University of Nottingham

Ranked among the UK’s top 20 universities and in the world’s top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2026), Nottingham offers a PhD experience that combines research excellence with real-world impact. You’ll be taught by academics who are experts in their field, at a university known for its pioneering research – from the birthplace of the MRI scanner to Nobel Prize-winning discoveries.

For the fifth year running, more of our graduates are in highly skilled employment than any other UK university (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021–2025). With careers support for life and strong employer links, we’ll help you build a future without limits.

Nottingham is the third most targeted UK university by leading graduate employers (High Fliers 2024), with global connections to companies like JP Morgan, ASOS, Unilever, GSK, and Deloitte.

Ranked in the top 10 for student life (UniCompare 2026), our award-winning campuses are home to students from over 150 countries. With an amazing range of sports clubs and societies, plus the vibrant city of Nottingham on your doorstep, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect and thrive.

Why study at the University of Nottingham?

We’re the 3rd most targeted UK university by leading graduate employers (High Fliers’ Graduate Market 2024) and have consistently ranked in the top 5. Our industry links span global names like JP Morgan, ASOS, Unilever, and PepsiCo.

Ranked 7th best university for work experience (Rate My Placement 2025), we offer opportunities to apply your learning through placements, projects and employer-led initiatives.

Nottingham is ranked among the top 50 student cities globally and top 10 in the UK (QS Best Student Cities 2026), offering a vibrant, affordable and welcoming environment for postgraduate study.

Our Careers and Employability Service provides lifelong support – from CV writing and interview prep to careers fairs and coaching – helping you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

With 22 Green Flag Awards, our campuses are among the most beautiful in the UK. We also have more than 70 sports clubs and 300 societies, offering plenty of ways to unwind and forge lifelong friendships.

8,000

postgraduate students

29

listings on FindAPhD

1st

for graduates entering highly skilled employment (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey data 2021–2025 for full-time, UK graduates entering work in the UK)

Nottingham United Kingdom

main campus

About the University of Nottingham

This is the birthplace of the MRI scanner and home of Nobel prize winners. We may have been founded in 1881 but we’re constantly looking to the future.

The University of Nottingham is a research focused campus university which has been described as “the nearest thing Britain has to a truly global university” by The Times, with campuses in Malaysia and China as well as the UK.

We’re proud to be the fifth-largest university in the UK and a member of the Russell Group, Universitas 21, the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the European University Association. We're currently ranked as one of the UK’s top 20 universities and among the world’s top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2026).

As a Nottingham graduate, you’ll be highly sought after by leading companies. We have more graduates in highly skilled employment than any other UK university for the 5th year running (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey data 2021-2025 for full-time, UK, UG and PG graduates), showcasing how the university helps students to build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their careers.

On top of this, the University of Nottingham has been named the third-most targeted university in the UK by The Times Top 100 Companies, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market report 2024. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide has also named Nottingham as its Sports University of the Year three times, and our beautiful campuses have won 22 Green Flag Awards for their lush green spaces.

View the prospectus for University of Nottingham

Departments at the University of Nottingham

School of Pharmacy

School of Life Sciences

Faculty of Engineering

Centre for Doctoral Training in DigitalMetal

School of Physics & Astronomy

School of Medicine

View more departments

Student life at the University of Nottingham

More than 70 sports clubs and 300 societies – from a cappella to yoga and everything in between.

Home to elite athletes – University of Nottingham students and alumni have won Olympic, World and Commonwealth medals. See here

Winner of 22 Green Flag Awards for our beautiful campuses .

Top 10 in the UK for Student Life (UniCompare 2026).

Disciplines available at the University of Nottingham

Biological Sciences

Chemistry

Computer Science

Engineering

Geology

Materials Science

Mathematics

Medicine

Physics

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Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living like for students in Nottingham?

Nottingham is an affordable city to live in compared to other parts of the UK. The type of accommodation that you choose and your personal lifestyle will impact on your living costs. You should also budget for food, clothes, books and other lifestyle costs such as sport, leisure and social activities. We have plenty of resources to help you manage your money.

Where can I find information for international students?

You can find a whole range of different information to help support your application on our international students webpage. This includes topics on student life, scholarships, visas and much more.

What help and support can I get during my studies?

The University has an excellent range of student support services which cover areas including health, welfare and study support. For personal problems which may affect your work, you can speak to your personal tutor or any member of staff in complete confidence. If they're unable to help with a particular problem, they'll help you find someone who can.