The University of Westminster: What it's really like
Learn more about this London-based university
Want to study in the heart of the UK’s capital city? The University of Westminster could be for you…
The University of Westminster at a glance:
| Founded | 1838 |
| Locations | London, UK |
| Undergraduate course length | Three years |
| Courses | 150 degrees across over 20 faculties, like psychology, music, law, and economics. |
| Students | 20,000 |
| Great for | Students looking to live in the heart of the UK’s exciting capital city whilst they study (three of the university’s four campuses are in central London). |
| Not for | Students who would prefer a quieter or more rural setting for their studies. |
Fred, who is UK Senior Student Recruitment and Outreach Officer at the University of Westminster, tells us what it’s like to be a student there.
What is the University of Westminster?
The University of Westminster has over 20,000 students, spread across four campuses. We have three campuses based in the heart of London, and the fourth based in Harrow in North West London.
Our students represent over 160 countries, with about 20% of our student body being international. In fact, Westminster has the most diverse student community in the UK.
We are known for our practical teaching, and for empowering students from a range of backgrounds to reach their full potential.
Why apply to Westminster?
Westminster offers over 150 degrees for you to choose from, spanning subjects from media to law and fashion to architecture. Most of these are accredited by professional organisations, so they have been designed to prepare students for the world of work.
We also work with over 3,000 companies as part of our work placement scheme for students, so you’re likely to make important professional connections while you study with us.
If you’re applying as an international student, you’ll have some of the most popular attractions in London on your doorstep. From Hyde Park to the West End, you’ll never be bored in your spare time! Plus, we have a friendly international support team, whose services include English language support and social activities to help you feel at home.
Who isn’t the right fit for Westminster?
London is a very busy city, so being based in the heart of it on our Marylebone, Cavendish, or Regent campus might not be for everyone. We’d recommend coming to an open day to get a feel for the uni and the city itself.
Any application tips?
Like most unis in the UK, the University of Westminster accepts a range of Level 3 qualifications like BTECs, access qualifications, and A levels. However, some courses will require a portfolio or include an interview stage, so double check our website for the criteria for the degree you’re interested in before applying.
What’s the location like?
Our Marylebone, Cavendish, and Regent campuses are all based in the heart of London. Each campus is just a short walk from a tube station: Baker Street, Goodge Street, and Regent Street respectively.
On all three campuses, you’ll be a short walk from Regent’s Park, the popular shopping spot Oxford Street, and the bars and restaurants of Soho. You’ll also be close to the well-known waxwork experience, Madame Tussauds!
Our Harrow campus is not as central as the other three campuses, but based in a green, leafy suburb. Like the others, it’s a five-minute walk to a station (Northwick Park), plus it's a handy 15-minute walk from a shopping centre.
What facilities does Westminster have to offer?
Facilities at Westminster include our state-of-the-art science lab, film and TV studios, world-class recording studios, and one of the few Bloomberg financial suites in the UK. We also have a dedicated architecture space, with a cutting-edge lab of 3D printers and laser cutters.
In your free time, you can make the most of our gym, Student Hub, sports facilities, and cafe spaces. There’s also a library on every campus so you can access a quiet study space wherever you’re based.
What is the accommodation like?
We offer four accommodation options for students, based in Marylebone, Harrow, Hoxton, and Wembley. These are open to all full-time undergraduate students.
Most options feature en suite rooms, or single rooms with shared bathrooms. You’ll usually share kitchen facilities with other students.
Our accommodation team can also help with finding somewhere to live locally, if you’d prefer to live off campus instead.
How does Westminster meet the needs of students with different accessibility requirements?
Our Disability Learning and Support Team supports students with long-term conditions that might affect their studies. They can provide advice on assistive technology and adjustments to make coursework, exams, and assessments more manageable.
Each of our libraries also has a disability support representative, so if you need support with accessing resources, there’s someone available on each campus to help you.
Want to explore more UK universities? Unifrog’s Shortlisting tool can help you put together a list of great potential courses.