more industry-aligned programs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual career goals, program interests, and campus culture.
The most significant part of your research is to compare courses, syllabi, electives, faculty and research facilities of your preferred degree program, speak to current students, and then decide on which school better suits your needs.
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FAQ’s
1. How do UoN and NTU’s reputations compare?
The University of Nottingham is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, which is known for its research-driven teaching and global reputation. It is highly ranked both internationally and in the United Kingdom, and it is widely regarded as more research-intensive.
Nottingham Trent University has a strong reputation for employability and practical, hands-on learning. It has received high praise for both teaching quality and student satisfaction. NTU has also received awards for its teaching and sustainability efforts, making it a popular choice among many.
While they cannot be compared to the University of Oxford or Cambridge, they are two of the top universities in the UK.
2. Which university has better employability prospects?
As a Russell Group university, UoN’s reputation can carry weight with employers, particularly for academic and research positions. It has strong ties to industry and multinational corporations.
NTU is well-known for its emphasis on employability. Many of its programs include work placements, internships, and close collaboration with businesses. NTU’s emphasis on practical skills frequently translates well into job readiness.
3. What are the key differences in course offerings?
UoN provides a wide range of traditional academic courses, including strong programs in medicine, law, engineering, and sciences. Many of its programs are research-based, and it is a pioneer in fields such as biosciences, physics, and computer science.
NTU provides a more practical, career-focused approach. Fashion design, journalism, business, creative arts, law, and architecture are all popular programs. NTU is well-known for combining practical experience with theoretical learning.
4. What is the social life like at each university?
UoN is well-known for its active student union and diverse range of societies, sports teams, and events. As a larger university, it provides numerous opportunities for socialising, including student organisations, nightlife, and campus events.
NTU also has a vibrant social scene, thanks to its location at the Nottingham city centre, which makes nightlife, shopping, cafes, and cultural activities easy to access. The university itself hosts a number of social events, and the Students’ Union is actively involved in fostering a vibrant student community.
5. How do tuition fees and living costs compare?
Tuition fees at UoN are typically higher, particularly for international students, due to its status as a Russell Group university. However, since both universities are located in Nottingham, the cost of living is relatively similar; however, NTU students may find that some of the city-centre living options are more convenient.
6. Which university is better for research?
UoN is known for its strong research output, especially in fields like engineering, medicine, and the sciences. It has significant research funding and is ranked among the best universities in UK for research intensity.
While NTU is more focused on teaching, it has been increasing its research profile, particularly in areas like sustainable technology, social sciences, and creative industries. It may not have the same research power as UoN, but it offers a more hands-on approach to projects.
7. Which one is easier to get into?
Entry requirements for UoN tend to be more competitive, as it is a Russell Group university with higher academic standards. High grades, a strong personal statement, and relevant experience are usually required. In contrast, NTU is considered more accessible for students who may not have the same level of academic qualifications but still want to pursue higher education.
8. Which university has a better student satisfaction rating?
NTU: In recent years, NTU has consistently scored high in student satisfaction surveys. Students often praise the university for its teaching quality, student support services, and campus life.
UoN: UoN also scores well in student satisfaction but may trail slightly behind NTU in specific areas like student welfare and support. However, it is highly rated for its academic rigor and research opportunities.
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