The tube, cups of tea, and red double-decker buses, oh my! England is both different and similar from the USA in many ways. Both countries speak English and many foods are similar, even if they’re called different things (see french fries vs chips).

The modesty and clothing standards are fairly similar between the countries, so you won’t have to buy an entirely new wardrobe that covers every inch of your body. The similarities make England an easy choice for studying abroad during your undergraduate degree!

Universities in England will be easy to adjust to — and they’re prestigious af.

That doesn’t mean it’s all the same though! Between spelling and vocabulary, the language is different in some subtle and some not-so-subtle ways. England has more culture focused around their history; for instance, some houses in London were built in the 1500s and still exist today!

The differences between the two countries mean that you’ll still have all the good experiences from other study abroad programs — getting to know a new culture while living in a new country — without many of the logistical drawbacks.

But where are the best universities in England for international students? (And what should you know before you make your choice?) There are tons of amazing options for earning degrees in England. We’ve laid out a few of our favorites here!

Are you earning your bachelor’s or master’s in England?

All of the universities listed here offer both master’s and undergraduate degree programs. So which should you choose? Should you escape to England for your undergraduate career or hold off until your master’s degree?

Both are great options. Studying in England for your undergraduate degree means more program options total. It also probably means you can fly off to England sooner! But, earning your master’s in England is super great too.

Most master’s programs in England are only a year long compared to the two- or three-year programs in the USA. That means that doing your master’s degree in England will take half the time, though it might be a bit more intensive. Master’s programs in England are known for being high quality as well as giving students the independence to manage their own studies. 

There are both pros and cons for doing your master’s degree in England. Whether you’re there to complete your master’s or your undergraduate degree, studying abroad in England will be amazing! Here are some awesome universities that can help you on your journey.

9 best universities in England for earning higher degrees

1. Middlesex University

Middlesex University has a beautiful campus in London where you’ll have everything you need to succeed. The university stresses not only knowledge and learning, but also acquiring specific skills. You won’t just learn out of a book at Middlesex. You will also get hands-on experience so that you have the skills you need to succeed in your career. With tons of great resources and programs, Middlesex University is one of the best international universities in England to provide expert support throughout your study abroad adventure. 

• Where? London, England
• When? Year-round
• Subjects? Art, Design, Business, Education, and more
• Visit website

2. Queen Mary University of London

The Queen Mary University of London is hugely focused on research and is one of England's leading research-focused higher education institutions. The university has merged with many medical and science focused universities over the years. Today, they are a well-rounded university, offering programs such as drama and English literature. However, their beginnings as a science and medicine research university still show today through their state of the art facilities and incredible programs. If London study abroad appeals to you, then the Queen Mary University of London is a great option.

3. Degree Programs at the University of Westminster, London

As one of the top 100 most international universities in the world, Westminster’s diversity is a major asset for international students. There are students from over 150 countries! That makes Westminster the most diverse university in all of England, and a super great option for international students to study abroad. Westminster has three campuses spread across London, so you’ll get a taste of different districts of London as well. Westminster is one of the best universities in England and their study abroad program is wonderful!

4. Sheffield Hallam University

If you’re looking for a program outside of London, then Sheffield Hallam University might be perfect for you. Sheffield Hallam University has a lot of different subjects for you to focus on while you study there. They also guarantee you a spot in one of their most popular on-campus housing options. This means you’ll be in the center of everything university related! With over 4.5 million trees, Sheffield is often described as the greenest city in Europe. That means there are tons of shady spots for you, whether you’re doing homework or just relaxing in them. Sheffield Hallam University is one of the best international universities in England!

• Where? Sheffield, England
• When? Year-round
• Subjects? Architecture, Biosciences, Business, Criminology, Film, Hospitality, Psychology, and more
• Visit website 

5. University of Roehampton

The University of Roehampton will help make sure you get the most well-rounded experience possible. As part of your studies there, you’ll be enrolled in a London Studies class. This class will help you to learn about the history and culture of London. Since you’ll be living there for one to two semesters, it’s a good idea to get to know the city, right? The class also includes excursions to places like Oxford and Christ Church’s Great Hall, the hall used to film Hogwarts dining hall scenes in Harry Potter. With the gorgeous campus and central location in London, the University of Roehampton is an incredible option for your study abroad experience.

• Where? London, England
• When? Year-round
• Subjects? Accounting, Film, Nursing, and more
• Visit website

6. University of East Anglia

The University of East Anglia offers a great degree program in England. The program is located in Norwich, a beautiful medieval city, and is just a short drive away from London! If you’re itching for a taste of the big city life, you can just pop over to London for a weekend. You’ll have all the benefits of the big city without having to deal with everyday stressors like traffic and pollution. The location, in addition to state-of-the-art facilities and a multicultural community, makes this program a great one!

• Where? Norwich, England
• When? Year-round
• Subjects? Environmental Sciences, International Development, Creative Writing, Drama, Medicine, Pharmacy, Economics, Communications, and more
• Visit website

7. University of Exeter International

This program prides itself on the variety (and specificity) of its subject focus. From Global Climate Change to Tolkien on Page and Screen, the University of Exeter has it all. When you’re not analyzing Lord of the Rings, you’ll be exploring the city around you. This program includes cultural experiences to help you have adventures! There’s even a five-day trip to London so that you’re sure to experience British culture in its entirety. You’ll love studying abroad with the University of Exeter.

8. Cambridge Summer Institute

Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. As one of the best universities in England for international students, it makes sense that they would sponsor a study abroad program to gain experience and education in Cambridge. The actual program takes place at Magdalene College, a constituent college of Cambridge. While studying here, you’ll have the opportunity to attend lectures from professors from Magdalene and Cambridge alike. Accommodation for this program is student housing in Magdalene College, putting you in the heart of student life. You’ll make a ton of new friends and have the ultimate student experience.

• Where? Cambridge, England
• When? Summer
• Subjects? Biochemistry, Business, History, International Business, International Relations, Medicine, and more
• Visit website 

9. University Studies Abroad Consortium

Although sponsored by University Studies Abroad Consortium, this program takes place at the London Metropolitan University. You’ll choose a handful of classes per semester, with some of the specialty classes even including excursions to culturally significant sites in London. Even if you don’t take any specialty courses, you’ll still get to explore the city. This program offers a week-long orientation to help familiarize you with London. Then, over the course of the program, there are group excursions where you’ll do things like experiencing a West End theatre performances, eating a cultural dinner, and taking a ride on the London Eye.

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You’re ready to study in England and earn your degree! 

Whether you earn your bachelor’s or master’s in England, you won’t regret earning a degree here.

Between cultural excursions and housing, all of these programs have some pretty awesome pros! Many are in London, considered by many to be the center of British culture. Some programs are in other cities, big and small. Whether you’re interested in more specialized subjects or a wide selection, there’s a program for you.

And you’ll fall in love with England while you’re at it. You’ll lounge in gorgeous green parks, try the famous Yorkshire pudding, and learn to “mind the gap!” By the time you’re done studying abroad for your undergraduate degree, you won’t want to come home and we wouldn’t blame you! England is a wonderful country and studying abroad to earn your degree there is an incredible experience. You got this!

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