Queen Mary University of London: what it's really like
Find out more about Queen Mary University of London copy
Looking for a Russell Group university based in exciting London? QMUL could be the place for you!
QMUL at a glance:
| Founded | 1882 |
| Locations | Six London sites in its UK home, plus Paris, Malta, China, and Singapore |
| Undergraduate course length | Three years |
| Courses | There are three main faculties: Science and Engineering, Humanities and Social sciences, and Medicine and Dentistry. |
| Students | 31,000 |
| Great for | Students looking to study at an internationally diverse and inclusive university that delivers high quality teaching and research. |
| Not for | Students who aren’t keen on being around lots of people in a busy city. |
QMUL’s Student Recruitment and Widening Participation Manager, Gideon, shares his insights on what it’s like to study there.
What is QMUL?
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is based in the east end of London. It’s a member of the Russell Group, which means it’s one of 20 unis which are highly regarded for the quality of their research.
The people who conduct that research at the uni also teach here, so students can feel confident that they’re being taught by global experts in their field. There are about 31,000 students here, and around 41% are from overseas.
Why apply to QMUL?
One great reason to apply to QMUL is the quality of its teaching and research. QMUL ranks highly nationally and globally in these areas, so as a student here, you'll receive a high quality educational experience.
In addition, international students are likely to meet people like them from all over the world at QMUL, which has a student community drawn from over 170 nationalities. With so many languages spoken and countries represented, QMUL gives you the chance to benefit from an international network of support.
Who isn’t the right fit for QMUL?
QMUL might not be the right fit for you if you prefer a quieter setting, or aren’t so keen on being around lots of people. London is a very busy city, so you might choose to apply to somewhere based in a town or smaller city if you’re not excited by that.
Also, subject-wise, QMUL doesn’t offer degrees in sport science or health and social care, so perhaps look at other options if you’re set on one of those.
Any application tips?
QMUL is fairly competitive in terms of entry requirements, so check the course finder pages on our website to see what’s needed for the degree you’re interested in.
Remember, entry requirements go beyond grades alone. For medicine and dentistry degrees, for instance, you’ll need to take an interview as well as an admissions test.
To help you apply successfully, QMUL’s website has free resources you can check out, from writing your personal statement to growing your study skills.
What’s the location like?
QMUL is the only campus-based Russell Group uni in London. What this means is that all uni buildings are fairly close to each other, so you never have to travel far between where you live, learn, and socialise.
We’re close to lots of cultural landmarks. Anyone who remembers the London 2012 Olympics will be excited to know that we’re within walking distance from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Lots of students say their favourite thing about East London is how culturally diverse it is, which, among other benefits, makes for a great range of local food options!
What facilities does QMUL have to offer?
We have state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities at QMUL, some of which have undergone or are having multi-million pound redevelopments. For example, we have a wind tunnel and a flight simulator in our engineering department.
Our biomedical research labs have the world’s first science education centre, which we invite schools and members of the public to come and check out.
More generally, we have a range of bars, restaurants, and cafes across our campuses, plus over 300 student societies you can join. Our sports facilities include Q Motion, our fully-equipped gym, where students can also play squash, badminton, or take part in exercise classes.
Our faith-based facilities include a chaplaincy and dedicated multi-faith rooms.
What is the accommodation like?
We have a range of affordable room styles to meet different preferences at QMUL. This includes self-catered and catered options; en suite rooms or those with shared facilities; and rooms both on-campus and hosted by private partners nearby.
There are also rooms which have been purpose-built for wheelchair users, and with those with hearing impairments in mind.
For students living on the Mile End campus, you’ll be based right on London’s Regents Canal, which is particularly beautiful in the summertime.
If you apply in time, as a first year undergraduate student, you’ll be guaranteed accommodation with us.
How does the university meet the needs of students with different accessibility requirements?
Our campuses are fully accessible for those using a wheelchair, and this includes accommodation which has been adapted specifically for wheelchair users.
Our student welfare services, including Disability and Dyslexia, Counselling and Advice, and Student Health, provide a range of specialist, professional, and confidential support to students with a range of financial, emotional, and psychological needs. If you have a disability or experience long-term ill health, you can apply for additional funding to support your studies here at QMUL.
QMUL has been ranked as the most inclusive Russell Group uni (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021), as well as coming out top for social mobility (The Sutton Trust 2021). This means that students who come to us from less affluent backgrounds progress more quickly into high-paying jobs than at any other uni, which is something we’re very proud of.
Want to explore more UK universities? Remember, Unifrog’s Shortlisting tool can help you put together a list of great potential courses.