Are you hoping to pursue your dreams of higher education in the Capital? Today, we’re taking a peek at universities in the South West London postcode. With plenty of beautiful parks and lots of fantastic ways to blow off steam between study sessions, it’s certainly a great place to learn and have fun. We have listed the region’s universities by borough, so you can easily browse through their offerings before exploring our dedicated area guides to see if the setting is just as perfect.
Universities in South West London
Below are South West London’s main higher education institutions. Between them, they offer a vast range of courses and qualifications. Ready to find the campus for you? Let’s take a look!
Imperial College London
North of the Thames but still within the SW postcode, Imperial College London is perhaps a name you’re familiar with. One of the world’s top 10 universities, it’s renowned for its science, engineering, business and medicine courses. In fact, it’s the only university in the UK that specialises in these subjects exclusively. So it’s not surprising that Imperial College London has a superb reputation for its research, which is put into practice across the globe.
The main campus is located in South Kensington. However, you’ll also find an innovation campus in White City alongside teaching hospitals and a research field station at Silwood Park. Since it was founded by royal charter in 1907, the university has gone on to shape the minds of 14 Nobel laureates, 3 Fields Medallists, 2 Breakthrough Prize winners, a Turing Award winner, 74 Fellows of the Royal Society, 87 Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and 85 Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
When you need a break, pick from over 350 clubs, societies and projects or explore the cultural highlights of Central London. There are plenty of sports facilities to enjoy and an on-site nightclub too. We also hear the annual summer ball is not to be missed.
Kingston University
Positioned in an upbeat borough just 30 minutes from Central London by train, Kingston University has gained a reputation for fostering enterprise. Its landmark building on its Penrhyn Road campus, Town House, has also caught some attention. So much so that it recently won the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize. Inside this tech and green-friendly learning space, you’ll discover a contemporary library, cafés, an amphitheatre-style courtyard, and a roof terrace.
Kingston University does well in terms of its other credentials too. The 2022 Guardian University Guide ranks it in the top 50 for a start. Some of its courses have also earned a strong reputation. These include design and crafts, covering creative and cultural industries, medicine and the sciences. Kingston School of Art’s fashion degree was also rated among the best in the world in the Business of Fashion listings. In addition, 95% of students are in work or further study six months after graduating.
Another great benefit of studying here is its location. Richmond Park and Putney Heath lie on your doorstep, featuring acres of woodland and green space home to deer and rare species. Make sure you bring your bike to spin your wheels along the off-road Tamsin Trail. Alternatively, destress before exams at the huge Tolworth Court sports ground and the university’s state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Wimbledon College of Arts
Wimbledon College of Arts offers pre-degree, undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses in 18 subjects, including acting, costume, production and theatre design. Course projects are often designed with collaborative performance in mind to prepare students for working in the industry. Students also benefit from being taught by professionals still active in their fields, and close links to leading theatres like the National and the Lyric. While current facilities include specialist workshops, studios and an on-site professional theatre, the university also recently began a multimillion-pound investment programme.
Universities in Wandsworth, London
University of Roehampton
The University of Roehampton stretches across three sites and four colleges in Wandsworth. Its academic faculties include Business and Law, Arts, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life and Health Sciences and Psychology. Only established in 2004, Roehampton is a modern university, but it has deep-rooted ties with its 19th Century founding colleges. Roehampton’s notable features include its new library, which houses an important collection of religious literature, a biomechanics laboratory and an e-sports and gaming arena.
The university has developed a strong reputation for performing arts, backed up by state-of-the-art dance studios. It also has an active music scene and offers music scholarships for gifted students. Not to mention the fantastic range of sports teams and activities and club nights, live music and weekly markets. Pick from 125 full-time courses, from nursing and business, performing and literary arts, to sports science and even zoology. There are a few part-time courses on offer too, including computing, cyber security and software engineering.
St George’s, University of London
If you dream of a career in medicine and want practical experience from day one, you’re probably a great fit for St George’s. Medical students have passed through its doors since 1733, including the creator of the world’s first vaccine and Henry Gray, of Gray’s Anatomy fame. St George’s is also the only university in the UK based in a teaching hospital. You probably know it from the Channel 4 television series 24 hours in A&E.
The 12 full-time courses on offer here focus on biomedical, healthcare and paramedic science, pharmacology, medicine, occupational therapy and postgraduate physician associate studies. Home to over 5,500 students and 800 staff members, the university offers a ratio of 12.8 students to staff and ranks well for graduate prospects and research excellence.
Universities in Richmond Upon Thames
St Mary’s University, Twickenham
Nestled on the grounds of a gothic revival castle, St Mary’s University in Twickenham boasts over 130 pubs, cafés and restaurants within 20 minutes of campus. The location is safe as well as leafy, with Richmond Upon Thames claiming the title of the safest London borough in 2020.
Choose from a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including PGCE and teacher training. Once you’re here, you’ll benefit from facilities such as drama studios, a theatre and media production suite, and sports, science and psychology labs.
St Mary’s also uses some of the Strawberry Hill House’s 19th Century rooms. Plus, you’ll find extensive sports grounds just ten minutes’ walk away. If the historical backdrop has inspired you to enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle, you could opt for catered accommodation. This includes 14 meals per week served in the refectory.
Richmond University – The American University in London
Richmond, The American International University in London is a private university founded in 1972 by British educator Cyril Taylor. The university has campuses in Richmond Hill and Kensington and awards both UK and US degrees to its students. Richmond is also the only UK university to base its courses on the US educational approach. This means you’ll study for four years, first entering a Liberal Arts programme before specialising in a Major.
Major programmes include American studies, finance and business, media, comms and digital marketing, fashion and film, politics and international history/relations, sports management, and psychology. You can also pick a variety of minors to complement your degree. Currently, the main campus is on the western edge of Richmond Park. But from September 2022, Richmond’s undergraduates will be based in a new campus building within Chiswick Park in west London. Masters students will continue to study on the Kensington campus.
Did you enjoy our guide to universities in South West London? While you’re here, brush up on your knowledge of this buzzing – and surprisingly green – area of the Capital. After all, university life is just as much about the location!
