Exploring Queen Mary London University's Student Population

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a public research university with around 32,000 students, according to 2023/24 figures. It is a member of the Russell Group of British research universities and has six campuses across London, as well as an international presence in China, France, Greece, and Malta. The university is organised into three faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Around 32,000 students attend Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a public research university with around 32,000 students and over 5,700 members of staff. It is a member of the Russell Group of British research universities and is known for its diverse and inclusive community.

History and Locations

QMUL has a rich history that dates back to 1785, with the founding of The London Hospital Medical College, England's first official medical school. Today, the university operates across six campuses in London, including Mile End, Whitechapel, Charterhouse Square, Ilford, Lincoln's Inn Fields, and West Smithfield. It also has an international presence in China, France, Greece, and Malta.

Academics and Research

QMUL offers a wide range of academic programmes, with over 240 degree programmes across three faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Medicine and Dentistry. The university is known for its strong research focus and has been ranked highly in various national and international rankings. It is among the top 20 UK universities targeted by leading employers, according to the Graduate Market 2024 report.

Student Population and Diversity

The university's student population is diverse, with students from over 170 nationalities. Approximately 45% of the students are from overseas, and QMUL is known for its commitment to social mobility and inclusivity. Of the London domestic undergraduate students, more than 99% are from state schools, 73% are BAME, and 45% are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

Awards and Recognition

QMUL has received numerous awards and recognition for its contributions to research, teaching, and social mobility. It was named the 'University of the Year' at the sixth annual UK Social Mobility Awards in 2022 and was ranked joint 7th in the UK for the quality of its research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. The university has also been recognised for its public engagement efforts, receiving the Platinum Watermark from the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement in 2021.

The university has six campuses across London

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a public research university with around 32,000 students and six campuses across London in Mile End, Whitechapel, Charterhouse Square, Ilford, Lincoln's Inn Fields and West Smithfield. The Mile End campus is the largest self-contained campus of any London-based university.

The university's roots can be traced back to 1785 with the founding of The London Hospital Medical College, England's first official medical school. Today, Queen Mary is a diverse and inclusive university with a global presence, committed to improving lives and remaining true to its founders' vision of providing "hope and opportunity" to underrepresented members of society.

The university's London campuses alone host students and staff from over 170 nationalities, with more than 90% of home students coming from state schools, 75% identifying as black, Asian or minority ethnic, and nearly 50% being the first in their family to attend university. Queen Mary is dedicated to social mobility and was recognised as such in 2022 when it won the 'University of the Year' award at the UK Social Mobility Awards.

The university's six campuses in London offer a range of facilities and courses. The main Mile End campus, for example, houses the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Queens' Building, the main college library, the student union, several restaurants, halls of residence and a gym. The Whitechapel campus, meanwhile, is home to Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, the Whitechapel Medical Library, the Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, and The Royal London Hospital.

It is a member of the Russell Group of British research universities

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a member of the Russell Group of British research universities. The Russell Group is a collection of 24 world-class, research-intensive universities, each with its own unique history and ethos. These institutions share a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of research and education, fostering dynamic economies, and creating stronger communities.

QMUL has established itself as one of the UK's leading research-focused higher education institutions, with an annual turnover of over £474 million. The university has a strategic commitment to excellence in research, investing in cutting-edge facilities and recruiting top academics from around the world. This dedication to research is reflected in its performance; in the most recent assessment of research quality in UK universities, 34% of QMUL's research was rated world-class, and an additional 52% was rated internationally excellent.

QMUL's membership in the Russell Group underscores its reputation as a research powerhouse. The group's universities produce more than two-thirds of the world-leading research in UK academic institutions, and their work has a significant impact on the social, economic, and cultural landscape, both domestically and globally. Russell Group universities attract students and staff from across the globe, and their graduates are highly sought-after by multinational businesses and international organisations.

QMUL's inclusion in the Russell Group is a testament to its research prowess and its ability to compete with the very best universities in the UK and worldwide. The university's research agenda spans a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, law, medicine and dentistry, and science and engineering. This diverse range of research interests, combined with its strong performance in producing world-class research, makes QMUL a valuable contributor to the Russell Group's collective endeavour.

In addition to its research excellence, QMUL also stands out for its commitment to social justice and improving lives. With a diverse student body representing over 170 nationalities, the university embraces its East End roots and its presence in one of the world's great cultural and economic centres. QMUL offers a world-class education with a focus on inclusivity, and its graduates go on to successful careers in recognised organisations worldwide.

It is ranked 120th in the QS World University Rankings

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a public research university with around 32,000 students and a dynamic presence in the heart of London. It was founded in 1885 and has since built a rich heritage and legacy of academic excellence and pioneering research. With a focus on social mobility, QMUL has made significant contributions across various fields, including dentistry, law, engineering, and the humanities.

QMUL's commitment to excellence is reflected in its impressive rankings. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, QMUL rose to 120th place, marking a significant 25-place jump from its 2023 ranking of 145th. This improvement highlights the university's continuous pursuit of high-quality education and research.

The university's research prowess is further emphasised by its performance in other notable rankings. The 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed Queen Mary 14th globally and 5th in the UK for research quality. Additionally, the UK Government's 2021 Research Excellence Framework recognised Queen Mary as joint 7th in the UK for research quality, with 92% of its research assessed as internationally excellent or world-leading.

QMUL's dedication to academic excellence extends beyond research. The university is also committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment, as evidenced by its global student body, representing over 170 nationalities. This commitment to diversity and inclusion has earned Queen Mary a place in the Russell Group, a collection of research-intensive UK universities.

In addition to its academic prowess, Queen Mary offers a range of affordable accommodation options across its campuses in Mile End, Whitechapel, and Charterhouse Square. The university's main Mile End campus is the largest self-contained campus of any London-based university, providing a safe and secure environment for its students.

With its rich history, distinguished alumni, and consistent rankings within the top 150 universities globally, Queen Mary University of London has established itself as a leading educational institution, offering a world-class education and a vibrant campus life.

It is the only campus-based Russell Group university in London

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a public research university based in the United Kingdom's capital. It is a member of the Russell Group, a self-selected membership lobbying group for research-intensive universities in the UK.

With roots in four historic colleges in East London, QMUL has become one of the UK's leading research-focused higher education institutions, with an annual turnover of over £474 million. The university has around 32,000 students and is one of the largest colleges of the federal University of London.

QMUL has six campuses across East and Central London, with an additional international presence in China, France, Greece, and Malta. The Mile End campus is the largest self-contained campus of any London-based university. The university is organised into three faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

QMUL is the only Russell Group university in London with a campus. This means that, while based in the heart of the city, students also get the safety and security of campus life. The university's diverse student population of over 170 nationalities can enjoy a range of accommodation options on or near campus, as well as access to the wider University of London's facilities.

QMUL's commitment to research is evident in its annual income, with over £146 million coming from research grants and contracts in 2023-24. The university has a strategic focus on recruiting the best academics worldwide and investing in cutting-edge facilities. This commitment to research excellence is further demonstrated by QMUL's ranking in the top 20 for research power in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.

In addition to its research focus, QMUL prioritises social justice and improving lives, with a longstanding dedication to the local East End community. The university works to improve school education and reduce poverty across London. With a world-class education offering and a focus on student employability, 90% of QMUL graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.

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