When it comes to size, the Open University dominates as the largest university in the UK, with over 133,000 students enrolled via distance learning. But among traditional universities, UCL, Manchester, and Edinburgh top the charts for campus-based enrolments. Bigger institutions often offer a wider choice of degrees, more societies and clubs, and massive alumni networks — but they can also feel less personal. This guide reveals the top UK universities by student numbers, how size affects student life, and what to consider if you’re applying to a large campus.

20. The University of Bristol

In 20th place on our updated list is the University of Bristol, with 32,145 enrolled students. As one of the UK’s most prestigious Russell Group universities, Bristol consistently attracts applicants from around the world thanks to its strong academic reputation, high research output, and excellent graduate prospects. The university’s vibrant location, dynamic student societies, and thriving cultural scene contribute to its popularity. Despite its selective admissions process, student numbers remain high, reflecting the university’s enduring appeal and its position as a major academic hub in the South West.

19. Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University takes 19th place with 32,235 students, making it one of the UK’s largest modern universities. Known for its applied learning, strong industry links, and wide range of vocational and professional courses, Hallam attracts students from across the UK and beyond. Its modern campus facilities, investment in student experience, and strong presence within the city help maintain consistently high enrolment figures. Despite sharing the city with the Russell Group–affiliated University of Sheffield, Hallam stands out for its practical teaching style and accessible pathways into employment-focused fields.

18. The University of Exeter

The University of Exeter comes in 18th place with 32,880 student enrolments, reflecting its continued rise in popularity over the past decade. As a member of the Russell Group, Exeter benefits from a strong academic reputation, particularly in subjects such as environmental sciences, business, humanities, and psychology. Its picturesque campuses in Devon and Cornwall, high student satisfaction rates, and a strong focus on wellbeing and community make it especially attractive to prospective students. The combination of academic prestige and a high-quality student experience helps explain its position as one of the largest universities in the UK.

17. Cardiff University

Cardiff University, the largest institution in Wales, hosts 33,020 students and consistently ranks as one of the UK’s major research universities. Its wide subject offering, from healthcare and science to journalism and social sciences, attracts a large and diverse student body. Cardiff’s reputation for world-class research—particularly in medical and life sciences—further boosts its appeal to students pursuing academic or research-focused careers. Beyond academics, Cardiff’s lively city centre, affordability, and well-known student nightlife contribute to its growing population, securing its place as one of the biggest universities in the UK.

16. BPP University

With 33,750 students, BPP University stands out for being one of the UK’s largest providers of professional training in law, business, finance, and healthcare. Unlike traditional universities, BPP specialises in career-focused and vocational qualifications, attracting large cohorts of students pursuing professional pathways such as accountancy, legal practice, and clinical training. A significant proportion of its student population studies online or through blended learning, which contributes to its sizeable enrolment figures. BPP’s strong industry partnerships, accreditation routes, and flexible study options make it a major player in the UK higher education landscape.

15. University of Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire takes 15th place with 34,255 enrolled students. Known for its modern campus, strong employability focus, and broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, it continues to attract students looking for high-quality teaching with strong professional relevance. Its large online learning community and industry-linked courses—particularly in technology, creative media, healthcare, and business—help drive its high enrolment numbers. The university’s inclusive admissions approach and its proximity to London also contribute to its status as one of the largest institutions in the country.

14. Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University has 35,895 enrolled students, making it one of the UK’s biggest multi-campus institutions. With major campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, and Peterborough, ARU offers a wide selection of professionally oriented degrees across health, business, technology, and the creative arts. Its reputation for accessibility, combined with investment in state-of-the-art facilities—such as the new School of Medicine—continues to attract high student numbers. ARU’s strong focus on widening participation and flexible study routes helps maintain its position as one of the UK’s largest universities.

13. University of the West of England

UWE Bristol hosts 35,925 students, placing it firmly among the UK’s biggest universities. Known for its emphasis on practical learning, strong employer links, and excellent placement opportunities, UWE attracts students aiming for career-focused education in fields such as engineering, health, the creative industries, and business. Its modern Frenchay Campus and vibrant student community play a major role in its appeal. As Bristol continues to grow as a student city, UWE’s reputation and course variety help sustain its large and diverse student population.

12. University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham has 36,180 students, making it one of the UK’s largest—and most academically renowned—universities. As a founding member of the Russell Group, Nottingham is internationally recognised for research excellence, particularly across medicine, science, engineering, and the social sciences. Its beautiful campuses, global reputation (including international campuses in China and Malaysia), and strong career prospects help draw students from over 150 countries. Nottingham’s academic prestige and vibrant student life ensure its continuous place among the biggest universities in the UK.

11. The University of Birmingham

With 36,835 enrolled students, the University of Birmingham remains a major force in UK higher education. Known for its red-brick heritage, cutting-edge research, and strong programmes across STEM, social sciences, and the humanities, Birmingham attracts a large international and domestic student body. The university’s huge campus—complete with its own train station—supports a thriving student community. Combined with Birmingham’s status as the UK’s second largest city, the university’s broad academic offering and excellent facilities keep enrolment figures consistently high.

10. The University of Leeds

The University of Leeds enrols 38,100 students, securing its place in the top 10. A respected Russell Group institution, Leeds is renowned for its diverse course offerings, top-tier research, and award-winning student union. Its blend of academic excellence, city-centre convenience, and an active student lifestyle makes it a top choice for applicants each year. High international recruitment and large postgraduate cohorts further contribute to its sizeable student population, keeping Leeds consistently among the UK’s biggest universities.

9. The University of Glasgow

With 38,125 students, the University of Glasgow remains one of the most prestigious institutions in the UK and one of the largest in terms of student population. Founded in 1451, it blends centuries of academic tradition with world-leading research and modern facilities. Glasgow attracts students from across the globe thanks to its strong performance in medicine, engineering, social sciences and the arts. Its historic campus, international reputation, and vibrant student community all contribute to its sizeable enrolment. As one of Scotland’s flagship universities, it continues to be a major hub for innovation, research excellence and global collaboration.

8. Canterbury Christ Church University

Canterbury Christ Church University ranks 8th with 38,430 enrolled students, making it one of the largest universities in the UK despite being less widely known than some Russell Group institutions. Its strong focus on teaching, health sciences, education and professional pathways helps attract students seeking hands-on learning and career-ready qualifications. The university has expanded significantly over recent years, offering a mix of traditional and vocational degrees across multiple campuses in Kent. Its reputation for community engagement, supportive student services, and accessible entry routes continues to drive high enrolment numbers and secure its position among the UK’s biggest universities.

7. Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University hosts 38,555 students, making it one of the leading modern universities in the UK and the larger of the two universities in Nottingham. NTU is known for its employment-focused teaching, excellent industry placements, and strong performance in creative arts, business, social sciences and law. Its campuses combine modern facilities with vibrant student communities, creating an environment that appeals to a wide range of learners. NTU’s reputation for excellent graduate outcomes—alongside its high student satisfaction scores—helps maintain its large student body. The university’s continued investment in innovation solidifies its place among the top institutions for both scale and quality.

6. King’s College London

With 39,435 students, King’s College London is the sixth largest university in the UK and one of the most internationally recognised. Located in the heart of central London, KCL attracts students seeking a prestigious education in areas such as law, medicine, psychology, international relations and the humanities. Its global reputation, world-class research centres and historic campuses make it a highly desirable destination for applicants each year. Despite being situated in one of the most competitive student cities, King’s continues to grow with strong demand from both UK and international students. Its central location, academic prestige and extensive alumni network all reinforce its status as one of the country’s major institutions.

5. Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University enrols 39,545 students, placing it among the largest universities in the UK and the second biggest in Manchester. Known for its applied learning, innovative creative programmes and strong business and health faculties, MMU attracts a highly diverse student population. Its city-centre location, modern facilities and strong links to local industry help make it a popular choice for students looking to study in a vibrant, metropolitan environment. Manchester’s appeal as a major student city contributes to MMU’s size, and the university’s focus on career development and inclusive education continues to support its sustained growth in enrolment.

4. The University of Edinburgh

With 40,625 students, the University of Edinburgh ranks 4th and remains one of the most globally respected institutions in the world. As a historic and research-intensive Russell Group university, Edinburgh is renowned for excellence in medicine, science, engineering, law, philosophy and the humanities. The university’s cosmopolitan student population reflects its international prestige, drawing applicants from over 150 countries. Edinburgh’s rich history, stunning city setting and world-class academic environment make it a constant favourite among top-achieving students. Its role as a leader in innovation, research and cultural influence ensures it remains one of the UK’s largest and most significant higher-education institutions.

3. The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is the third largest university in the UK, enrolling 46,915 students. As one of the original Red Brick universities and a member of the Russell Group, Manchester is globally admired for its outstanding research, innovative teaching and broad programme offering. It consistently receives one of the highest numbers of undergraduate applications in the UK and produces graduates who excel across academia, business, engineering, medicine and the creative industries. Manchester’s lively student culture, multicultural environment and central role in scientific advancement help explain its massive student population. With world-leading facilities like the Graphene Institute, it remains at the forefront of global academic development.

2. UCL

UCL takes 2nd place of the biggest universities in the UK with 51,435 enrolled students, making it the largest on-campus university in the UK. 

Established in 1826, UCL is one of England’s oldest universities, as well as being a popular choice for international students (40% of students came from abroad in 2021). UCL is part of the elite “Golden Triangle,” which includes Cambridge and Oxford, and is a member of the G5 group alongside Imperial College London and the London School of Economics. As part of the prestigious Russell Group, UCL emphasises research and attracts significant funding.

1. Open University

The Open University stands as the largest university in the UK by enrolment, which may come as a surprise to those unfamiliar with its distinctive model. The university dedicated to distance learning, Open University has a huge 133,265 students enrolling per year. Thats over three times the amount of the second biggest uni in the UK. Whoever came up with the idea to start Open University was a genius, as distance learning is proven to be popular! It does seem to lack the same prestige being a distance learning only uni, but it’s not putting students off!

Founded in 1969, The Open University pioneered distance learning to accommodate students unable to attend conventional universities. This institution is designed for a diverse student body, including working professionals, those with family obligations, and individuals who prefer self-paced learning. Open to all, it offers a broad array of courses, facilitating lifelong learning opportunities for many who wish to pursue education on their terms. With impressive enrolment figures, it proudly holds the title of the largest university in the UK.