Introduction
Why Reading?
It's ambitious for itself and for you, its students
When you become a student with us, you will be joining an institution ranked 164th in the world 1 in the latest influential Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2011). Representing the world's top 1%, our ranking reflects our academic reputation and commitment to delivering an excellent all-round education.
An excellent student experience
In the National Student Survey (NSS) 2011, overall student satisfaction levels for the quality of the student experience at Reading have risen to 89%, placing the University in the top 20 UK universities and ahead of the majority of Russell Group and fellow 1994 Group institutions.
It is really important to us that your experience at Reading is a positive one and we are committed to providing you with the very best and most supportive environment in which to live and study. We are delighted that our students consistently bear this out.
An established, world-class university
One of 19 leading research intensive institutions in the UK, Reading is a member of the 1994 Group of universities. Selective, high quality academic institutions, we sit amongst these universities in combining an established history with cutting-edge research, a world-class student experience, research-informed teaching and an international reputation.
An international outlook
Our first international student joined us from Kenya in the early1900s. Today we have over 3,000 students on campus from outside the UK, so when you come to Reading you will be joining a vibrant cosmopolitan community offering a wealth of different perspectives and friendships. Whilst with us, you can choose to gain experience abroad with one of many international partner institutions or take up a language to enhance your CV. Either way, you'll be taught by staff with international expertise.
A stunningly beautiful campus
At Reading we are understandably proud of our campus which has been voted one of the best green spaces in the UK2 and the most highly-rated university. Giving a relaxed feel to the University, 320 acres of green parkland surround a central hub of key buildings which form the heart of the University where students meet and socialise. All development is managed in a green and sustainable way to ensure that our beautiful environment is preserved for everyone to enjoy.
Ambitious for your future
To ensure you have the very best environment in which to develop both within and beyond the lecture theatre, we are continuing to invest £250 million in our main campus over the next six years. The University's Henley Business School is one of the largest full-scale business schools in Europe, housed in an impressive state-of -the-art building on the heart of campus. In 2011, the Minghella Building opened with fantastic new facilities for the Department of Film, Theatre and Television. £21 million has recently been invested in our London Road campus to house our leading Institute of Education.
Reading's rowers continue to impress with six Olympic medal winners, three of them Olympic champions. Whatever your particular strength, we will help to make the most of you.
Linked in
Reading has an impressive external engagement programme, ensuring that the University and its students gain access to key networks as well as opportunities for real-world placements and work experience. We are committed to ensuring that, by the time you graduate, you will feel prepared for your life and career beyond the institution.
We have established a Student Employment, Experience and Careers Centre to support you in doing so. Reading's latest graduate employment statistics were the best for a decade, demonstrating our continued success.
Ideally located from the UK and beyond
Whether you would prefer a campus or a city location for your studies, Reading gives the best of both worlds. Set on a beautiful parkland campus, the University sits right on the edge of a vibrant city and within easy travelling distance of London, the rest of the UK and the main international airports. If you're an international student, we will even meet you at the airport.
Your University for life
Many people see graduation as the end point of their university career. But at Reading the community doesn't end there. At Open Days, we regularly meet generations of the same family who have studied with us and are now introducing the next generation. Word-of mouth recommendation is commonplace and over 100,000 Reading graduates - our alumni - stay in touch from across the globe even after they've left, contributing to fundraising campaigns and supporting the Reading students of the future.