History
The University of Surrey was established on 9 September 1966 with the grant of its Royal Charter, but its roots go back to a late 19th-century concern to provide greater access to further and higher education for the poorer inhabitants of London Battersea Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1891 and began concentrating on science and technology around 1920, teaching students for degrees from the University of London.
By the beginning of the 1960s, the College had outgrown its main building in Battersea Park Road and in 1962 it was decided to move the institution to Guildford, becoming the University of Surrey four years later.
Education
The University of Surrey stands out for its commitment to exceptional teaching and practice-based learning. We have a huge range of professional-standard facilities, such as labs, workshops and studios, where you can develop your skills and learn by doing.
You’ll learn from academics who are experts in their field and continuously contributing to modern day research. You’ll be learning about current topics which will prepare you for your future career.
Our goal is to provide a challenging and rewarding university experience that creates incredible memories and helps you achieve your ambitions, while building friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.
Research
- Our research seeks to answer global challenges, drive innovation and deliver real-world impact. We have more than 1,300 postgraduate researchers across 100+ different research centres and groups.
- Surrey is home, among other facilities, to the world’s leading innovation centre for 5G/6G research, an internationally renowned clinical trials unit, and the STAR LAB for space robotics. We also have two pan-University institutes, taking multidisciplinary approaches to major societal issues: the Institute for People-Centred AI and the Institute for Sustainability.
- In the most recent Research Excellence Framework 2021, 41 per cent of our submitted research was rated as world leading.
Career
At Surrey, we have an outstanding track record for graduate employability. 95% of our postgraduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes survey 2024, HESA).You’ll start preparing for your future from your very first day and will have many opportunities to boost your employability, from getting hands-on experience in industry to personalised sessions with our award-winning careers team, for the Best University Careers/Employability Service (National Employability Awards 2022).
Student services
The university has a dedicated team available to help international students, from the moment they decide to apply until graduation and beyond, offering services such as airport pickups, orientation events, language support, student communities and accommodation support.
Surrey provides a wide range of student support services throughout the academic year, such as the Online student portal (MySurrey) which allows students to access support and advice at any hour of the day. Students can also speak with advisor and councillors in-person via the MySurrey Hive.
International students have access to support from the University of Surrey from the moment they decide to apply all the way until after they graduate.
Housing services
With so much happening on campus, it’s easy to see why so many students want to live here. There are more than 6,000 study-bedrooms on campus, at least half of which have an en-suite shower and toilet. There are choices to suit all budgets and requirements and you’re guaranteed university accommodation in your first year as long as your application arrives on time.
Library services
The University of Surrey library was refreshed and refurbished in 2018. We now provide more than 1,700 study spaces and 400 computers. We are open for 24 hours a day most of the year and offer access to:
- Extensive online and print collections
- A wide variety of individual and collaborative learning spaces
- A range of tailored support to ensure that all our users get the most out of their learning and research journeys.
ICT services
As a student at Surrey, you will find that IT will play a big part in your time at the University. Whether you are using one of the 900+ PCs in the Open Access PC rooms, connecting to the wireless network or working from home using off-campus secure web access, IT Services will always provide you with efficient and innovative IT solutions.
Medical services
The Student Health Centre is available for support with a range of physical health and wellbeing issues and offers many of the same services as other NHS surgeries in the area. It is located on our Stag Hill campus and is part of the Guildowns Group Practice.
Campus life
Across our lovely, leafy campus, you’ll find a fabulous choice of places to eat, drink and hang out. As well as a selection of shops and cafés, there are also facilities like The Snug, a bookable student space with huge comfy sofas, an 85” screen and a PlayStation.When you want to explore further afield, public transport is easy to access. Stag Hill is just 10 minutes’ walk from Guildford station with trains that can get you into central London in just 34 minutes or direct to Gatwick airport.
Sports facilities
Surrey Sports Park is your home for sport. Based on Manor Park campus, our £36 million facility offers something for all, from gym users to elite athletes, social sport enthusiasts to fitness class lovers. You will benefit from discounted membership at Surrey Sports Park, giving you access to a huge range of facilities, classes and activities.The facilities on offer include:
- A 50 metre, eight-lane, Olympic-standard swimming pool
- Newly refurbished 120-station gym and strength and conditioning area with nine Olympic platforms
- Three artificial pitches, including two 3G pitches
- Surrey Summit Climbing Centre
- Eight floodlit outdoor tennis courts
Student clubs
There are more than 170 student societies – perfect to help you find a new hobby or pursue an existing passion, and make new friends with like-minded people. The Students’ Union also organises unforgettable events and volunteering opportunities to ensure you have the best possible university experience.
Accreditation
Globally:
- Top 250 in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)
- Surrey ranks in world’s top 50 for five subjects in the 2024 Shanghai Global Subject Rankings
- 12th in the UK in Complete University Guide League Table for 2025 (Complete University Guide 2025)
- Top 3 in the UK for Student Experience in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
- Our Surrey Business School is double-accredited, by both the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
- The School of Veterinary Medicine has also been evaluated and accredited by the influential European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE).
