When researching which universities to apply to, you may have heard the term ‘red brick university’ being used. Some would argue these universities are better than the others. But what does the term mean and are these universities more prestigious?
What is the origin of a ‘red brick’ university?
The term “red brick university” was first coined by Edgar Allison Peers, a professor at the University of Liverpool, in 1943. ‘Red brick universities’ refer to institutions which were founded in the late 19th and early 20th century and gained university status before WW1. These institutions were part of the expansion of higher education outside of Oxford, Cambridge and London and across the UK. This expansion happened during the industrial revolution. These institutions were founded as civic universities which focused on practical subjects such as science and engineering as these subjects were useful for the industrialisation of the country. The term ‘red brick’ derives from the architectural style of the buildings as they used red terracotta brick when building these institutions. This was a popular building style for the time however over these years the buildings have been modernised.
What are the ‘red brick’ universities in the UK?
6 universities are considered the original ‘red brick’ institutions. These are:
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bristol
- University of Leeds
- University of Liverpool
- University of Manchester
- University of Sheffield
However, more recently, the University of Reading and the University of Nottingham have been considered members of the ‘red brick’ institutions. Although they are not Russell Group universities nor are they part of the original six they are part of the group because they have similar historical and architectural origins.
University of Birmingham
Dating back to 1900, this University was the first to receive its own royal charter. It is a founding member of the Russell Group of British research universities and the international network of research universities. Birmingham’s student population is the fourth largest in the UK. Alumni of this prestigious university include Neville Chamberlain, Stanley Baldwin and the British composer Sir Edward Elgar.
University of Bristol
Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol became the first higher educational institution in England to admit women on an equal basis to men. Now at the cutting edge of global research, Bristol has made innovations in areas ranging from cot death prevention to nanotechnology. With over 500 courses to choose from and students from across 150 countries, Bristol makes an enriching, diverse student experience.
University of Leeds
With a campus less than ten minutes away from Leeds city centre, the University of Leeds is a warm, bustling community of students and academics. The University achieves academic excellence within a framework informed by values of inclusion, integrity and equality, ensuring it is an open environment for all students. Break a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym, ‘The Edge’ or join one of over 300 clubs and societies based in and around the student union.
University of Liverpool
Historically known to be one of the UK’s most multicultural and diverse cities, the university of Liverpool supports many pledges to advocate inclusivity and equality. The university coordinates many equality networks, including the ‘Black and Minority Ethnic Staff Network’ and ‘Disabled Staff Network’ and harbouring a female workforce of 52%. This trendy, fast-paced city is an ideal place for students to thrive.
University of Manchester
With four amongst its staff, the University of Manchester has more Nobel laureates than any other British university and has the highest enrolment rate in Britain. 83% of the research here has been ranked as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ by the Research Excellence Framework in 2014. With a bustling, urban community of students and city-goers, Manchester makes for a great University.
University of Sheffield
Ranked 1st in the UK for student experience in the Times Higher Education, the University of Sheffield boasts great social life and a high academic reputation. Their award-winning ‘We Are International’ campaign encourages multiculturalism within the university and a diverse range of courses to choose from. Sheffield has strong partnerships with global companies such as Rolls Royce to ensure their students are employable and equipped for life after university.
Are these universities better than others?
Some of the ‘red-brick’ universities are part of the Russell Group. Russell Group universities are known for their leading research which gives them a level of prestige within the education system. However, this does not mean the universities are better than other universities within the UK or this is the primary reason you should attend them. When applying to university it is important to consider other factors such as the specific courses they offer, student satisfaction, employability and the university’s ranking.
Differences from other types of universities
Red brick universities are often compared to two other types of institutions in the UK: the ancient universities and the plate glass universities.
Ancient universities are institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, which were founded before the 19th century. They are known for their traditional curricula, which focused heavily on classical studies, theology, and the liberal arts. Ancient universities often have a collegiate system, which is absent in red brick institutions.
Meanwhile, the term “plate glass universities” refers to universities founded in the 1960s and 1970s as part of a government initiative to expand higher education. These universities are known for their modern architecture, often featuring large amounts of glass, and for their focus on interdisciplinary studies and new academic disciplines. They were created to address the post-war demand for higher education, and they represent a further evolution in the UK’s higher education system.
Last Updated on November 21, 2024
Published on August 16, 2021
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