Best universities for a master’s in Nottingham

While you’ll almost certainly know Nottingham from the legend of Robin Hood, there’s so much more to this understated UK city. As the capital of Nottinghamshire, Nottingham sits close to the centre of the British Isles and is a hotspot for history, nightlife and excellent postgraduate opportunities. 

The city’s history dates back to the 6th Century, as an Anglo-Saxon settlement named ‘Snotta Inga Ham’, meaning ‘village owned by Snotta’. It’s always been a meeting place and a centre of growth, situated on the River Trent, and today is a bustling city that punches above its weight. 

With tons of history to explore, thousands of students, plenty of independent bars, shops and cafes, and a rapidly rising club and music scene, it’s a leading choice for UK postgraduates. 

CONTENTS 

• Which universities are in Nottingham
• University of Nottingham
• Nottingham Trent University
• Entry Requirements
• What to do in Nottingham

Which universities are in Nottingham? 

University of Nottingham 

The University of Nottingham is a leading provider of postgraduate education. As a Russell Group university which took 25th place in the Complete University Guide 2023 league table, it holds its own among the best of the UK’s universities. Its story began back in 1881 and has been independently awarding degrees since 1948. With a strong research focus and modern approach to flexible, real-world focused teaching, students are able to explore a wide range of impactful postgraduate programmes. It has six campus sites across Nottingham, the largest of which—University Park Campus—is a stunning 300 acre site rich with green spaces and a lake, just two miles from the centre of the city. 

There are more than 550 postgraduate programmes to choose from at the University of Nottingham, with courses spanning dozens of disciplines and cutting-edge research areas. From taught master’s courses, like the MA and MSc, to research qualifications like the MRes, MPhil or PhD, students will be supported by leading academics throughout. Work experience opportunities via industry partnerships or research groups are a staple of postgraduate study, as well as flexible study patterns such as part-time or distance learning. 

Across its campuses and sites, postgraduate students will find a range of specialist facilities and high quality support services, as well as world-class learning and study spaces, housed in attractive period or contemporary architecture. Students will find their departmental buildings in inspiring settings, such as veterinary and biosciences students who are based out of the modern, sustainable and rural Sutton Bonington Campus. The university’s medical school was the first of its kind to be opened in the 20th century and lies just across the road from the main campus, housed within the active Queen’s Medical Centre—providing students with rich, real-world experience opportunities. 

Go to: Search courses at University of Nottingham

Nottingham Trent University 

Nottingham Trent University offers postgraduate students an outstanding student experience, as evidenced by its 2nd place in the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. Originally established in 1843, it’s a modern institution with a rich history. Today, more than 40,000 students work towards their academic and professional goals with Nottingham Trent. The university prides itself on having a diverse student population, being the first to sign up to the government’s social mobility pledge and having 25% of its students coming from low-income households. The university has campus sites right across Nottinghamshire, including one in the heart of the city of Nottingham and a rural campus in Brackenhurst. 

Nottingham Trent offers students a broad portfolio of postgraduate programmes to explore, whether they’re looking to take the next step in their career, get an industry accreditation, or work with research experts to build advanced knowledge. The university has a number of industry focused departments, such as the EQUIS and AACSB certificated Nottingham Business School, and the Nottingham Law School, which is offers LLM and other postgraduate qualifications delivered through the use of mock courtrooms and mooting rooms. Online learning and part-time study patterns make Nottingham Trent a good choice for a range of students. 

Across its campuses, Nottingham Trent University invests in specialist equipment and facilities that help students study and research at the cutting edge of their fields. Astronomy students have access to the Trent Astronomical Observatory on the Clifton Campus, offering a 20ft custom Newtonian telescope and a 14ft Meade LX200. A fully functioning TV studio and radio broadcasting rooms are perfect for broadcast journalism students, in addition to the UK’s largest student newsroom. An active students’ union, excellent library facilities and plenty of food and drink options round out an excellent campus experience at Nottingham Trent. 

Go to: Search courses at Nottingham Trent University

Entry Requirements 

You’ll need to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen course(s) before you apply, to ensure you have the best chances of success. Admissions criteria for postgraduate courses across Nottingham universities will vary depending on the institution being applied to, as well as the subject and level of the course. You can use our course finder tool to get specific course info before making an application. 

What to do in Nottingham 

Nottingham is a vibrant student city, that offers everything you could ask for as a postgraduate student without the stress and travel times often found in larger UK cities. You’ll be able to get across the city quickly on foot, by bike or using the well-connected public transport system. 

Nottingham has an excellent live music and club scene, with new venues, artists and promoters popping up every season. From the vast expanse and international acts of Motorpoint Arena, to intimate performances at places like Rescue Rooms or Rock city, you’ll be able to find established or up-and-coming artists of every genre. 

It’s a city with history to discover around every corner. The stunning Wollaton Hall and Park makes for a charming day out around a Grade 1 listed Elizabethan mansion and 500 acres of lush parkland, while the National Justice Museum charts the history of crime and punishment in the UK for centuries past. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claims to be the UK’s oldest pub, originally established in 1189 AD. 

There’s plenty for people looking for more active pursuits, too. With one of the most famous forests in the world on your doorstep, Sherwood Forest, and the Peak District National Park not far away, you have access to the perfect landscape for everything from walking cycling to adventure sports like bouldering and trail biking. 

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