About us

The University of Nottingham’s position as a world-class university is confirmed by its ranking in the global league tables.

Following its establishment in 1881 the University of Nottingham of today developed from the vision and philanthropic spirit of Jesse Boot who, in 1928, donated the land that is now University Park.

The vision of a university devoted to discovery, enterprise and the advancement of the human condition, combined with his lifelong commitment to improving health and wellbeing, remains intrinsic to the culture of the university today and will continue to underpin our future purpose.

The University of Nottingham is a pioneering institution providing an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. We deliver world-leading research that transforms lives and societies.

Our focus is on being the best university we can be, conducting research that changes lives for the better and tackles some of the biggest challenges facing our planet today.

This university is the home to a global community of defiant pioneers at the forefront of world-leading research. This is a place where lives are transformed, barriers are broken, and change is made together. We call this a world beyond ordinary.

A world Top 100 university

At the University of Nottingham, we’re not just a place of learning; we’re a powerhouse of change.

An award-winning university with an international outlook, we’re proud to be ranked among the Top 20 in the UK and in the world’s Top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2026).

A member of the prestigious Russell Group of world-class, research-intensive universities, we deliver teaching excellence and equip our graduates to go further, faster. In fact, we’re the number one UK university for graduates entering highly skilled employment.*

With a commitment to ground-breaking research and an unparalleled student experience, we’re shaping the future on a global scale.

Research

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) – the UK’s official assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions – the University of Nottingham was placed 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education (THE).

100% of our research is recognised internationally, and 90% is classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, according to THE’s analysis. 51% of our research is assessed as ‘world-leading’ for its impact, according to our own analysis of the REF findings. Find out more about our REF results.

Facts and statistics

We’re the third most targeted university by top employers (The Graduate Market, High Fliers 2025), and have been Top 10 since 2013.

Our students rate us the 7th best university in the UK for work experience (Rate my Placement, Best Universities for Work Experience, 2025).

We’re proud to be ranked among the world’s Top 200 universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, recognising our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

We achieved Top 100 placements for four goals: SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

This recognition highlights our dedication to creating a better future through pioneering research, transformative education and global collaboration.

Our Facilities

Continual investment in facilities for staff and students ensure that the learning and living experience at The University of Nottingham is the best it can be.

From provisions for childcare and disabled access, restaurants and cafeterias to computer facilities, life at the University should be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.