The best Russell Group universities for engineering in 2027 are the University of Cambridge, the University of Sheffield and the University of Oxford, according to the Guardian University Guide 2027 general engineering table. Imperial College London and Durham University complete the top five.
The Russell Group is a group of 24 leading research-intensive UK universities. Its engineering departments combine world-class research with accredited degrees, strong industry links and high graduate employment.
- Top-ranked: Cambridge, Sheffield and Oxford (Guardian University Guide 2027, general engineering).
- Highest teaching satisfaction: Birmingham, at 96.3%.
- Typical entry: Average entry tariffs range from 142 UCAS points at Leeds to 221 at Cambridge.
- International fees: From £36,000 to £46,872 a year at the universities with published fees.
- After graduation: Stay for 18 months on the Graduate Route without a sponsor.
Which Are the Best Russell Group Universities for Engineering?
This ranking lists the ten highest-placed Russell Group universities in the Guardian University Guide 2027 table for general engineering.
1. University of Cambridge
Cambridge tops the Guardian 2027 general engineering table with a perfect score of 100, and 97% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after finishing. Its Engineering degree gives you a broad grounding across all engineering disciplines for two years before you specialise.
- Engineering school: Department of Engineering
- Average entry tariff: 221 UCAS points
2. University of Sheffield
Sheffield is 2nd in the Guardian table and scores highly for student experience, with 92.5% satisfied with teaching and 86.1% satisfied with feedback, the highest feedback score in this top 10. Its engineering teaching is known for hands-on, project-based learning.
- Engineering school: Faculty of Engineering
- Average entry tariff: 178 UCAS points
3. University of Oxford
Oxford is 3rd in the Guardian table, and 95% of its engineering graduates are in work or further study 15 months on. Its four-year Engineering Science degree covers core engineering before you choose a specialist area.
- Engineering school: Department of Engineering Science
- Average entry tariff: 209 UCAS points
4. Imperial College London
Imperial is 4th in the Guardian table, with 95% of graduates in work or further study after 15 months. Every Imperial engineering degree is taught in London, with strong links to industry.
- Engineering school: Faculty of Engineering
- Average entry tariff: 201 UCAS points
5. Durham University
Durham is 5th in the Guardian table, with 93% of graduates in work or further study after 15 months. Its General Engineering degree lets you study across disciplines before specialising, and accredited routes meet the academic base for Chartered Engineer status.
- Engineering school: Department of Engineering
- Average entry tariff: 190 UCAS points
Expert View
“Entry requirements vary a lot across the Russell Group, from around 140 to over 220 UCAS points for engineering. Applying to a mix of universities across that range gives you the best chance of an offer.” – Rajashree Devi, Counsellor, StudyIn.
6. University of Bristol
Bristol is 6th in the Guardian table and has one of the highest teaching satisfaction scores in this top 10, at 93.8%. Its continuation rate is 100%, meaning every engineering student in the Guardian data continued into their second year.
- Engineering school: Faculty of Engineering
- Average entry tariff: 190 UCAS points
7. University of Leeds
Leeds is 7th in the Guardian table and has the lowest student-to-staff ratio in the top 10, at 7.1 students per member of staff. It also has the lowest average entry tariff on this list, making it one of the more accessible Russell Group options.
- Engineering school: Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Average entry tariff: 142 UCAS points
8=. UCL (University College London)
UCL is joint 8th among Russell Group universities in the Guardian table. Its engineering faculty focuses on global challenges such as technology, healthcare and cities, and has a low student-to-staff ratio of 9.5.
- Engineering school: Faculty of Engineering Sciences
- Average entry tariff: 169 UCAS points
8=. University of Exeter
Exeter is joint 8th among Russell Group universities and scores 7 out of 10 for value added, one of the highest in the top 10. This measures how much students improve from entry to graduation.
- Engineering school: Department of Engineering
- Average entry tariff: 156 UCAS points
10. University of Birmingham
Birmingham completes the top 10 and has the highest teaching satisfaction of any university in the Guardian general engineering table, at 96.3%. It’s also among the more accessible options, with an average entry tariff of 145.
- Engineering school: College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Average entry tariff: 145 UCAS points
What Are the Entry Requirements for Engineering at Russell Group Universities?
Russell Group engineering courses are competitive, but entry requirements vary widely between universities.
- A Levels: Usually A*A*A to AAB, including Maths and often Physics. Durham, for example, asks for A*AA including Maths and a science.
- International Baccalaureate: Usually 34 to 40 points, with Higher Level Maths and a science.
- Average entry tariff: From 142 UCAS points at Leeds to 221 at Cambridge, based on Guardian 2027 data.
- English language: Typically IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 overall.
- Admissions tests and interviews: Cambridge and Oxford both interview applicants and may set admissions assessments.
Your home qualifications are assessed individually, so check with a StudyIn consultant about what you’ll need. Read more about UK university entry requirements and English language requirements for UK universities.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Engineering at a Russell Group University?
International fees for undergraduate engineering at top Russell Group universities range from £36,000 to £46,872 a year, based on published fees. A four-year MEng costs more in total than a three-year BEng.
| University |
Course |
International Fee (per year) |
| University of Cambridge |
Engineering |
£46,872 (2027 entry) |
| Imperial College London |
All engineering degrees |
£45,500 (2026 entry) |
| Durham University |
General Engineering MEng |
£36,000 (2027 entry) |
On top of tuition, you’ll need to budget for living costs, the £558 Student visa fee and the £776 annual Immigration Health Surcharge. From 30th November 2026, you’ll need to show £1,570 a month for living costs in London, or £1,203 a month elsewhere in the UK.
What Are the Career Prospects for Russell Group Engineering Graduates?
Russell Group engineering graduates have strong employment outcomes. According to Guardian 2027 data, 97% of Cambridge graduates, 95% of Oxford and Imperial graduates, and 93% of Durham graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating.
Many Russell Group engineering degrees are accredited by professional bodies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), giving you a route to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
After graduating, you can stay in the UK for 18 months on the Graduate Route visa without needing a sponsor. Compare high-paying engineering jobs in the UK, or explore the best UK universities for engineering beyond the Russell Group.
Study Engineering at a Russell Group University With StudyIn
Getting into a Russell Group engineering course takes a strong application, the right subject choices and a realistic shortlist. StudyIn has over 20 years of experience helping international students study engineering in the UK and across multiple destinations.
Our counsellors help you choose the right universities, write a strong personal statement and prepare for interviews, then support you through financial evidence, your Student visa and pre-departure. Our service is free throughout the process.
FAQs
Which Russell Group university is best for engineering?
The University of Cambridge is the best Russell Group university for engineering, ranking 1st in the Guardian University Guide 2027 general engineering table with a score of 100. Sheffield and Oxford are 2nd and 3rd.
How many Russell Group universities are there?
There are 24 Russell Group universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, UCL, Durham, Bristol, Leeds, Sheffield, Exeter and Birmingham.
What grades do I need for engineering at a Russell Group university?
Most Russell Group universities ask for A*A*A to AAB at A Level, including Maths and often Physics. Average entry tariffs range from 142 UCAS points at Leeds to 221 at Cambridge.
How much does engineering cost at a Russell Group university for international students?
International fees at top Russell Group universities range from £36,000 a year at Durham to £46,872 at Cambridge for 2027 entry.
Which Russell Group university has the highest teaching satisfaction for engineering?
The University of Birmingham has the highest teaching satisfaction in the Guardian 2027 general engineering table, at 96.3%, followed by Bristol at 93.8%.
Is a Russell Group engineering degree worth it?
Russell Group engineering degrees offer strong graduate outcomes, with 93% to 97% of graduates from top-ranked universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial and Durham in work or further study 15 months after graduating.
