University of Reading
Became a university in: 1926
Student population: 19,485 (2022/23)
Location: Campus university, close to Reading city centre (plus further sites in Reading, Henley and an overseas campus in Malaysia)
Subject areas: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, and Henley Business School.
Admissions: Typically AAB to BBB, or BTEC DDD to DDM. Interviews not normally required, except for Teacher Training. The university will make lower contextual offers on the basis of a wide range of factors indicating potential disadvantage.
📸 Snapshot
A little known historic curiosity is that Reading gained its university status in 1926, making it the only new university of the inter-war period. Previously it had been an extension college of Oxford University (‘extending’ the reach of Oxford university into other towns).
So while it is clearly a campus university now, historically it has more in common with the likes of Leicester and Newcastle than it does with Warwick or Essex (which are far more modern creations).
What about that campus? Well, in the late 1940’s the university moved to it Whiteknights campus, about 2km from Reading city centre. It's big, it's green, and it contains everything from the academic buildings to sports facilities, social facilities and accommodation.
And a lake of course (every self-respecting campus has a lake doesn’t it?).
They offer a range of traditional subjects in arts, humanities and sciences that you’d expect to find at an old, established university - though a lot of these have the opportunity to do a full year work placement as part of the degree. They also have a wide range of courses in art, design and communication, and in Teacher Training. In the late 80s they merged with the highly regarded Henley Business School, and so offer undergraduate courses in business as well as their world-renowned MBA.
And Reading itself? I’ve been to the town and the university on many occasions, and have always been pleasantly surprised. Decent shopping, eating out and all the usual things you’d expect of England's largest town (why it isn’t officially a city is anyone’s guess). Plus, you have London easily accessible by train (GWR or the Elizabeth Line).
In summary
University of Reading could be for you if…
You are looking for a campus university, but one that is in a decent size town.
You are interested in having a year in industry.
You are expecting solid A-level or BTEC grades.
You want to be close to London.
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