Top Universities in London for Master’s 2025: Courses, Rankings, Fees and Admission Guide
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Did you know In 2025, London remains a top pick for international students, with over 120,000 postgraduates from around the world calling the city home? Say hello to London—a buzzing global hub that’s home to some of the most prestigious universities on the planet. Whether you’re aiming for a career in AI, international diplomacy, public health, or economics, London’s top universities have a place for you.
From the globally ranked Imperial College London to specialist schools like SOAS and St George’s, there’s something here for everyone. So, sit back and relax! Let us walk you through the best universities in London for your master’s in 2025.
Top Universities in London for Masters
Imperial College London
Thinking about studying in one of the best universities in the world? You can’t go wrong with Imperial College London. Located in London, Imperial holds a proud #6 spot globally in QS World University Rankings 2025. It’s home to 22,000+ students, out of which more than 10,000 are postgraduates, and around 60% are international students. That means you’ll be part of a truly diverse and global community. Whether you’re passionate about Artificial Intelligence, Financial Analytics, Clean Energy, or Biomedical Engineering, Imperial’s master’s courses are built for students who want to turn ideas into impact.
In fact, a recent Graduate Outcomes Survey showed that over 93% of Imperial postgraduates are employed or in further study within six months, and many report starting salaries of £50,000 or more, especially in STEM fields. Below are the key details of Imperial College London:
Feature | Details |
World Ranking (2025) | Ranked #6 globally – QS World University Rankings |
Acceptance Rate | ~15% for postgraduate programs (competitive but achievable with strong academics) |
Annual Tuition Fees | £35,000 – £40,000 (depending on the course) |
Popular Master’s Programs | MSc in Data Science, MSc in Biomedical Engineering, MSc in Finance, MSc in Environmental Technology |
Scholarships Available | President’s Scholarship, GREAT Scholarships, departmental merit-based and financial need-based awards |
Application Deadlines | Programs open: October 2025, close: March 2026 (some may have earlier deadlines) |
Student Body | Over 10,000 postgraduate students; 60% international from 140+ countries |
Top Off- Campus Student Accommodation | iQ Will Wyatt Court, Canvas Student Arthur House, Canvas Student Barnard Point, Vita Student Lewisham Exchange |
Average Graduate Salary | £50,000+ within 6 months (STEM & business grads) |
Employability Ranking | Top 20 globally – QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2025 |
University of London
If you’re looking for flexibility, variety, and world-class education all in one place, the University of London is the perfect choice for your master’s degree in 2025. What makes it unique? It’s actually a federation of 17 independent colleges and institutes, including globally recognized names like King’s College London, London School of Economics (LSE), SOAS, and Goldsmiths.
In total, the University of London serves over 120,000 students across its institutions, with nearly 50,000 postgraduates enrolled in diverse master’s programs. And here’s the best part: each college under the University of London umbrella has its own strengths, rankings, and program specializations, which gives you the freedom to choose the perfect fit for your academic and career goals. Below are the key details of University of London:
Feature | Details |
World Ranking (2025) | Varies by college (e.g., LSE in Top 50, KCL in Top 40 – QS Rankings) |
Acceptance Rate | ~63% (moderately competitive across most colleges) |
Annual Tuition Fees | £10,000 – £20,000 per year (varies widely by college and course) |
Popular Master’s Programs | LLM (Law), MSc in Computer Science, MA in International Relations, MSc in Public Health |
Scholarships Available | College-specific awards; e.g., SOAS International Postgraduate Scholarship, LSE Graduate Support Scheme |
Application Deadlines | Varies by program and institution (most fall between Jan–June 2025) |
Student Body | Over 120,000 students total; 50,000+ postgraduate students |
Top Off- Campus Student Accommodation | Queen Alexandra’s House, AXO Oxford Circus, Garrow House, Portobello Garrow House, Ember Locke, Chapter Portobello |
Study Modes | Full-time, part-time, online (University of London distance learning has 45,000+ students globally!) |
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), Located in Mile End, East London, the university is part of the prestigious Russell Group—the UK’s equivalent of the Ivy League. It’s home to over 32,000 students, including more than 12,000 postgraduates from over 160 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse campuses in the UK. In 2025, Queen Mary continues to impress on the global stage, with a strong focus on research impact and innovation.
It ranks among the top 20 UK universities for research quality and is particularly well-regarded in fields like AI, public health, law, and economics. Plus, with an acceptance rate of around 44%, it’s moderately competitive—so with a solid academic background and a great personal statement, your chances are strong! Below are the key details of Queen Mary University of London:
Feature | Details |
World Ranking (2025) | Top 130 globally (QS World Rankings); Top 20 UK for research quality |
Acceptance Rate | ~44% for postgraduate programs (moderately selective) |
Annual Tuition Fees | £16,000 – £20,000 for international students |
Popular Master’s Programs | MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Public Health, LLM International Law, MSc Big Data Science |
Scholarships Available | Queen Mary Global Excellence Scholarship, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, Chevening Awards |
Application Deadlines | Most courses accept applications until Sept 15, 2025 (rolling until filled) |
Student Population | 32,000+ total students; 12,000+ postgraduates; students from 160+ countries |
Top Off- Campus Student Accommodation | Pacific Court, Sunlight Apartments, The Curve, iQ Magenta House, Wick Park, iQ Aldgate |
Graduate Employability | Ranked Top 20 in UK for graduate starting salaries (2024 report) |
Campus Location | Mile End, East London – close to Shoreditch, Canary Wharf & the City |
St George’s, University of London
If you’re planning to pursue a master’s degree in healthcare or medical sciences, then St George’s, University of London should be on your radar! Located in Tooting, South London, this university is dedicated exclusively to medicine, health, and science—and it’s also part of one of the UK’s largest teaching hospitals.
In 2025, St George’s continues to build on its reputation for cutting-edge healthcare education, attracting students from over 80 countries. And here’s a cool fact: St George’s was the first university in the UK to offer a degree in medicine, and it’s still one of the few places in London offering postgraduate-only medical science programs in such depth. Below are the key details of St George’s, University of London:
Feature | Details |
World Ranking (2025) | Ranked among the top 250 globally for clinical & health (Times Higher Education) |
UK Ranking | Top 80 in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025) |
Acceptance Rate | ~40% for postgraduate programs |
Annual Tuition Fees | £20,000 – £35,000 (varies by course and specialization) |
Popular Master’s Programs | MSc Global Health, MSc Genomic Medicine, MSc Clinical Neuroscience, MRes Translational Medicine |
Scholarships Available | Limited university scholarships; Chevening & Commonwealth Scholarships accepted |
Application Deadlines | Vary by course; most programs close between April and June 2025 |
Student Body | 4,000+ students; over 30% international |
Top Off- Campus Student Accommodation | Academic House, Urbanest Battersea, Chelsea Lightfoot Hall, Vega Residence, Fulham Palace Studios |
Graduate Outcomes | 95% employment or further study rate within 6 months of graduation (HESA 2024) |
Affiliated Teaching Hospital | St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – one of the largest in the UK |
SOAS University of London
If you’re passionate about understanding the world beyond borders—whether it’s international politics, anthropology, languages, or development studies—then SOAS University of London is the perfect match for your master’s journey. Located in Central London’s Bloomsbury district, SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) is the UK’s leading institution focused on the cultures, societies, and economies of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
It’s not just another university—it’s a global knowledge hub attracting students from 135+ countries. As of 2025, over 4,500 postgraduates study at SOAS, and more than 50% are international students, making it one of the most culturally diverse universities in London. Below are the key details of SOAS University of London:
Feature | Details |
World Ranking (2025) | Ranked in the top 500 globally (QS World Rankings 2025) |
UK Ranking | Top 30 in Arts & Humanities (Complete University Guide) |
Acceptance Rate | ~44% for postgraduate programs |
Annual Tuition Fees | £13,605 – £27,125 (varies by program) |
Popular Master’s Programs | MA International Studies & Diplomacy, MSc Development Studies, MA Anthropology of Food, MA Middle Eastern Politics |
Scholarships Available | SOAS Master’s Scholarship, Felix Scholarship, Commonwealth Shared Scholarship |
Application Deadlines | Typically open in November and close by June (check individual course deadlines) |
Student Body | 5,000+ students; over 50% international, representing 135+ countries |
Top Off- Campus Student Accommodation | Beaumont Court, Walmsley Studios, Urbanest King’s Cross, Victoria Hall King’s Cross, Arbour House, Student Living Heights |
Graduate Outcomes | 90% of graduates in employment or further study within 6 months (HESA, 2024) |
Conclusion
London isn’t just a study destination—it’s a launchpad for global careers. Each of these top universities list brings something unique to the table:
- Want to work in science, tech, or finance? Imperial College London is world-renowned for it.
- Looking for flexible, diverse options? The University of London offers dozens of courses through its member colleges.
- Interested in public policy, AI, or law? Queen Mary University of London is your go-to.
- Passionate about health and medicine? St George’s is one of the best in the field.
- Focused on regional studies or development? SOAS offers something truly unique.
And once you’ve found your dream course, don’t stress about finding a place to live. University Living is here to help you secure comfortable, safe, and student-friendly accommodation near your chosen campus—whether you prefer a studio in the city or a shared flat with friends. Ready to take the next step? Let London shape your future—academically, professionally, and personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best university in London for a master’s degree in 2025?
Imperial College London is one of the top-ranked universities in London and globally. It’s ranked #6 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and offers exceptional master’s programs in science, technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare.
What are the top universities in London for international students pursuing a master’s?
Top universities in London for international master’s students include Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London, SOAS, St George’s, and the member colleges of the University of London like LSE and KCL. These institutions have diverse student communities and strong global reputations.
What is the average tuition fee for a master’s in London universities?
Tuition fees for master’s programs in London generally range from £10,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on the university and course. Imperial College tends to be on the higher end, while colleges under the University of London offer more affordable options.
What are the most popular master’s courses in London for 2025?
Some of the most popular master’s programs include:
1. MSc Data Science and MSc Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College
2. LLM and MSc Computer Science at University of London colleges
3. MSc Public Health and MSc Artificial Intelligence at Queen Mary
4. MSc Global Health at St George’s
5. MA International Studies and MSc Development Studies at SOAS
What is the acceptance rate for Imperial College London postgraduate programs?
Imperial College London has a competitive acceptance rate of around 15% for postgraduate courses, especially in STEM and business fields.