University of Westminster

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RankingQS World University Rankings 2027: 851-900 · Complete University Guide 2027: 115th in the UK · Guardian University Guide 2027: 118th

Established1838

Famous ForMedia, Architecture, Law

Tuition Fees16,000-20,000

Overview

The University of Westminster has a history dating back to 1838, when Sir George Cayley opened the Polytechnic Institution at 309 Regent Street in London, the UK's first polytechnic, with the aim of opening education to people from all backgrounds. In 1881 the philanthropist Quintin Hogg took over the institution and rebuilt it as the Polytechnic, and it became the Polytechnic of Central London before gaining university status as the University of Westminster in 1992. Today the university teaches around 19,000 students from more than 160 countries, in the heart of London. It is known for media, arts and design, architecture, law, business, languages and the social sciences, and for its Westminster Business School and its School of Media and Communication, whose graduates work across the creative industries, journalism, politics and public life. The university has four campuses in London: Regent Street and Marylebone in the West End, Cavendish in Fitzrovia, and Harrow, home to media, arts and design. Its central London location puts students at the centre of one of the world's great cities, with its employers, cultural institutions and professional networks on the doorstep.

Our Services for University of Westminster

The university offers comprehensive support tailored to international students, including pre-departure and offer-holder events to help students prepare for life in the UK, an online platform to connect with other offer holders from around the world, and dedicated enrolment guidance. Specialist International Student Advice advisers provide guidance on visas and immigration, and the university's counsellors support students' physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Welcome events and social activities help international students meet staff and other students, and student societies represent many different nationalities and interests. English language support is available through the university's English for Academic Purposes modules and pre-sessional courses, and every full-time student has a personal tutor. International students also have access to careers support through CareerZONE, including part-time work, mentoring and placement opportunities.

Rankings & Recognition

QS World University Rankings 2027: 851-900 Complete University Guide 2027: 115th in the UK Guardian University Guide 2027: 118th

801-1000 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 115th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 The University of Westminster's research spans media and communication, art and design, architecture, law, business and the social sciences, with work that shapes public debate and professional practice in London and internationally. Its researchers work with industry, government and cultural organisations, and the university is known for the real-world impact of its research and for its commitment to widening access to higher education.

Accommodation

The university offers self-catering halls of residence around London, and its Student Accommodation team can help international students find a place in a university residence or in private housing, with advice on contracts, deposits and living in the capital. The accommodation portal opens in April, and students are advised to apply early, as demand for rooms in central London is high. Rooms in university halls are typically in shared flats with shared kitchens, and the accommodation team can help with a variety of housing issues during a student's time at Westminster. Students who choose private accommodation can get guidance on finding a room or flat in London, on tenancy agreements and on the costs of living in the city, where students should budget carefully for rent and travel.

Location

The University of Westminster is based in the heart of London, with campuses at Regent Street and Marylebone in the West End, Cavendish in Fitzrovia, and Harrow in north-west London. The Regent Street campus stands on the site of the original Polytechnic Institution of 1838, a short walk from Oxford Circus, while the Marylebone campus is next to Baker Street station and the Harrow campus is home to media, arts and design, with its own studios and performance spaces. London is ranked among the top three student cities in the world, and Westminster's students have the city's museums, galleries, theatres, employers and cultural life on their doorstep. The campuses are served by the Tube, buses and National Rail, and Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton airports connect the university with the rest of the world.