University of Liverpool Review: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of Liverpool is one of the UK’s oldest civic universities, with a history dating back to 1881. Located in the heart of a vibrant northern city, it combines academic tradition with a modern approach to research and teaching. This review offers a practical and honest look at the university. It covers key areas such as academic quality, campus facilities, student life, and graduate outcomes. The aim is to provide prospective students with clear, useful insights based on facts and real experiences.
University of Liverpool Summary
- Student population: approximately ~ 30,000 students
- City: Liverpool
- UK Ranking: 23 (2026)
- Global Ranking: 147 (2026)
Table of Contents
Overview of the University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group, which includes 24 leading UK universities renowned for research strength and academic excellence. It has over 30,000 students from more than 130 countries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across three main faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Health and Life Sciences.
The main campus is located close to Liverpool city centre, making it easy for students to access shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and transport links. The university also has a campus in London and a partnership with Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China, which broadens its international reach.
Research is a central focus of the institution. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 91% of its research was rated as internationally excellent or world-leading. Alongside its research strengths, the university supports students through comprehensive academic services, career guidance, and wellbeing resources, and offers a range of scholarships for both UK and international students.
University of Liverpool Rankings 2026
- The Guardian University Guide (UK) 2026: 22nd
- Complete University Guide (UK) 2026: 23rd
- QS World University Rankings 2026: 147th
University of Liverpool Courses and Programmes
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (University of Liverpool)
School of the Arts: Focuses on creativity and culture; includes Architecture, Communication and Media, English, Music, and Philosophy
School of Histories, Languages and Cultures: Covers topics from ancient history to modern politics
School of Law and Social Justice: Explores law’s impact on society, promoting equality and challenging injustice
Management School: A leading centre for management and leadership education with innovative programmes
Faculty of Science and Engineering (University of Liverpool)
The Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Liverpool is part of a Russell Group institution ranked in the top 1% globally for research. It focuses on innovative solutions to major global challenges while engaging with the Liverpool City Region and beyond. The faculty offers inspiring courses taught by leading academics in award-winning facilities. It also provides a wide range of postgraduate research opportunities, including studentships and doctoral training schemes.
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (University of Liverpool)
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool focuses on improving health and wellbeing through world-leading research, education, and innovation. With 91% of its research rated world-leading or internationally excellent, it ranks 72nd globally for Life Sciences and Medicine. The faculty addresses major challenges such as health inequalities, antimicrobial resistance, cancer, and food security. It offers a wide range of research-led courses and is developing new facilities like the Academic Health Science Campus and Bio-Innovation Campus to advance health innovation in the Liverpool City Region.
University of Liverpool Entry Deadline
| Date | Deadline Description |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
University of Liverpool Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
- Typical offer: AAB at A-level
- International qualifications (e.g. IB, STPM, UEC) accepted if equivalent
- IB: around 35 points
- BTEC, Cambridge Technical, Welsh Baccalaureate: considered (may need additional A-levels)
- GCSE: minimum grade C/4 in English and Maths
- EPQ: welcomed but not a substitute for main grades
Postgraduate Taught (Master’s)
- Standard requirement: 2:1 UK honours degree (or equivalent)
- Some courses accept 2:2 with relevant experience
- Subject must usually match the master’s field (e.g. Psychology for MSc Psychology)
University of Liverpool Fees
Fees may vary between courses, but here are the 2025/26 entry fees for some of the courses:
- Accounting and Finance: £9,535 (UK) and £25,000 (International)
- Medicinal Chemistry: £9,535 (UK) and £29,100 (International)
- Marine Biology: £9,535 (UK) and £29,100 (International)
University of Liverpool Scholarships
| Scholarship | Who It’s For | Amount | Criteria | Application Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool Bursary | UK undergraduate students | Up to £2,000/year | Based on household income and widening access | No – assessed automatically |
| Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship | International undergraduate students | Up to £5,000 (1st year only) | Based on academic excellence | No – awarded automatically |
University of Liverpool Facilities
| Activity / Facility | Activity / Facility |
|---|---|
| Archery | Jiu-jitsu |
| Athletics and cross country | Judo |
| American football | Karate |
| Badminton | Korfball |
| Basketball | Lacrosse |
| Boxing | Mountaineering |
| Canoe | Netball |
| Cheerleading | Polo |
| Clay pigeon shooting | Pool and snooker |
| Cricket | Riding |
| Cycling & Triathlon | Rowing |
| Fencing | Rugby |
| Futsal | Sailing |
| Football | Ski and snowboarding |
| Gaelic football | Skydiving |
| Golf | Squash |
| Gymnastics | Sub Aqua (Scuba Diving/Octopush) |
| Handball | Surfing |
| Hockey | Swimming |
| Table tennis | Strength and conditioning |
| Taekwondo | Tennis |
| Trampolining | Ultimate frisbee |
| Volleyball | Water polo |
| Windsurfing |
University of Liverpool Graduate Employment Rate
Almost 90% of the graduates either go on to employment or further study.
University of Liverpool Notable Alumni
- Sir James Chadwick – Physicist; Nobel Prize winner for discovering the neutron
- Sir Harold Cohen – Pioneer in computer art and AI
- Cressida Dick – Former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police
- Brian Copsey – Famous archaeologist
- Richard E. Taylor – Physicist; Nobel Prize in Physics laureate
- Elizabeth Butler-Sloss – First female Lord Justice of Appeal in England and Wales
- Michael Grade – Television executive and former Chairman of the BBC
- John Moores – Businessman and founder of Littlewoods
- Kay Mellor – Award-winning television writer and actress
- Phil Thompson – Former professional footballer and Liverpool FC captain
Experience the City of Liverpool as a Student
Liverpool is an affordable, student-friendly city with great transport links and a compact layout. It offers plenty of cultural activities, including music venues, theatres, and galleries. The famous Albert Dock and waterfront are popular spots to relax.
The city has a strong sporting culture, with Liverpool FC and Everton nearby. Nightlife is vibrant, with many bars, restaurants, and cafes suited to students.
With a large student population, there are numerous clubs and societies to join. Liverpool balances study and social life well, making it an ideal place for students.
How much does it cost to live in Liverpool as a Student
Living in Liverpool is generally more affordable than in many other UK cities. On average, students should budget around £9,000 to £12,000 per year to cover living expenses.
This includes:
- Accommodation: Rent varies but expect to pay between £80 and £120 per week for shared student housing or university halls. Private flats cost more.
- Food and groceries: Around £25 to £35 per week depending on cooking habits and lifestyle.
- Transport: Liverpool has good public transport; a student travel pass costs about £15 to £20 per month. Many students also walk or cycle.
- Social and leisure: Budget about £20 to £40 per week for entertainment, eating out, and socialising.
- Books and study materials: Around £300 to £500 per year, though this varies by course.
Opportunities in Liverpool as an International Student
Liverpool offers a range of opportunities specifically for international students. The university provides dedicated support services, including visa advice, orientation programmes, and language assistance to help with settling in.
There are numerous part-time job options available across the city, particularly in hospitality, retail, and campus roles. This helps students gain work experience and support themselves financially.
Liverpool’s strong links with local businesses and industries create internships and placement opportunities, especially in fields like science, engineering, and the creative arts.
The city also hosts cultural events and international student societies, making it easier to connect, build networks, and experience diverse cultures.
University of Liverpool Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/
- Address: Foundation Building, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 7ZX, United Kingdom
- General information for international students: +44 151 794 2000
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