WUSCA ranking
The overall ranking is decided by students from this institution rating them in a 2024 Whatuni review. This forms the basis of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs for short).
38th
/130
CUG ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
8,615
AVERAGE
Undergraduate students
Source: HESA, 2021 (note: only applies to undergraduate records)
TEF score
The Teaching Excellence Framework is how the standard of teaching at this institution is judged by an independent panel of experts. It's broken down into three levels; gold, silver and bronze, and looks at teaching quality, learning environment and student outcomes.
Part of the University of London, Royal Holloway was founded over 170 years ago and today offers world-class teaching and research. It ranks in 38th place in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2025) and prides itself in its flexible and inclusive study programmes.
The university offers an expansive range of undergraduate degrees, as well as postgraduate taught and research programmes. As a research-led institution, all programmes are fed by the most recent thinking to meet and exceed modern industry standards.
The university’s strengths lie not only in its impactful and transformative research, but also in its innovative education styles. Students learn through a range of smart technologies and blended learning methods, alongside more traditional lectures and practical sessions.
All students are able to access comprehensive academic and pastoral support throughout their time at the university, with careers support extending for two years after graduation. In the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS), student positivity was 80.4%.
Over 12,000 students live and learn at Royal Holloway, originating from over 130 countries to make it one of the most international universities in the world. Its historic Surrey campus is considered one of the most picturesque globally, with its central London campus conveniently located in the buzzing hub of the UK’s capital.
As part of the University of London, students can also make use of a range of other benefits, including being part of the University of London’s student union and access to all University of London libraries and other facilities across the city.
Royal Holloway, University of London students on Whatuni say:
“Royal Holloway has a gorgeous campus with on-site student accommodation, allowing for quick and easy travel to lectures.”
“Its beautiful appearance and buildings create an atmosphere for bonding with friends, studying and learning from lecturers.”
“The environment and student life makes the university experience fun and entertaining.”
Courses and lecturers
3.8Course rating
4.1Course content rating
3.9Lecturers and Teaching quality rating
Royal Holloway offers an expansive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across all subject areas. Its 25 departments are expertly run through overarching schools, ensuring the very best dispersal of knowledge, resources and funding.
Royal Holloway’s seven academic schools are:
School of Business and Management
School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
School of Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences
School of Humanities
School of Law and Social Sciences
School of Life Sciences and the Environment
School of Performing and Digital Art.
Teaching at the university inspires and supports student collaboration and innovation. Smart technology is incorporated into the learning experience, with teaching taking place via lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions. Learners are also able to take part in a variety of experiential activities outside of the classroom.
The university believes in the provision of a world-class learning experience for all, ensuring all of its courses have inclusivity built into both their design and delivery. It prioritises flexible learning so that students can efficiently access their courses fully in-person, online or in a hybrid manner.
All teachers at the university are experts in their fields, bringing both industry and research experience into their teaching. Royal Holloway received an overall rating of Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), reflecting the university’s very high quality of teaching, facilities and student experience.
Royal Holloway, University of London students on Whatuni say:
“Lovely staff and good student experience.”
“Good equipment and staff, lots of materials for building.”
“The course content is very good.”
Get prospectus
Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.
AAmeliaReviewed 24 Mar 24
English and History BA (Hons)
It’s a great place to study since it offers a lot of study areas, alongside a wide range of modules that are all interesting. However, it could improve on the well-being side and have more trained professionals available to talk...
READ FULL REVIEW
MMollyReviewed 12 Mar 24
Music and Theatre BA (Hons)
Campus amazing and plenty to do - local town has all you need. Harder to get to London than expected but still very viable most of time and local buses and trains...
READ FULL REVIEW
Student life
3.6Student life rating
3.4Location rating
3.6Student union rating
Royal Holloway Students’ Union (RHSU) is run by students for students. It exists to protect the student voice, ensure all views are heard, and to advance the education and experience of all students at the university.
Any student can get formally involved in RHSU, access its dedicated advice centre, or simply enjoy its ongoing timetable of events and activities.
Royal Holloway, University of London students on Whatuni say:
“Campus amazing and plenty to do - local town has all you need.”
“The campus is beautiful and the area is pleasant, plenty of regular events of a variety of types.”
“RHUL has an amazing looking campus with 24/7 facilities and good nightlife.”
Job prospects
3.7Career prospects rating
Royal Holloway prides itself in creating employable graduates who thrive in the modern workforce and excel in their fields. Students receive expansive careers support from their first day at university, which extends for two years beyond graduation.
The careers service at Royal Holloway works with a range of top-level employers, providing careers support to students including:
Assistance with securing local part-time work that students can easily balance with their studies
Assistance with finding and securing work after graduation
Careers events, including careers fairs, workshops, employer engagement events, and alumni talks
One-to-one careers advice appointments to assist in developing and planning a career path
Practical guidance on matters relating to job applications, including assistance with CVs and cover letters.
Student entrepreneurship service, where students can receive advice and guidance through workshops or one-to-one appointments
Courses at Royal Holloway embed employability by incorporating experiential learning or work placements into their curricula. Students also have opportunities to bolster their CV through a range of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, including getting involved in clubs or societies, volunteering within the community, studying abroad, or taking part in an optional placement year.
Graduates from the university go on to work globally in all sectors of industry, and join a vast alumni network of over 100,000.
You'll be shocked by the number of clubs and societies on offer at Royal Holloway, University of London. There's something for everyone! As well as being able to pick different clubs and societies, most courses let you choose modules at different points through your degree.
As well as personalising your course through optional modules, you may have the chance to do a work placement during your studies. Developing your professional skills through work placements is a great way to add to your CV and boost your employability.
What can you do with a degree from Royal Holloway, University of London?
If you want a job you love (and who doesn't?), getting a job in a field you're passionate about is a great place to start. By studying a subject you really enjoy, you'll be qualified for a range of jobs relating to that subject, which you'll hopefully love.
For those who aren't ready to give up on education after an undergraduate degree, you'll have the opportunity to progress to postgraduate study such as a master's or even a PhD.
What accommodation does Royal Holloway, University of London offer?
Royal Holloway, University of London's accommodation is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. All your bills are included in your rent, you'll have free WiFi and your rent also includes security and maintenance.
You'll have access to communal areas like kitchen and dining facilities, where you can socialise with other students you're living with. Disabled students will find several rooms adapted in accessible halls to suit a range of access requirements.