About the University of Reading

Explore the courses we offer

The University of Reading is a leading UK university recognised for excellence in teaching, research and environmental sustainability

Pioneers of people and sustainability

The University of Reading has been at the forefront of UK higher education for a century. We promote innovation, advance research and help drive positive social change in the UK and around the world.

Our guiding principles

Our four guiding principles form the foundation of our strategy:

a genuine love of learning
creating new knowledge
embracing and celebrating diversity of people and ideas
and caring for our environment.

Founded over 100 years ago, the University of Reading is ranked among the UK's top universities*. More than 27,000 students from 147 countries study here.

Award-winning campuses

Our award-winning campuses are central to university life. They combine world-class facilities with green spaces and a strong commitment to sustainability. In 2026, our Whiteknights campus received its consecutive 16th Green Flag Award, and we are considered one of Britain's top green spaces.

Recognised for sustainability

The Times Higher Education (THE) recognised our commitment to sustainable development in its Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. We ranked among the world's top 100 universities 14th in the UK.

Expert teaching across a broad range of subjects

The University of Reading remains one of the UK's most popular higher education choices. We offer programmes across:

Science and applied science
Languages and humanities
Social sciences
Business
Arts

Our teaching is informed by the latest research, with academic staff working at the forefront of their disciplines.

*The University of Reading is ranked joint 27th in the UK, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 (9 October 2025).

Our campuses

Explore our award-winning campuses and range of facilities.

Students studying at the sunny union cafe

Key people

Meet the University's leadership team and other key figures.

Close-up of a student reading on a sunny day, outside and surrounded by trees.

Jobs

Work at one of Berkshire’s biggest employers.

University of Reading rankings

League table rankings

League table	Position
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027	35th in the UK
The Complete University Guide 2027	43rd in the UK
QS World University Rankings 2027	joint 196th worldwide and 28th highest-ranked UK university out of 93 UK institutions featured
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026	Ranked 201st-250th in the world and joint 27th in the UK

Sustainability rankings

League table	Position
People & Planet University League 2025/26	4th in the UK
Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026	91st in the world and 14th in the UK
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2027	Ranked equal 30th in the world

University of Reading important dates

Semester dates

2026-27

Welcome: Monday 21 September 2026 to Friday 25 September 2026
Semester 1: Monday 28 September 2026 to Friday 29 January 2027
Semester 2: Monday 01 February 2027 to Friday 28 May 2027

Vacation periods

Winter Vacation: Monday 21 December 2026 to Friday 08 January 2027
Spring Vacation: Monday 29 March 2027 to Friday 09 April 2027
Summer Vacation: Monday 31 May 2027 to Friday 17 September 2027

Calendar for academic year 2026/27 (PDF)

Closure days and Public holidays 2026/27

Thursday 24 December 2026 to Monday 4 January 2027 (Christmas closure)
Friday 1 January 2027 (New Year's Day)
Friday 26 March (Good Friday)
Monday 29 March (Easter Monday)
Tuesday 30 March (Closure day)
Wednesday 31 March (Closure day)
Monday 3 May (Early May bank holiday)
Monday 31 May (Spring bank holiday)
Monday 30 August (Summer bank holiday)

A global community

Home to more than 27,000 students, the University of Reading is proud to welcome staff and students from all over the world. Our award-winning campuses – in Reading, Henley-upon-Thames, Johannesburg, and Iskandar – house contemporary study facilities, halls of residence, support services, cafes and bars.

Explore our international community and campuses.

NUIST-University of Reading Academy

This joint academy offers programmes in which students spend three years studying in China before coming to Reading to complete their final year.

University of Reading Malaysia

We established our first overseas campus in Malaysia in 2015, a natural extension of the close ties we have enjoyed with Malaysia over the years.

Our pledge: Reading City of Sanctuary

As a university, we are committed to welcoming and including sanctuary seekers across all teaching, research and community activities.

Queen's Anniversary Prizes

The University of Reading has been awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour for a UK higher education institution, on five separate occasions.

Students and member of University staff looking at museum artefects

Teaching and learning

At Reading, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of teaching and learning developments.
Read more about our teaching and learning strategy.

The community

Our wide range of events and activities, available to both students and non-students, includes public events and lectures, museums, a cinema, and our SportsPark.

The local area

Whether you're after gigs, great food, sports activities, shopping, local culture or just want a night out with friends, Reading has something for you.

Value for money

At Reading, we're passionate about what we can offer our local and global community. Find out more about the range of benefits our work provides to students and wider society.

Services on campus

Campus Commerce provides core services for our students, staff and visitors, covering catering, hotel and conference services, sports, and accommodation contract management.

2026: Transform

One of our key ambitions as a university is to continuously invest in providing first-class facilities for our students. By our centenary year, 2026, we want to build significantly on the successes we have already accomplished so far.

Many of the reasons behind these projects stem directly from student feedback, such as the need for more study space and better technical resources. Other key factors address sustainability, such as improving energy efficiency and reducing our carbon emissions.

We also have an environmental sustainability strategy that revolves around six themes: community engagement, hospitality operations, waste management, biodiversity, and carbon management. These are embedded across the University’s curriculum.

While these projects focus on our long-term ambitions, we will be taking great care to minimise the risk of disruption for students currently studying at the University.

Read about the University of Reading's capital investments and campus improvement programme.

A group of staff and students from the University of Reading

Our community: faces of Reading

Find out more about some of our staff members and how they contribute to the performance, community and culture here at Reading.

Sports hall of fame

Discover our students and alumni who have excelled in their sporting achievements, and help us celebrate their ambition, dedication and success.

Working with business

We take a fresh approach to working with businesses and building positive, long-term partnerships. We'll work hard to understand your needs and identify the right approaches.

Economic impact

We make significant economic, social and cultural contributions.

Find out more about our economic impact.

Policies and corporate publications

Find out more about the University of Reading's Corporate Services.

View our key policy and regulations documents.

Student rights and responsibilities

University is a partnership between you and us.

Visit our Student Contract page, and read about your rights and responsibilities.

mask

Choose a subject