Russell Group
In your initial university research, you may have come across the term “Russell Group” which is a group of British universities.
How important is this group of universities, and are there any advantages to attending a university affiliated to the Russell Group?
What is the Russell Group?
The Russell Group is a group of 24 prestigious universities dedicated to sustaining and delivering the best research, developing outstanding lecturers and creating a fantastic educational experience for both students and staff. There is a focus on creating networks and connections with business, public and private sectors.
The aim for this group is to maintain the best conditions to be able to continue with the development of social, economic and cultural impact, with a focus on research and learning. The group has specific strategies, policy development and communication between them to maintain focus.
If you have heard of the "Ivy League" in the USA, then this can be compared with the same starting point and focus. Universities that are part of the Russell Group are well recognized in the UK and the rest of the world.
Background for the Russell Group
The Russell Group started in 1994 with 17 universities meeting regularly in London at a hotel called Hotel Russell (hence the name), to find solutions for how their universities could develop within research and teaching plans.
In 2006, it became a professional organization with a separate board that ensures that the universities have the best conditions to meet the challenges through research and learning. The board consists of a representative from each university that is part of the group, and the leader is replaced every three years.
Gradually, more universities have been asked to participate, and the number of universities is now 24.
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING A Russell Group UNIVERSITY
Russell Group universities are frequently ranked highly in university rankings lists for items like research quality, teaching excellence, and post-graduate opportunities.
University staff and alumni have strong, often unrivalled links with business and the public sector. These industry connections can help students build their own professional network.
Some OTHER facts about the Russell Group universities
- Russell Group universities graduate around 60 per cent of all PhDs taken in the UK
- Almost 50 per cent of the master’s students at these universities are international students and over 20 per cent of the bachelor’s students are international students.
- Russell Group universities support around 300,000 jobs around the UK
- The typical ratio of students to academic staff is around 7:1