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Loughborough University

Address: Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)1509 222 222
Email: enquiries@lboro.ac.uk
Website: www.lboro.ac.uk


About Loughborough University

Loughborough University  has a vibrant international community with around 18,000 students from over 130 different countries/regions.   

There are two incredible campuses, both located in different parts of the UK. The beautiful, green Loughborough campus is based in the heart of the UK. It is a superb 523-acre single-site campus that offers undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research courses.

Loughborough University London is located in the capital city of the UK on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This campus was established exclusively for postgraduate study and research. It combines influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators to deliver one of the best postgraduate experiences the UK has to offer.

With a renowned student experience (2nd in the UK for student experience in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022), Loughborough University brings together high-quality teaching and support, a vast range of extra-curricular activities, world-class facilities, and industry connections to provide students with extensive placement opportunities and support with developing employability skills.

Along with having a strong reputation for sporting excellence, being one of the largest engineering universities in the UK and having a top 10 UK business school, Loughborough has outstanding rankings in both national and international league tables. Its strong sense of community and team spirit, as well as the progressive and ambitious attitude that is reflected in the success achieved, means it creates an experience that is truly special and distinctive among UK universities.

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Our impressive reputation

  • Best in the world for sports-related subjects by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023
  • 6th in the UK and 32nd in the world for Art and Design by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
  • 9th in the UK and in the top 100 in the world for Communication and Media Studies by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
  • 10th in the UK and 62nd in the world for Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
  • 7th in the Complete University Guide 2024 and in the top 10 for the eighth year running
  • Top 10 in the Guardian League Table 2023
  • Top 10 in The Times Higher Education ‘Table of Tables’ 2022
  • University of the Year for Sport in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022

Why Loughborough University

Loughborough University is renowned for several reasons, primarily its strengths in sports, engineering, and innovative research. Here are some key aspects that contribute to its fame:

1. Sports Excellence

  • Loughborough University is widely regarded as the UK's leading university for sports. It has a strong focus on sports science, coaching, and physical education.
  • The university has a world-class sports facility and is home to many elite athletes and national sports teams, including the British Olympic team. It regularly ranks highly in national and international university sports competitions.

2. Engineering and Technology

  • Loughborough is known for its engineering and technology programs, consistently ranking among the top universities for engineering in the UK. It offers specialized courses in various fields such as aerospace, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering.
  • The university is involved in significant research and innovation projects, collaborating with industry to address real-world engineering challenges.

3. Strong Research Output

  • The university has a strong emphasis on research, particularly in areas such as manufacturing, design, environmental science, and sustainability.
  • Loughborough is home to several research centers and institutes that contribute to advancements in technology, sports performance, and health.

4. Innovative Business Programs

  • Loughborough University Business School is recognized for its high-quality business education, particularly in entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance. The school has strong links with industry and focuses on practical learning.

5. Campus and Student Experience

  • The university boasts an expansive campus with modern facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and sports complexes. It provides a vibrant student life with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies.
  • Loughborough has consistently ranked highly for student satisfaction in national surveys, making it an attractive destination for prospective students.

6. Collaboration with Industry

  • Loughborough University collaborates closely with various industries and organizations, enhancing employability and ensuring that programs are relevant to current market needs. This partnership approach fosters innovation and research with practical applications.

7. Cultural and Community Engagement

  • The university is involved in community engagement and cultural initiatives, promoting inclusivity and diversity. It hosts various events, workshops, and activities that enrich the cultural fabric of the local community.

8. Notable Alumni

  • Loughborough has produced notable alumni in various fields, including sports, business, politics, and academia. The success of its graduates contributes to the university's reputation and prestige.

For international students whose first language is not English, Loughborough University has specific English language proficiency requirements for admission. Here’s an overview of the language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs:

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

  • Undergraduate Programs: A minimum overall score of 6.0 to 6.5, with no individual component (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) below 5.5 to 6.0, depending on the course.
  • Postgraduate Programs: A minimum overall score of 6.5 to 7.0, with no component below 6.0. Some programs, especially in fields like engineering or social sciences, may require higher scores.

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test)

  • Undergraduate Programs: An overall score of 80 to 90, with minimum scores in subcomponents typically ranging from 18 to 22.
  • Postgraduate Programs: An overall score of 88 to 100, depending on the specific program, with minimum sub-scores typically ranging from 20 to 24.

3. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

  • Undergraduate Programs: A score of 54 to 62, with no less than 51 in each component.
  • Postgraduate Programs: A score of 62 to 67, with no less than 55 in each component.

4. Cambridge English Qualifications

  • Cambridge C1 Advanced: Score of 176 to 185, with no less than 169 in any component.
  • Cambridge C2 Proficiency: Score of 176 to 185 or higher, depending on the program.

5. Duolingo English Test (DET)

  • Some programs may accept the Duolingo test, typically requiring a score of 110 to 120, depending on the specific course.

6. Exemptions and Alternatives

  • The university may accept alternative qualifications (e.g., GCSE English at grade C/4, A-level English, or an International Baccalaureate diploma with English as the medium of instruction).
  • For students who do not meet the language requirements, Loughborough offers pre-sessional English language courses to help them improve their proficiency before starting their main program.

Loughborough University offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines, and it is particularly known for its specialties in certain fields. Here are some key course specialities at Loughborough University:

1. Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering: Renowned for its hands-on approach and strong industry links.
  • Civil Engineering: Focuses on sustainable practices and innovative design.
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Known for its research in areas like telecommunications and robotics.

2. Sports Science and Physical Education

  • Sports Science: Offers programs in physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology.
  • Physical Education: Combines teaching with practical coaching and training.

3. Business and Management

  • Business Studies: Known for its practical approach, combining theoretical knowledge with real-world application.
  • Entrepreneurship: Focuses on innovation and business development, offering support for student startups.

4. Design and Creative Arts

  • Industrial Design and Technology: Emphasizes innovation and sustainability in design practices.
  • Fashion and Textiles: Known for its industry partnerships and hands-on learning experiences.

5. Social Sciences

  • Psychology: Offers a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, with specialties in clinical and sports psychology.
  • Social Policy: Focuses on contemporary social issues and policies affecting communities.

6. Mathematics and Physics

  • Mathematics: Known for its rigorous approach and application in various fields.
  • Physics: Offers programs in areas like theoretical physics and materials science.

7. Computer Science and Information Technology

  • Computer Science: Covers programming, software development, and data science, with a focus on employability.
  • Information Technology: Offers courses in cybersecurity, network systems, and software engineering.

8. Health and Wellbeing

  • Health and Wellbeing: Focuses on health promotion, public health, and wellness strategies.
  • Nutrition: Combines scientific knowledge with practical applications in health and diet.

9. Architecture and the Built Environment

  • Architecture: Emphasizes sustainable design and urban planning, with a strong emphasis on practical experience.

10. Environmental Science

  • Environmental Management: Focuses on sustainability and the management of natural resources.

Loughborough University does not have any direct Nobel Prize laureates among its staff or alumni. However, the university is highly regarded for its contributions to research and innovation in various fields, particularly engineering, sports science, and technology, which have global impacts. While it hasn't produced Nobel Prize winners, its faculty and research are often considered cutting-edge, particularly in applied sciences.

Though there are no Nobel laureates linked specifically to Loughborough, the university’s academic reputation continues to grow, and it is recognized as one of the top institutions for research excellence in the UK.