University of Reading
Reading, United Kingdom • Founded 1892 • World Rank #511
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1892, the University of Reading is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Reading (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), South East England.
This institution also has a branch campus in Gelang Patah. Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, University of Reading (UoR) is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution.
University of Reading (UoR) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 132-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.
UoR also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for University of Reading are gathered below for quick reference. Most enquiries route through the admissions team unless noted otherwise.
Academic Details
University of Reading's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Academic Structures
Below is how University of Reading is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units that house its programmes. Larger institutions often run multi-faculty divisions to coordinate cross-disciplinary work.
Unit 4 items
- Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science
- Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Life Sciences
- Henley Business School
Degrees
University of Reading's qualification tiers and the degrees within each. Foundation years for international students often run separately and feed into year-one of a bachelor's programme.
Doctoral 28 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Agriculture
- Ancient Civilizations
- Art History
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- English
- European Studies
- Film
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- History
- International Business
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Literature
- Marketing
- Modern Languages
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Real Estate
- Theatre
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (Faculty) 23 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Cinema and Television
- Classical Languages
- Communication Arts
- Continuing Education
- Economics
- Education
- English
- European Studies
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Arts
- History
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Theatre
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Life Sciences (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Business
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Environmental Management
- Food Science
- Marketing
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
- Chemistry
- Construction Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Meteorology
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Statistics
- Systems Analysis
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
University of Reading's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.
432 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 273 programmes
Showing 10 of 273.
Master's Degree 117 programmes
Showing 10 of 117.
Foundation 1 programme
Postgraduate Certificate 36 programmes
Showing 10 of 36.
Postgraduate Diploma 5 programmes
How to apply to University of Reading
Five steps that capture how most applications to University of Reading flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of Reading offers 432 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at University of Reading has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit your application
Apply directly via University of Reading's online portal at www.reading.ac.uk. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (118) 987 5123. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Reading
Quick reference for University of Reading: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
When was University of Reading founded?
University of Reading was established in 1892 (approximately 134 years ago).
Where can I find University of Reading?
The institution is located in Reading, United Kingdom.
What is University of Reading's control type?
University of Reading operates as a public institution.
How many students does University of Reading have?
The institution has a student body of 15,000-19,999.
What is University of Reading's ranking?
It ranks #511 globally and #34 in United Kingdom.
What degrees does University of Reading offer?
University of Reading delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How many faculties does University of Reading have?
The institution comprises 4 academic units.
Who recognises University of Reading?
The institution holds recognition from Privy Council.
How do I find University of Reading online?
The institution's website is www.reading.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. University of Reading's placement rate relative to leaders is one signal of academic preparation depth.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Joint conference hosting among Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) members brings academic communities together. Students at University of Reading and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.
Faculties at nearby universities
Beyond University of Reading, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.
Where Else to Study Social Sciences & Education
Programme delivery mode varies across the Social Sciences & Education programmes listed — online, hybrid, and in-person formats differ in tuition, schedule flexibility, and credential recognition across borders.
Universities Compared with University of Reading
Cross-peer scholarship reciprocity exists in some systems where peer institutions accept each other's scholarship students. Worth checking for University of Reading if location flexibility matters.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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