University of Surrey
Guildford, United Kingdom • Founded 1891 • World Rank #311
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1966, the University of Surrey is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Guildford (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), South East England.
Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, University of Surrey is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. University of Surrey 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 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.
University of Surrey 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, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for University of Surrey are gathered below for quick reference. Most enquiries route through the admissions team unless noted otherwise.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how University of Surrey operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
University of Surrey's teaching units laid out by faculty and school. Deep hierarchies (faculty to school to department) versus flat structures affect administrative complexity for students.
Unit 4 items
- Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Management and Law
Degrees
The Royal Academy of Dance offers degrees validated by the University of Surrey
Bachelor's 4 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Natural Sciences
Doctoral 21 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Biochemistry
- Business Administration
- Cell Biology
- Economics
- Engineering
- English
- Film
- Health Sciences
- Hotel Management
- Law
- Linguistics
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Nutrition
- Physiology
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Theatre
- Tourism
- Translation and Interpretation
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Arts and Human Sciences (Faculty) 16 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dance
- English
- Film
- French
- German
- Law
- Literature
- Music
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Sound Engineering (Acoustics)
- Spanish
- Theatre
- Translation and Interpretation
- Writing
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business, Economics and Law (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Health Administration
- Law
- Management
- Retailing and Wholesaling
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering and Physical Sciences (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Systems Analysis
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health and Medical Sciences (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Occupational Health
- Physiology
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
University of Surrey's teaching offering by degree level. Programmes archived in past intakes may still appear on search engines; the live list here is the current source of truth.
309 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 140 programmes
Showing 10 of 140.
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 113 programmes
Showing 10 of 113.
Doctorate 44 programmes
Showing 10 of 44.
Professional Doctorate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 6 programmes
How to apply to University of Surrey
Application guidance for University of Surrey, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Identify the right programme
University of Surrey's catalogue includes 309 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for University of Surrey's admissions process.
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3
Prepare your application 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.
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4
Submit via the institution
Submit your completed application through University of Surrey's official website at www.surrey.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.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (1483) 300 800. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Surrey
Frequently asked questions about University of Surrey, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
When did University of Surrey open?
University of Surrey traces its founding to 1891 (approximately 135 years ago).
In which city is University of Surrey?
University of Surrey is based in Guildford, United Kingdom.
Is University of Surrey public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at University of Surrey?
University of Surrey has approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
Where does University of Surrey stand in university rankings?
University of Surrey is ranked #311 globally and #23 in United Kingdom.
What programmes are available at University of Surrey?
University of Surrey delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How many faculties does University of Surrey have?
University of Surrey is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.
Is University of Surrey accredited?
Yes, University of Surrey is recognised by Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about University of Surrey?
University of Surrey's official website is www.surrey.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Looking for the strongest names in the United Kingdom? These are the highest-ranked institutions nationally — useful context for benchmarking University of Surrey against the country's most established universities. National benchmarks also signal the upper bound of academic prestige in the United Kingdom.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Fellow European University Association (EUA) members alongside University of Surrey are gathered below — useful if institutional networks matter to your decision. Networks shape exchange opportunities, joint degrees, and credential recognition across borders.
Faculties at nearby universities
Climate and seasonal factors apply consistently across universities near University of Surrey, but campus altitude or coastline exposure can shift the experience meaningfully even within a cluster.
Where Else to Study Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Programme delivery mode varies across the Natural Sciences & Mathematics programmes listed — online, hybrid, and in-person formats differ in tuition, schedule flexibility, and credential recognition across borders.
Universities Compared with University of Surrey
Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at University of Surrey's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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