What Is A Red Brick University?



Red Brick universities in the United Kingdom hold a significant place in the country’s academic landscape, representing a distinctive era of higher education development. Coined for the characteristic red brick architectural styles that define many of these British universities, the term “red brick universities” typically refers to a group of civic universities founded in the late 19th century and early 20th century. This cluster of universities in Britain played a pivotal role in democratizing access to higher education during the Victorian era, expanding opportunities beyond the traditional elite institutions and ancient universities like Oxford or Cambridge. So if you have been wondering, ‘what is a Red Brick university?’ or what the term red brick signifies, then read on. Here’s what we will cover:



What is a red brick university?


The backstory

Britain underwent enormous social changes during the Industrial Revolution. There was a demand for skilled labour and a technically sound workforce. This demand, in turn, gave birth to many engineering and medical schools in the UK.

The original red-brick universities were considered to be the centers of knowledge during the time situated in industrial cities. Over time, these turned into universities. In terms of architecture, these universities were distinct as a gothic-styled red brick was used to build them. And that’s really how few of these universities got the name “red brick universities“.

It was the Victorian building at the University of Liverpool that inspired these universities to build in a particular way, and it was the University of Birmingham that became the first independent university amongst the group of six universities.

Red brick universities, thus, are a group of six universities in the UK that received university status before the first world war. What makes these universities unique is the unique architectural marvel, the beautiful locations these universities are put up in, and the undefined campus.

List of red brick universities


Here is a list of the six universities that are part of the red brick universities and their ranks:

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Name of the University THE UK Ranking 2024 THE World Ranking 2024
University of Birmingham 12 101
University of Bristol 9 81
University of Leeds 15 129
University of Liverpool 20 168
University of Manchester 8 51
University of Sheffield 13 105

It is also important to know that all the six red brick universities are also part of the Russell Group, which is a group of prestigious universities that emphasise path-breaking research. Read the article on the Russell Group of universities for for more insights.

Top courses to study in a red brick university


University of Birmingham- the University of Birmingham received its university status in 1900, and to date, it has never lost its charm. This university has the highest rank amongst all the other Red brick universities, and it is located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
The University of Birmingham is popular for courses like Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Engineering, and Economics.

University of Bristol – the University of Bristol received university status in 1909 and is a research university located in Bristol, England. The university is known for courses like Anatomy and Physiology, including biomedical science and neuroscience.

Anthropology, Civil engineering, Electrical engineering, including computer science and electronic engineering.

University of Leeds-Currently with the 16th rank, the University of Leeds is one of the most popular universities amongst the red brick university group. The University of Leeds got its university status in 1904 and is popular for courses like Accounting and Finance, Art and Design, Business and Management, Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, English, Marketing, and Mechanical Engineering.

University of Liverpool- University of Liverpool is a very well-known public research university that is based in the city of Liverpool and got its university status in 1903. Currently, it is ranked 33 in the UK university ranking. Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Architecture are the most popular courses at this university.

University of Manchester- The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England, which was founded in 2004 and is one of the the top universities in Manchester – currently has the 17th rank among the UK universities and 27th rank globally, in Engineering, East and South Asian Studies, Iberian, Languages, Marketing, Medicine, Middle Eastern and African Studies, Nursing, Pharmacy are the most popular courses at this university.

University of Sheffield- University of Sheffield got its university status in 1905 as it currently holds the 28th rank in the UK ranking and 95th rank globally according to the QS ranking. Law, Arts and Humanities, Social sciences, Education, Psychology, Clinical and health, and engineering are a few popular courses offered at this university.

So, if you wish to be part of any of these prestigious universities that are known for their research capability and historicity, then get in touch with us.

Are Red Brick Universities Better?


UK is home to some of the best educational institutions such as the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, The University of Nottingham, University College London and the University of London to name a few. The Red Brick universities are part of the Russel Group and according to a study by the Institute of Fiscal Studies, the graduates from Russell Group universities were found to be earning 10-13% higher than graduates from other new universities with the same observable characteristics.

All the Red Brick universities feature in the lists of top 200 universities across the world by both the Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.

That being said, before considering any university, you should look at how it aligns with what you want to achieve out of your course. You shouldn’t choose a particular university because it’s a Red Brick university. Instead, you should be considering factors such as the university’s reputation for the specific subject, its connections to industries, and the cost of education and living in a particular city.

First, check whether these universities offer the specific course that you want to pursue and then, look at the performance of that particular department before coming to a decision.

Are Red Brick Universities Harder to Get Into for International Students?


Entry requirements for each university and programme vary as it is dependent on various factors like study programme, competition and available seats. They are among the top-ranked universities in the world and are part of the Russell Group. This does make them some of the hardest universities in the country to get into.

As an international student, you will have to submit your UCAS application with a personal statement. You should also present proof of your English language proficiency. The shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews based on which admission may or may not be offered.

How Can TC Global Help Students to Apply to Red Brick Universities?


At TC Global, we understand that navigating the application process for prestigious red brick universities in the UK can be both exciting and challenging. Our dedicated team is here to guide students through every step, offering personalized assistance tailored to individual goals.

From selecting the right university and course to crafting compelling personal statements and ensuring a seamless application submission, we at TC Global provide comprehensive support. Our expertise extends to visa guidance, interview preparation, and post-acceptance services. With a commitment to excellence, we empower students to pursue their academic dreams at renowned red brick universities, fostering a smooth and successful application journey.

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Date added
21.02.2024

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