Universities in Nottingham: a complete guide

Thinking about studying in Nottingham? Great news, you're looking at one of the UK's best student cities, with two major universities, around 70,000 students between them and an affordable city that's built around student life.

In this guide, we break down both of Nottingham's main universities – including rankings, campuses, course strengths and what student life is actually like - so you can work out which is the right fit for you.

TL;DR: Nottingham is home to two major universities: the University of Nottingham, a globally ranked Russell Group institution, and Nottingham Trent University, an award-winning modern university with a strong careers focus. Between them, they cover almost every subject, and the right choice comes down to your course and the kind of experience you're after.

University of Nottingham 🏛️

Looking for a university that combines world-class teaching with one of the UK's most beautiful campuses? The University of Nottingham (UoN) ticks both boxes.

As a member of the Russell Group, UoN has built a strong reputation for research, teaching quality and graduate employability, host to around 36,000 students from more than 150 countries. Whether you're interested in engineering, medicine, pharmacy or the arts, you'll be joining a university that's recognised around the world for academic excellence.

One of the biggest draws is its University Park Campus, set around a picturesque lake and surrounded by green space. Alongside the main campus, UoN also has its Jubilee Campus and a site in Sutton Bonington, giving students access to specialist facilities across a range of subjects.

There's plenty happening outside the lecture theatre too. With 70+ sports clubs and more than 300+ societies ranging from cultural societies to creative groups, it's easy to find your people and make the most of university life.

When graduation comes around, you'll be in a great position for whatever comes next. UoN has strong links with employers across a range of industries, alongside careers support, placements and networking opportunities to help students take the next step.

If you’re studying here and looking for somewhere to live nearby, we offer UoN accommodation that puts you within easy reach of campus.

📍 Locations: Lenton, Beeston, Sutton Bonington

🧑‍🎓 Student population: 36,000

🇬🇧 UK ranking: #16

🌍 International ranking: #97

Source: QS World University Rankings

Nottingham Trent University 🏛️

If you're looking for a university that's known for helping students hit the ground running, Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is well worth considering.

Home to around 35,000 students, NTU has built a reputation for hands-on learning, industry connections and courses that prepare you for life after graduation. Whether you're studying business, fashion, computer science or forensics, you'll have plenty of opportunities to put what you learn into practice through work placements and real-world projects.

The main City Campus is based right in the heart of Nottingham, meaning lectures, coffee runs, shopping trips and nights out are all within easy walking distance. The Clifton Campus, four miles south is also properly built up with its own sports, learning and social facilities, and the university even has additional sites in Mansfield and London.

Outside the classroom, there's loads to get involved in with 60+ sports clubs and 100+ societies covering every kind of interest, making it easy to meet new people and make the most of your time at university.

Planning to study at the university? Our NTU accommodation couldn't be better placed. Located directly opposite the City Campus, it puts lectures, the library and Nottingham city centre just moments from your front door.

📍 Locations: City Centre, Clifton, Southwell, London, Mansfield

🧑‍🎓 Student population: 35,000

🇬🇧 UK ranking: #57

🌍 International ranking: #639

Source: QS World University Rankings

Other universities & colleges in Nottingham 🎓

Beyond its two major universities, Nottingham has a growing roster of specialist, career-focused providers. They’re a lot smaller than UoN and NTU, but if you’re after vocational, professional or flexible study, they're well worth a look.

University of Law

The University of Law (ULaw) is the UK's largest specialist provider of legal education, and its Nottingham campus sits in the city’s business district, right by Nottingham Castle and close to local law firms.

It runs undergraduate law degrees (including a two-year accelerated LLB) alongside professional courses like the LPC and GDL, plus business programmes through its Business School. The big draw is its industry focus, with strong links with local and national firms, on-site employability support and the option to move between ULaw's UK campuses mid-course.

Arden University

Arden University is a career-focused university specialising in flexible blended learning that mixes face-to-face teaching with online study. Its Nottingham campus opened in late 2025 at Castle Meadow, a Grade II listed building a short walk along the canal from the train station.

Subjects span business, computing and IT, psychology, criminology, health and social care and law, all delivered in a way designed to fit around work. It’s a solid option for those looking to earn a fully accredited degree at your own pace.

Buckinghamshire New University

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is a modern, professionally focused university with a teaching site in the Sherwood area of Nottingham, offering undergraduate courses in finance and accounting, business management and digital marketing.

Many of the courses are delivered flexibly, mixing online and in-person formats, with weekend learning also available on certain programmes, so it’s another good option if you’re looking to balance a degree around other commitments.

Nottingham College

Nottingham College is the city's main further education college, and alongside its vocational and A-level offering, it offers degree-level and Access to Higher Education courses in areas like science, nursing and social sciences.

It's technically not a university, and isn't ranked alongside them, but it's a genuine, lower-cost route into higher education or onward to a full degree, particularly for mature students and those returning to study.

Nottingham: a university city 🚀

Whether you're drawn to UoN’s global reputation and beautiful campus or NTU’s career-focused approach and buzzing social life, Nottingham gives you two strong options. The right choice comes down to your subject and the kind of student experience you want – either way, you'll be joining one of the UK's biggest and liveliest student populations.

Moving to one of these universities and looking for somewhere to stay? Yugo offers a range of secure student accommodation in Nottingham with close links to both UoN and NTU – take a look inside our Goldsmith Court residence below.