Loughborough University emblem

Loughborough University

Loughborough, United Kingdom • Founded 1909 • World Rank #490

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Loughborough University
Founded: 1909
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #490
Rank in United Kingdom: #31
Motto: Veritate, scientia, labore
Colours: Purple
The Loughborough University campus grounds
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Founded in 1966, the Loughborough University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Loughborough (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), East Midlands.

This institution also has a branch campus in London. Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, Loughborough University is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution.

Loughborough University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 58-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

Loughborough University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Loughborough University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.

Address: Epinal Way
Postal Code: LE11 3TU
Other Sites: Also English Language Support Studies. Summer Schools
Phone: +44 (1509) 222 222
Fax: +44 (1509) 223 900
Social Media:

Academic Details

The figures below cover Loughborough University's academic scale, faculty depth, and recognised standing. Treat the enrolment count as a point-in-time snapshot; trends require multi-year comparison.

Academic Year: Semesters: September to June (September-January; February-June). Terms: September to June (September-December; January-March; April-June)
Recognition: Privy Council
Admission Requirements: General Certificate of Education (GCE) and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) with passes in 5 subjects, of which 2 must be of Advanced ('A') level or passes in 4 subjects, of which 3 must be at ('A'), no subject to be counted at both Ordinary ('O')/(GCSE) and ('A')/Advanced Supplementary ('AS') levels
Student Enrollment: 15
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) European University Association (EUA) Universities UK

Academic Structures

Loughborough University's teaching organisation from faculties down to institutes. Faculty websites typically list their own programme catalogue, faculty bios, and contact information separately from the central site.

Unit 9 items
  • Loughborough Design School
  • School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering
  • School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
  • School of Business and Economics
  • School of Science
  • School of Social Sciences
  • School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
  • School of the Arts, English and Drama
  • Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Degrees

Explore the degree tracks available at Loughborough University — from foundation routes through to doctoral programmes. Each level prepares graduates for distinct career or research trajectories.

Doctoral 26 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Art History
  • Business Administration
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Engineering
  • Design
  • Economics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • English
  • Fine Arts
  • Geography
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Leisure Studies
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Production Engineering
  • Social Sciences
  • Sports
  • Theatre

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Privy Council.

Development Engineering (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Human Sciences and Advanced Technology (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Studies
  • Information Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Polymer Technology and Materials Engineering (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Materials Engineering
  • Polymer and Plastics Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Child and Family (Research Division) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Arts (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Design
  • Fine Arts
  • Textile Design
Business and Economics (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Banking
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Retailing and Wholesaling

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Civil and Building Engineering (School) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Systems Analysis

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Design (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Design
  • Industrial Design

Common Career Paths

  • Designer
  • Creative Director
  • UX Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Systems Analysis

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mathematics (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education

Common Career Paths

  • Data Analyst
  • Statistician
  • Actuary

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Engineering Management
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Production Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Social, Political and Geographical Sciences (School) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Studies
  • Criminal Law
  • Cultural Studies
  • Geography
  • Geography (Human)
  • History
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Media Studies
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Loughborough University's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.

288 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom

Master of Business Administration 1 programme

The Loughborough Full-Time MBA
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Philosophy 2 programmes

Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering - MPhil
Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Business and Economics - MPhil
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 131 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Finance
Finance, Banking & Insurance

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Advanced Chemical Engineering
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Advanced Computer Science
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Management
Industrial & Systems Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Advanced Physics
Physics & Astronomy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Science
Pharmacy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Analytical Chemistry
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Applied Sport Performance Analysis
Performing Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 131.

Doctorate 26 programmes

Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering - PhD
Trades

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering - PhD
Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Business and Economics - PhD
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Chemical Engineering - PhD
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Communication and Media - PhD
Communication Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Computer Science - PhD
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy - PhD
Criminal Law & Justice

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Design and Creative Arts - PhD
Applied Design

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Design Innovation - PhD
Applied Design

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 26.

Postgraduate Certificate 10 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Science
Pharmacy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Analytical Chemistry
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Ergonomics and Human Factors

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Human Factors and Ergonomics for Patient Safety

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science and Medicinal Chemistry
Pharmacy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Mathematics (11-18)
Mathematics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Physical Education (11-18)
Physics & Astronomy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Water Engineering for Development (Distance Learning, Part-time)
General Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Water Management for Development (Distance Learning, Part-time)
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma 7 programmes

Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Science
Pharmacy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma in Ergonomics and Human Factors

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science and Medicinal Chemistry
Pharmacy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma in Water Engineering for Development (Distance Learning, Part-time)
General Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma in Water Management for Development (Distance Learning, Part-time)
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Loughborough University

How to apply to Loughborough University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Loughborough University

    Loughborough University's catalogue includes 288 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Loughborough University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Submit your completed application through Loughborough University's official website at www.lboro.ac.uk. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +44 (1509) 222 222. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Loughborough University

Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Loughborough University, drawn directly from institutional records.

When was Loughborough University founded?

Loughborough University was established in 1909 (approximately 117 years ago).

Where is Loughborough University located?

Loughborough University is located in Loughborough, United Kingdom.

Is Loughborough University a public or private institution?

Loughborough University operates as a public institution.

What is the student enrolment at Loughborough University?

Student enrolment at Loughborough University is around 15,000-19,999.

How is Loughborough University ranked?

Loughborough University is ranked #490 globally and #31 in United Kingdom.

What degrees does Loughborough University offer?

Loughborough University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

What is Loughborough University's academic structure?

Loughborough University has 9 academic units.

Who recognises Loughborough University?

Yes, Loughborough University is recognised by Privy Council.

Where can I learn more about Loughborough University?

The institution's website is www.lboro.ac.uk.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom

Graduate-school placement rates among the United Kingdom's top universities set the upper bound for that signal. Loughborough University's placement rate relative to leaders is one signal of academic preparation depth.

Members of European University Association (EUA)

If Loughborough University's European University Association (EUA) membership influenced your interest, these institutions belong to the same network and offer comparable mobility and credential-recognition benefits. Membership shapes everything from exchange access to joint research opportunities.

Faculties at nearby universities

Industry placements and co-op programmes around Loughborough University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.

Where Else to Study Engineering & Technology

Programme delivery mode varies across the Engineering & Technology programmes listed — online, hybrid, and in-person formats differ in tuition, schedule flexibility, and credential recognition across borders.

Universities Compared with Loughborough University

Faculty mobility between Loughborough University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.

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