Nottingham Trent University

Established in 1843, Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has built a strong legacy of empowering individuals, removing barriers, and creating meaningful impact across communities worldwide. Today, NTU stands as one of the UK’s largest and most influential higher education institutions, with a vibrant population of over 40,000 students and staff across five university sites. According to HESA 2023–24 data, it ranks as the 7th largest university in the UK by enrolled students, reflecting its scale, reputation, and continued growth.

NTU is widely recognised for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It has the highest number of students with declared disabilities in the UK (HESA 2023–24), demonstrating its leadership in accessible education. Additionally, in the 2024–25 academic year, 37% of its student body comes from ethnically diverse backgrounds, highlighting a welcoming and globally representative community. The university has further reinforced its inclusive values by being among the first to sign key national initiatives such as the Government’s Social Mobility Pledge, the University Mental Health Charter, and the Disabled Student Commitment.

Academic excellence and career outcomes are central to NTU’s success. The university has been ranked 1st in the UK for employability (Uni Compare 2025), underscoring its strong focus on preparing students for professional success. It has also been named “University of the Year” five times in six years and holds a Gold rating for teaching quality, reflecting consistently high standards in education delivery.

NTU offers more than 500 career-focused courses across seven academic schools, including Environmental Science, Law, Business, Social Science, Architecture, Art & Design, and Science and Technology. Each school fosters its own dynamic community, supported by expert faculty, innovative teaching methods, and award-winning student support services. A key feature of NTU’s academic model is its emphasis on practical learning, ensuring that all students gain work-based experience through placements, live projects, and industry collaborations.

The university’s research performance is equally impressive. In the REF 2021 assessment, 86% of NTU’s research impact was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. This reflects a strong commitment to producing research that drives real-world change and opens new opportunities for innovation. NTU also plays a vital role in regional economic development by supporting around 700 local SMEs each year, helping businesses grow from start-up to scale-up stages.

Located across multiple campuses, including City Campus, Clifton Campus, Brackenhurst Campus, a London campus, and the Mansfield University Hub, NTU provides diverse learning environments ranging from urban centres to scenic countryside estates. Situated in Nottingham, a student-friendly and affordable city, the university offers excellent connectivity, being just two hours from London and Manchester. The city’s compact layout allows students to easily access academic, social, and professional opportunities.

With its combination of academic excellence, inclusive culture, strong employability outcomes, and real-world impact, Nottingham Trent University offers a comprehensive and future-focused educational experience designed to help students succeed both in the UK and globally.

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) delivers a comprehensive range of student services designed to support every aspect of university life. With a strong focus on personalised care, NTU ensures that each student receives tailored support, whether academic, financial, emotional, or professional, enabling them to succeed and thrive throughout their journey.

At the core of NTU’s provision is its award-winning Student Support Services team, dedicated to connecting students with the right guidance at the right time. From the moment students arrive, they are welcomed through structured orientation events that help them settle into university life. For international students, the International Student Support team offers specialised advice on visas, immigration, finances, working in the UK, and adapting to a new cultural environment. This early and continuous support ensures a smooth transition into academic and social life in the UK.

Student well-being is a key priority at NTU. The university recognises that mental and physical health are essential for academic success. Its dedicated health and wellbeing teams provide ongoing support, resources, and advice to help students manage challenges and maintain a balanced lifestyle. This commitment reflects NTU’s proactive approach to ensuring students remain healthy, resilient, and focused.

Financial guidance is another vital component of NTU’s services. The Student Money Team offers expert advice on managing finances, including eligibility for student funding, budgeting strategies, and access to hardship funds. This ensures that students are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to manage their financial responsibilities effectively during their studies.

NTU also provides extensive academic support services to help students achieve their full potential. The university library offers one-to-one sessions with Learning and Teaching Librarians, Academic Skills Advisers, and Student Mentors. Additional support is available through bookable appointments for maths and statistics assistance. Students can also access course-specific guidance through their academic schools and online module platforms.

A key digital resource is NTU’s Online Workspace (NOW), which serves as a central hub for academic materials. Students can access lecture recordings, articles, and a wide range of learning resources at any time. For international students, NTU offers free academic English and language support through specialist lecturers, including one-to-one tutorials and writing assistance. These sessions are designed to enhance academic performance without additional cost or assessment pressure.

NTU’s Disability and Inclusion Services ensure that all students, regardless of their background or individual needs, receive appropriate and inclusive support. This commitment reinforces the university’s mission to create equal opportunities for all.

Career development is a standout feature of NTU’s services. The Employability team provides continuous support during and after studies, offering career advice, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, and access to job opportunities. Students can participate in workshops, employer events, and careers fairs throughout the year. Platforms such as MyEmployability Job Search and the Employability Online space connect students with placements, part-time roles, and graduate opportunities. Initiatives like the Global Employability Award further enhance career readiness.

In addition, NTU offers practical support through Ask NTU Hubs, which provide guidance on a wide range of services including admissions, accommodation, finance, wellbeing, and academic matters. These hubs ensure students can quickly access the help they need.

The Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU) enriches student life beyond academics. With over 100 societies, students can explore interests ranging from creative arts to academic pursuits. NTSU also provides entertainment, social events, and essential facilities such as cafés, gyms, and social spaces across multiple campuses. Its independent Information and Advice Service (IAS) offers free support on issues such as housing, health, finances, and academic concerns.

Overall, NTU’s extensive and integrated service offering ensures that students are fully supported in every aspect of their university experience, academically, professionally, and personally, creating a strong foundation for success both during and after their studies.

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has established a strong and consistent position across national and global university rankings, reflecting its excellence in teaching, research, student satisfaction, and employability. Its performance across multiple ranking systems highlights a well-rounded institution that delivers measurable outcomes for students and society.

In global rankings, NTU is placed 609th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and within the 601–800 band in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. These positions are supported by strong performance indicators, including a research quality score of 83.3, an international outlook score of 89.1, and recognition for robust industry connections. These metrics demonstrate NTU’s growing global influence and its ability to combine academic excellence with real-world impact.

At the national level, NTU continues to perform competitively. It is ranked 46th in both the Complete University Guide 2026 and The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. One of the most notable achievements is its rise in the Guardian University Guide 2026, where NTU climbed 24 places to secure 25th position out of 123 universities, showcasing significant upward momentum.

Subject-level rankings further reinforce NTU’s academic strength. The university is ranked 1st in the UK for Forensic Science, achieving a perfect 100/100 score in the Guardian 2026 rankings. Additional subject highlights include top 5 rankings for Animal Science and Agriculture, and top 10 placements for Interior Design and Creative Writing. Nottingham Business School has also demonstrated strong performance, with all courses ranked within the top 20. Overall, 13 subjects are now positioned within the top 25% nationally, a notable increase from the previous year.

Student-driven rankings provide further evidence of NTU’s quality and impact. Based on over 131,500 student reviews, NTU is ranked 1st in the UK for Employability, 1st for Course Quality, and recognised as the Best University in the UK by Uni Compare 2025. It also ranks 2nd for Student Life and within the top 10 for accommodation, highlighting high levels of student satisfaction across multiple areas.

NTU’s teaching excellence has been formally recognised with a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, confirming outstanding teaching quality and student outcomes. Its research credentials are equally strong, with 83% of research activity rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021.

The university is also a global leader in sustainability, ranked 2nd in the world in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024. Additional distinctions include a 5-star QS rating, recognition as Sports University of the Year 2026, and a Silver Athena Swan award for advancing gender equality.

These rankings and accolades collectively position Nottingham Trent University as a high-performing, forward-thinking institution. With consistent recognition across teaching, research, sustainability, and student experience, NTU offers prospective students a trusted and globally respected academic environment.

Student life at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is dynamic, inclusive, and highly rated by those who experience it firsthand. Ranked 2nd in the UK for Student Life (Uni Compare 2026), NTU offers a vibrant environment where students can grow academically, socially, and personally. This recognition reflects real student feedback and highlights the university’s commitment to delivering a well-rounded and fulfilling experience.

A major highlight of student life at NTU is its thriving community. With over 300 clubs and societies, students have countless opportunities to explore interests, build friendships, and develop new skills. These societies, run through the Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU), bring together students with shared passions, ranging from sports and arts to culture, faith, and social causes. Joining is simple, with automatic NTSU membership upon enrolment and easy sign-up options during events like Fresher’s Fair.

Students can even create their own societies or short-term communities, encouraging creativity and leadership. Participation not only enriches university life but also helps build valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and event management.

Sport is another key pillar of the NTU student experience. Recognised as the Sports University of the Year 2026, NTU offers high-quality facilities and opportunities for all levels, from beginners to elite athletes. With 60+ sports clubs and a strong performance record, including a top 10 UK ranking for performance sport and a 9th place finish in the BUCS League 2024/25, students can engage in competitive or recreational activities. Facilities such as the City Performance Gym and structured sports memberships ensure access to fitness classes, training, and social sport sessions.

The city of Nottingham plays a significant role in enhancing student life. Ranked among the top 10 student-friendly cities in the UK (QS Best Student Cities 2026) and a top 25 student city in Europe, Nottingham offers a perfect balance of affordability, accessibility, and opportunity. With over 60,000 students and one of the youngest populations in the UK, the city provides a lively yet welcoming atmosphere. Its compact layout allows students to easily access academic, social, and leisure facilities.

Nottingham’s cultural scene is rich and diverse, featuring theatres, galleries, music venues, and festivals. Recognised as a UNESCO World City of Literature, the city celebrates creativity and heritage, offering inspiration through its literary history and contemporary arts scene. Students can explore historic landmarks, museums, and unique attractions, as well as enjoy a vibrant food and drink culture with global influences.

The city’s nightlife is equally renowned, supported by 14 consecutive Purple Flag awards for safety, diversity, and entertainment. From live music venues to cafés and social spaces, there is always something happening. In addition, Nottingham offers excellent shopping, green spaces, and leisure facilities, ensuring a balanced lifestyle.

Overall, student life at NTU combines a supportive university environment with the energy of a top student city. With outstanding social opportunities, strong community engagement, and a wide range of activities, NTU provides an enriching experience that goes far beyond the classroom.

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) offers a wide range of high-quality accommodation options designed to provide students with a safe, comfortable, and convenient living experience. For students starting in September, NTU guarantees accommodation for the first year, ensuring a smooth transition into university life. This commitment reflects the university’s focus on student well-being and accessibility from the very beginning of the academic journey.

Students can choose from a variety of accommodation types, including university halls of residence, studios, and shared houses. These options are available across multiple locations, allowing students to select an environment that best suits their lifestyle, whether in the heart of the city or in quieter surroundings. All accommodations are designed to offer secure and comfortable living, supporting both academic success and personal well-being.

NTU provides housing for a diverse student population, including new and returning undergraduates, postgraduate students, mature learners, and those studying at the Mansfield site. For international students, accommodation is guaranteed for at least one year, offering reassurance and stability when moving to a new country. Flexible options are also available, with rooms offered from a minimum stay of 28 nights in selected halls.

Accommodation layouts are designed to suit different preferences. Students can opt for en-suite rooms or shared facilities, typically arranged in flats or houses with communal kitchens. For those seeking greater independence, private studio apartments are also available. This flexibility ensures that every student can find a suitable “home away from home.”

NTU also works with trusted accommodation providers, including UPP-managed residences and a wide range of private partners. Popular student residences include Blenheim, Byron Residence, Gill Street North and South, Meridian Court, Norton Court, Simpsons, The Maltings, Sandby, and York House at City Campus, as well as options at Clifton Campus and Brackenhurst Campus. In addition, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and private housing options are widely available across Nottingham.

For students considering private accommodation, the city offers extensive choices, including shared housing, particularly popular among second- and third-year students. NTU supports this process through its Student Accommodation Support Officers (SASOs), who provide guidance and assistance regardless of whether students live in university-managed, partner, or private housing.

One of the key advantages of studying at NTU is affordability. Nottingham is located in the cheapest region to live as a student in England, making accommodation costs more manageable compared to other major UK cities. Additionally, most accommodation options are conveniently located near university facilities, with easy access to Nottingham city centre.

Overall, NTU’s accommodation services combine guaranteed availability, diverse housing choices, affordability, and dedicated support. This ensures that students can focus on their studies while enjoying a secure and comfortable living environment throughout their time at the university.