University of Surrey Review: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of Surrey is a leading UK university located in Guildford, just outside London. It has built a reputation for delivering degrees that combine academic quality with strong employability outcomes. Surrey has over 16,000 students and a diverse international community. This article looks at what Surrey offers across academics, student life, facilities, and support, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your university journey.
University of Surrey Summary
- City: Guildford
-
Graduate Employment Rate：
92% within 15 months of graduation.
Table of Contents
Overview of University of Surrey
Founded in 1966, the University of Surrey is a campus-based institution known for its practical, career-focused education. Many courses include a Professional Training Year, where students complete paid placements in the UK or abroad.
Surrey has particular strengths in:
- Engineering and physical sciences
- Business and hospitality
- Computer science and AI
- Health and life sciences
- Psychology and social sciences
The university is also active in research, with recognised work in areas like space exploration, sustainability, and nutrition. It’s a member of the University Global Partnership Network (UGPN), promoting international collaboration in teaching and research.
The main campus is modern, safe, and well-equipped, with student accommodation, teaching buildings, labs, sports facilities, and a central lake. The town of Guildford offers a mix of high street shops, cafés, and green spaces, while London is under 40 minutes away by train.
Surrey is a good choice for students who want a high-quality degree, strong placement options, and a quieter student lifestyle near a major city.
University of Surrey Rankings 2026
UK Ranking (Complete University Guide 2026): 19th
World Ranking (QS World University Ranking 2026): 262nd
University of Surrey Courses and Programmes
The BSc Psychology at Surrey is a research-led, professionally focused programme designed to explore the science behind human behaviour, mental health, and neuropsychological function.
You’ll study topics across clinical, cognitive, developmental, personality, and social psychology, guided by lecturers who are active researchers in these fields. Their work contributes to policy and practice across health, education, and government.
Key strengths of the course include:
- A Professional Training placement year.
- Hands-on research experience in brain imaging suites, XR labs, and other specialist facilities.
- A wide range of BPS-accredited final-year modules.
You’ll build research skills from the start, with a focus on methods used in neuropsychology and cognitive psychology. This approach has been praised by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- 13th in the UK for overall student satisfaction (NSS 2024)
- 15th in the UK for Psychology (Times & Sunday Times 2025)
The BSc and MEng Computer Science programmes at Surrey offer a strong academic and practical foundation in computing. You’ll develop the skills needed to work in software development, AI, cybersecurity, data science, and related fields.
Key features of the course include:
- Strong graduate outcomes – 94% of graduates are in employment or further study (HESA 2024).
- Average starting salary of £39,000, well above the UK average.
- A top-ranked course: Top 10 in the UK and Top 100 globally for computer science and engineering (ShanghaiRanking 2024).
- Access to Surrey’s award-winning Professional Training placement scheme, giving you industry experience in sectors like tech, finance, and healthcare.
- Teaching by academics involved in cutting-edge research, with guest lectures from industry experts.
The degree provides a solid foundation in areas such as algorithms, programming, software engineering, and system design. It also encourages creative problem-solving and critical thinking, preparing you to build and manage next-generation systems.
Surrey’s IBMS-accredited BSc Biomedical Science course offers a strong foundation in human biology, disease processes, and clinical diagnostics. It’s a well-established programme with over 20 years of accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Key Highlights:
- Top 12 in the UK for student satisfaction (NSS 2024)
- 93% of graduates in work or further study (HESA 2024)
- Hands-on learning in the £12.5 million Innovation for Health Lab, using NHS-grade and research-standard equipment
- Tailored module choices in fields like neuroscience, gene expression, pharmacology, and toxicology
- Access to exclusive Professional Training placements with industry and healthcare partners
- Option to complete an integrated master’s year for those aiming for a research-focused or technical career
University of Surrey Entry Deadline
| Date | What Happens |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
University of Surrey Entry Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical A-level offer | Most degrees: ABB – BBB (e.g., BSc: ABB; foundation entry: CCC) |
| Subject-specific needs | Science courses (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Maths Practical Endorsement) require passing the practical element |
| GCSE requirements | English Language and Maths: minimum Grade C/4 |
| International equivalents | Country-specific entry grades similar to A-levels (e.g., STPM, HSC, IB); direct Year 2 entry possible |
| Alternative qualifications | Foundation or Year One programmes available via International Study Centre |
| English language (IELTS) | Academic IELTS 6.5 overall (min Writing 6.0; min 5.5 other skills) |
| Pre-sessional English | Offered if IELTS not met; essential before degree start |
| Recognition of Prior Learning | Can lead to credit or advanced entry in some cases |
| Interviews/auditions | Rare – only for selective programmes (e.g., healthcare, music) |
University of Surrey Fees 2025/2026
Accounting and Finance
UK
International
Computer Science
UK
International
University of Surrey Sports Facilities
The University of Surrey is home to Surrey Sports Park, a £36 million health and fitness complex offering professional-level facilities to students, staff, and the public.
Located on campus in Guildford, just 40 minutes from London, the park is one of the top university sports venues in the UK. It serves as the training base for Harlequins Rugby, Guildford City Swimming Club, and regularly hosts England women’s rugby and lacrosse teams.
Facilities include:
- Full-sized indoor and outdoor tennis courts
- Netball, squash, badminton courts
- Climbing wall for indoor climbing and bouldering
- A 50-metre swimming pool
- State-of-the-art fitness and strength training zones
- Group exercise studios and personal training services
The Sports Park also hosts regular events, student sport competitions, and training for elite athletes. Students benefit from discounted memberships and access to a wide range of fitness classes, recreational leagues, and competitive university teams.
University of Surrey Notable Alumni
| Name | Profession / Achievement |
|---|---|
| Jim Al-Khalili | Theoretical physicist, author, and broadcaster (BBC Radio 4 & TV) |
| Jeremy Kyle | TV presenter and host of The Jeremy Kyle Show |
| Tony Attwood | Clinical psychologist, world expert on autism spectrum disorders |
| Linda Papadopoulos | Psychologist and media commentator |
| Sir Alec Issigonis | Engineer and designer of the original Mini car |
| George Young | Politician and former UK Secretary of State for Transport |
| Tim Peake | European Space Agency astronaut (studied flight dynamics at Surrey) |
| Kay Swinburne | Former Member of the European Parliament |
| Behrouz Boochani | Kurdish-Iranian writer and human rights activist |
| Robert Evans | Former MEP and education advocate |
Experience the City of Guildford as a Student
Guildford is a safe, student-friendly town in the southeast of England. It offers a quieter lifestyle compared to big cities but still has plenty going on. The town centre is just a 15-minute walk from campus and has a good mix of shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants.
There are two theatres, a cinema, and several live music venues. For nightlife, students usually head to local bars or clubs.
The town is surrounded by green spaces, including the Surrey Hills – ideal for walks, cycling, or relaxing outdoors. The River Wey also runs through the town centre.
How much does it cost to live in Guildford as a Student
| Expense Category | Typical Cost (£/month) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared room) | £500 – £700 |
| Rent (studio/private flat) | £800 – £1,200 |
| Utilities (electricity, gas) | £90 – £100 (usually included in halls) |
| Broadband & mobile | £30 – £60 |
| Groceries | £130 – £200 |
| Transport (bus/train) | £60 – £80 |
| Leisure & socialising | £50 – £100 |
| Books, clothing, laundry, etc. | £50 – £70 |
| Total (shared housing) | £910 – £1,290 |
| Total (solo private) | £1,260 – £1,910 |
University of Surrey Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/
- Address: Stag Hill, University Campus, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
- General information for international students: +44 1483 300800
