Overview

The University of Westminster was formed from the first polytechnic in Britain, and became a full university in 1992. It is spread over four campuses, three of which are in central London. There are more than 23,000 students from 150 countries currently enrolled on a variety of programmes ranging from undergraduate and postgraduate courses to tailored professional programmes and short courses.

Subjects maintain a strong vocational focus, with longer modules including work-based skills and integration with practical activity. Undergraduates are able to conduct research during their degree and the University has achieved fame for its media studies and fashion degrees, both of which are rated as being some of the best in the world. Having celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2013, Westminster continues to invest heavily in all facilities from accommodation to the restoration of one of the first cinemas in Britain within the Regent Campus.

Services for International Students

Dedicated International Student Advisers provide information, support and advice to international students at the University of Westminster. The services provided include a three day residential orientation programme for new international students and a regular newsletter detailing social events, interesting news and what’s on in London. English as a Foreign Language is available both as a pre-sessional course and as a credited module as part of a degree course.

Ranking

• 115th in the Times University Guide 2016
• 112th in the Guardian University Guide 2017
• 102nd in the Complete University Guide 2017

Following the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, 90% of the work was classified as ‘internationally excellent’. The subject areas of Art and Design and Media and Communications, English, Architecture and Built environment and Allied Health all performed well.

Accommodation

There are 1,750 rooms available at six Halls of Residence. The Halls vary in size, location and type, including amongst others: a tower-block next to the Marylebone campus overlooking Regent's Park; an elegant turn-of-the-century building in upmarket Highgate Village (Furnival House); a 19th century mansion block in Victoria (Wigram House) and a modern purpose-built residence on the Harrow campus. All halls are located close to academic facilities and transportation links.

International students holding offers who apply for accommodation before the beginning of May in the year of entry will have their applications prioritised. Even after this date, the University's accommodation office will assist international students gain accommodation and can give further help and advice to students seeking private accommodation.

Location

The University of Westminster is divided into four campuses; three of these are in central London with a fourth in Harrow. The nearest tube station to the Harrow Campus is Northwick Park, on the Metropolitan Line. The University of Westminster has a range of shops, cafes, bars and sporting facilities onsite, but London as a whole offers something for everyone.

Theatres, museums, galleries, cinemas and restaurants are just some of the cultural and recreational attractions within easy reach. The campuses are a short distance from London landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the BBC, the London Eye, Tate Modern and the British Library. With a large student community of over 350,000 in the capital, a wide range of special student discounts, events and activities are available throughout the city.