When looking at UK university rankings, it is easy to assume that older always means better. After all, everyone knows how long Cambridge, Oxford and St Andrews have been around, and their global reputation for quality is unrivalled.
The Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024, however, focus on institutions that do not have hundreds of years of teaching and tradition but still offer a world-class degree alongside state-of-the-art facilities, research, and international outlook.
Created using the same methodology as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, learn more about the top 10 UK universities under 50 years old below. If you wish to begin your application, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.
Top 10 Best Young Universities in the UK 2024
The top 10 best UK universities under 50 (Young University Rankings 2024) can be found below.
1. University of Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield was crowned the best young university in the UK for 2024. Located in West Yorkshire, England, Huddersfield is known for its strong focus on vocational education and practical, hands-on learning. Established in its current form in 1992, the university has roots in the Huddersfield Science and Mechanics Institute, founded in 1825. Huddersfield excels in music and music technology, engineering, and teaching. It emphasises employability, reflected in its partnerships with industry and professional organizations, providing students with valuable work placements and real-world experience.
The university attracts a diverse student body of approximately 20,000 students, including over 4,000 international students from more than 120 countries, highlighting its global reach and inclusive atmosphere.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Total students: 19,700
2. University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth has a strong research-led culture and boasts an award-winning, environmentally conscious campus. It has received numerous accolades, including the Queen's Anniversary Prize on three occasions and being the second UK university to achieve net zero emissions ahead of schedule. Its commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its recognition as the 15th-best institution worldwide for climate action.
Cutting-edge facilities for engineering, design, and health professions provide students with top-notch resources for their studies and support world-class research. The university takes pride in balancing academic excellence and a diverse, vibrant, and well-supported social life.
Located in the vibrant city of Plymouth, the institute prioritises student well-being and fosters a supportive culture. The city is known for its affordability and is ranked as the best place to live in England. As a student at Plymouth, you'll be surrounded by a lively atmosphere, with a thriving nightlife and easy access to stunning beaches and green spaces.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Plymouth, Devon
- Acceptance rate: 66.3%
- Total students: 18,500
3. Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University (BU) is a leading modern institution in the UK, dedicated to producing graduates with the skills and adaptability essential for thriving careers. The BU community boasts a diverse population of approximately 19,000 students, including 2,600 international students representing over 120 countries. Spanning four faculties, BU offers an extensive array of degree programmes encompassing creative, professional, technological, scientific, and humanities disciplines.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
- Acceptance rate: 75.5%
- Total students: 19,000
4. Northumbria University
Northumbria University, located in Newcastle, UK, is well-known and respected. It has been around since 1969 and has become an important institution. The university is popular with students from all over the world, with around 35,000 students studying there. It has 20 different schools and departments where students can learn about different subjects.
The university has partnerships with other universities in different countries, so students can study abroad if they want to. Northumbria University has three campuses in total. The main one is in Newcastle and has recently been improved with much money. It has libraries, labs, and a student union where students can relax and have fun. The university also has sports facilities, including a new sports centre and a campus with sports amenities. The university's library is excellent and has lots of student resources. Northumbria University has connections with big companies like Nike and the BBC, and many of their programmes are approved by professionals in different fields.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
- Acceptance rate: 89.3%
- Total students: 32,000
5. University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth has a rich history dating back to 1869. Due to its coastal location and reliance on shipping, it initially focused on training engineers and dock workers. Over time, the college expanded its offerings and was renamed Portsmouth Polytechnic in the 1960s. It gained university status in 1992, enabling it to validate its degrees.
The university has excelled in various research areas, including cosmology, astrophysics, cyber security, forensics, and sports science. Its state-of-the-art facilities, such as lab and testing facilities, teaching and learning spaces, and sports and fitness facilities, support practical learning, research, and collaborative projects with industry. Recent developments on campus include opening a mock courtroom in the School of Law, allowing students to participate in realistic recreations of court cases.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
- Acceptance rate: 77.9%
- Total students: 28,000
6. Middlesex University
Middlesex University London was established in 1878 and today has a diverse student body of over 19,000 in London and more than 37,000 globally, representing over 140 nationalities. Its faculties offer various courses, including Science and Technology, Professional and Social Sciences, and Arts and Creative Industries.
The university has strong international connections, with exchange partnerships with over 100 universities worldwide. Middlesex University has campuses in London, Malta, Dubai, and Mauritius and actively participates in the Brazilian Scientific Mobility programme. The university also provides sports facilities, including a unique "real tennis" court, for students to engage in physical activities.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Greater London
- Acceptance rate: 64%
- Total students: 19,000
7. Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is a partnership between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton and NHS organisations in the South East region. The school follows the principles of Outcomes for Graduates, emphasising medical education in a multi-professional context and maintaining high standards in teaching, clinical practice, and research.
During the first two years, students are based on the Falmer campuses of Brighton and Sussex universities and later move to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for clinical placements. The school provides excellent research facilities, including the Brighton and Sussex Clinical Investigation and Research Unit, a £4 million partnership with Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. The Falmer campus has a Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre with advanced imaging systems, while the Sussex campus features the Medical Research Building and Trafford Centre for research in various fields.
- Year founded: 2002
- Location: Brighton, East Sussex
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Total students: 200
8. Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a prominent higher education institution in the UK, originally established as a Mechanics Institute in 1823. LJMU's academic partnerships extend beyond traditional universities to encompass colleges, hospital trusts, public services, and private companies. The university focuses on practical, hands-on teaching methods, providing students with excellent facilities such as nursing and midwifery suites, science and engineering laboratories, an art gallery, and a mock courtroom.
Entrepreneurship is strongly encouraged at LJMU, with a dedicated Centre of Entrepreneurship supporting thousands of students each year in developing their businesses. A member of the University Alliance, the Northern Consortium, and the European University Association, the university even offers a start-up fund that grants financial support to innovative student ventures.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
- Acceptance rate: 78.9%
- Total students: 25,000
9. Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University was established in its current form in 1992 and offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses across subject areas, including business, law, science, engineering, arts, and humanities. The university has a particularly strong reputation in fashion, architecture, art and design, and sports science. It is home to the Manchester School of Art, one of the oldest art schools in the UK, and the Manchester School of Architecture, which consistently ranks among the top architecture schools globally.
MMU was awarded the title "University of the Year" for employability at the Educate North Awards 2019. It has also been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, ranking among the top institutions in the People & Planet University League. With a diverse student body, MMU attracts over 34,000 students, including over 3,000 international students from over 140 countries, reflecting its global appeal and commitment to providing a rich and inclusive educational experience.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Manchester, Lancashire
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Total students: 34,000
10. Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University is a highly respected institution in Scotland. It offers a wide range of courses in areas like arts, business, computing, engineering, applied sciences, and health and social care. In the arts field, it collaborates with the Edinburgh College of Art for film, journalism, photography, and graphic design programmes.
Edinburgh Napier University has received several prestigious rankings and awards. It is recognised as the top modern university in Scotland and one of the top 10 modern universities in the UK; the university excels in student satisfaction, research power, and impact. It has three campuses equipped with modern facilities, including labs, wards, computer labs, and studios for various subjects like biomechanics, clinical skills, computer games, radio, photography, and music.
- Year founded: 1992
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Acceptance rate: 58.7%
- Total students: 16,000
Study in the UK
Are you interested in studying at one of the best universities under 50 years old in the UK and the world? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today to begin your application.
My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I'd highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested. 
