Brunel University London

Based in Uxbridge, on the outskirts of west London, Brunel University London offers over 100 specialist postgraduate courses, which you can study both full-time and part-time. Nearly 14,000 students study at Brunel, with nearly 3,500 of those studying at postgraduate level, and 15% of their attendees are mature students.

Brunel is comprised of three colleges

• Engineering, Design & Physical Sciences
• Business, Arts & Social Sciences
• Health & Life Sciences

It also has three research institutes:

• Environment, Health and Societies
• Energy Futures
• Materials and Manufacturing

Brunel is also in the top quarter of UK research universities, with research into education, cancer genetics, macroeconomics and random systems, along with recently-added topics such as performing arts and journalism. In the REF 2014, 61% of Brunel’s research was considered to be World-leading or Internationally excellent.

Students ranked the university in 37th place in the postgraduate category at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019.

Brunel University London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“It’s a beautiful environment.”

“Excellent. Brilliantly helpful tutor.”

“Great so far.”

Brunel’s Professional Development Centre provides individual career advice, workshops and help in marketing yourself to employers. It also holds events where you can meet recruiters and discuss all aspects of graduate job hunting. 

Brunel University London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“We have placements for the OT programme.”

“Very good.”

“The reputation of Brunel is good.”

Brunel’s Professional Development Centre provides individual career advice, workshops and help in marketing yourself to employers. It also holds events where you can meet recruiters and discuss all aspects of graduate job hunting. 

Brunel University London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Excellent.”

“Always interesting.”

“Skill based, lots of exercises.”

Master’s students are represented on the Union of Brunel Students, which is run by five full-time officers, 30 full-time staff and hundreds of student staff. It co-ordinates clubs and societies, runs events and student media, and offers advice services. 

The SU building is also home to the student bar, Loco’s and nightclub, The Venue – both of which have regular events such as live sports screenings and live music.

Brunel University London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“As a student rep I feel like I am heard amongst the uni.”

“One of the best I saw!”

“Really fun!”

Postgraduate students are usually allocated together in Brunel’s own accommodation, which is all on campus. You can choose from either single-bed rooms, with shared bathroom and kitchen or single-bed en-suite rooms with shared kitchen. Some halls even have double beds and couples accommodation.

Most accommodation comes with bike storage, fast Wi-Fi and 24/7 security. Prices vary depending on where you choose to stay and what room type you select but start at £152.74 per week. Rent includes Wi-Fi, utility bills and basic contents insurance cover.

You’ll find all of Brunel’s facilities - halls, catering, social and sports facilities, lecture theatres, library, computer centre and welfare facilities - on one campus just south of Uxbridge.

Over £300m has been invested in improving facilities, including extending the library, building a new Health Sciences & Social Care building, renovated lecture centre, and new Engineering & Design annexe. As a postgraduate student, you’ll also benefit from study and social areas in the Graduate School area.

Looking at the reviews, students seem impressed with the quality and range of what’s being provided for them, with the library and sporting facilities in particular getting positive mentions.

Brunel University London students on Postgraduate Search:

"Very good.”

“Good - cleanliness level is above average.”

“Everything needed.”

Brunel University is a short bus ride or 20 minutes’ walk away from Uxbridge town centre, which has 300 shops and a multiplex cinema, as well as bars and restaurants. It’s also about 45 minutes by train or Tube from the West End.

If you want to get out of London altogether, it’s also close to the Colne Valley Park and Grand Union Canal, while the Buckinghamshire countryside is on the university’s doorstep. Heathrow Airport is a 20-minute drive away should you want to really get away from it all.

Brunel University London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“It is great being so close to Central London.”

“Love the pubs and diversity of people.”

“London is fantastic. Much to do at your fingertips.”

Union of Brunel Students co-ordinates over 130 societies, including groups such as Astronomy and the Zombie Society as well as academic, faith, cultural and political groups. Brunel’s 46 sports clubs include climbing, fencing, football and ultimate frisbee.

Brunel University London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“I play football and it's been a lovely experience. The girls/coach are great.”

“A huge amount of clubs and societies to choose from.”

“Lots of fun!”

Brunel University operates a counselling service which includes some drop-in sessions for those needing urgent assistance as well as a telephone helpline. There are also services for disabled and dyslexic students, while the Union of Brunel Students also operates an advice and representation service.

Student reviewers seem impressed with the level of support they’re being given with plenty of high ratings for this particular category.

Brunel University London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Limited contact with tutor.”

“Aware of all support.”

“Amazing support.”

Fees vary per course. Please see the University’s website for information on specific courses.

Brunel offers a number of scholarships to postgraduate students. Below is a selection of what is on offer. Full details of all scholarships and bursaries is available on Brunel’s website.

Brunel graduate discount
15% off your fees if you’re a Brunel graduate starting a course on a self-funding basis.

Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship
15% off fees for students with first class undergraduate degrees from UK universities, plus a further 15% if you are a Brunel Graduate.

MBA Scholarship
Tuition fee waivers of £6,500 awarded to 30 students who want to study a MBA.

More scholarships and bursary information is available on Brunel’s website.

Brunel has offered research programmes ever since it opened in 1966, promising “research and enterprise for the benefit of individual and society”. The university says it aims to provide courses inspired by the practical, imaginative and entrepreneurial spirit embodied by the man it is named after - Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Research areas include public health, sports sciences, art and design, politics, and environmental and earth sciences. It’s also won an Athena Swan award for promoting the equal representation of women in science-related subjects.

Entry requirements vary from course to course, but most will require you to have a first or second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a related subject. However, in many cases work experience or a portfolio of work will be considered.

There’s a wide range of fields for research students at Brunel, including engineering, healthcare, science and data analytics. Brunel researchers benefit from the Researcher Development Programme, which provides workshops and seminars to help you enhance your study skills. The Graduate School at Brunel offers 24/7 study space, computer facilities, laptop loans and space to socialise and meet other researchers and postgraduate students.

Brunel offers a wide range of taught Master’s courses, along with Master’s Skills Training - a series of seminars and workshops to help you get the most out of your studies. It also offers events to help you with your dissertation. You’ll also benefit from access to Brunel’s Graduate School, which offers 24/7 study space, laptop loans and other facilities as well as space to socialise.

Brunel offers some Master’s courses via e-learning. The learning material can be accessed at any time from home and include interactive content and videos. Students can also attend face-to-face workshops on campus. Courses available are:

• Professional Skills for Research Leaders
• Research Integrity
• Research Skills Programme (including Transferable Skills, Ethics, Research Methods, and Entrepreneurship)
• Statistical Methods for Research
• Supervising Doctoral Studies
• University and College Teaching

These courses have had input from industry experts in order to ensure that modules teach you valuable skills. To help track your learning you’ll be assessed with pre and post course quizzes.