Staffordshire University Rankings, Scholarships & Accommodation 2026

If you want a university that connects learning directly to careers, Staffordshire University is worth considering. It is ranked 2nd in the UK for Social Inclusion by The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. It sits in the Top 5 in the UK for First Generation Students by the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 & holds 3rd place in the UK for Career Prospects at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025. These stats reflect a university that has built its identity around giving students from every background a real path forward.

Whether you are a school leaver looking for your first degree, a working professional considering postgraduate study, or an international student researching your options in the UK, this guide covers everything you need to know about Staffordshire University for 2026-27.

About Staffordshire University

Staffordshire University was originally established in 1906 as a school of mining and has grown into a modern multi-campus institution spread across Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Shrewsbury, & London. It welcomes around 15,000 students each year and offers courses in law, criminology, nursing, business, computing, gaming, journalism, engineering, and the creative arts. The university is internationally known for its Games Institute, the largest of its kind in the UK, and has been consistently praised for its industry-connected teaching and personalised student support. Because it's a dedicated university town, finding high-quality student accommodation in Stoke on Trent is both highly accessible and affordable.

The main Stoke-on-Trent campus is next to the city's mainline train station and is within walking distance of the city centre, shops, and the Cultural Quarter. Stoke-on-Trent is consistently rated one of the most affordable cities to live and study in the UK, which gives students at Staffordshire University a genuine financial advantage over those studying in Leeds, Manchester, or London.

Staffordshire University Ranking

Staffordshire University ranking places it within the recognised tier of UK modern universities, with a strong performance in subject-specific tables & standout results in areas like social inclusion and employability.

In the national rankings for 2026, The Times Good University Guide placed Staffordshire University at 87th in the UK. The Complete University Guide ranks it among the top 130 UK universities, with the EduRank research ranking putting it at 91st in the UK and 1,283rd globally in 2026 (EduRank, March 2026). Shiksha's Popularity Ranking for 2025 placed Staffordshire University at 107th in the UK and 639th globally (Shiksha, 2025).

Staffordshire University QS ranking position is at #814 in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 (TopUniversities, 2026), a recognition that shows growing investment in sustainable practices across its campuses. In the StuDocu World University Ranking for the EMEA region, Staffordshire University ranked 5th.

Key recognition awards for 2026:

• 2nd in the UK for Social Inclusion (The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
• 3rd in the UK for Career Prospects (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025)
• Top 5 in the UK for First Generation Students (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
• University of the Year - Edufuturist Awards 2021

Staffordshire University Tuition Fees (2026-27)

Tuition fees at Staffordshire University are clearly set for the 2026-27 academic year. For UK undergraduate students, the full-time fee is £9,790 per year, set at the UK Government's maximum fee for 2026-27. A 2-year accelerated degree is available at £11,750 per year, and placement year fees are charged at just £1,955.

For international students, undergraduate tuition fees range from £16,750 to £19,000 per year, depending on the course. Postgraduate tuition fees for international students are in the same range. UK postgraduate students pay lower rates, which differ depending on the programme.

Living costs in Stoke-on-Trent are lower than in other cities in England. Students can spend around £7,000-£9,000 per year on accommodation, food, transport, & personal expenses, a significant saving compared with studying in London or other major cities.

Staffordshire University Courses

Staffordshire University graduate, master's & online program options are designed around practical learning, industry networks, and strong employability results. The university is known for courses in game design, computing, cybersecurity, business, journalism, law, nursing, & engineering. Many programs include placements, live projects, & employer led learning opportunities.

Staffordshire University Graduate Program

The Staffordshire University graduate courses are designed to equip students with advanced academic knowledge, practical industry skills, and strong career prospects. The university offers a wide range of postgraduate taught and research programmes across fields such as business, computing, cybersecurity, healthcare, education, law, media, engineering, and digital technologies. Many courses incorporate real-world projects, professional placements, and industry collaboration to enhance employability. 

Popular Staffordshire University Graduate Courses

Staffordshire University Master's Programs

Staffordshire University master's programs are popular among students looking for career-focused qualifications with strong industry links. Most taught master's degrees can be completed in one year full-time and are designed to enhance employability and professional development.

Popular Master's Courses at Staffordshire University

Staffordshire University Online Program

The Staffordshire University online program provides flexible study opportunities for students who want to learn at their own pace. Online learners receive access to the same academic resources, teaching support, & career services available to on-campus students.

Popular Staffordshire University Online Courses

• MBA (Master of Business Administration)
• MSc Cyber Security
• MSc Computer Science
• MSc International Business
• MA Education
• MA TESOL
• Professional Development Courses
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programs
• Flexible Business and Management Courses
• Digital and Technology Short Courses

These flexible learning options allow students to gain a Staffordshire University qualification while studying from anywhere in the world.

Staffordshire University Scholarship Options

Staffordshire University scholarship awards cover a wide range of students, from UK undergraduates to international postgraduates, and the financial support available is more varied than many prospective students realise.

For postgraduate students who previously completed a degree at Staffordshire University, the Alumni Discount provides a meaningful reduction on returning to study:

• 10% reduction for graduates with a 2:2 honours degree
• 15% for graduates with a 2:1 honours degree
• Additional percentage reduction for first-class graduates varies by programme

Staffordshire University London Campus

One of the most distinctive features of Staffordshire University in 2026 is its London campus, an urban study option that brings Staffordshire's career-focused degrees to the capital.

The Staffordshire University London campus offers courses in games, computing, law, business, esports, and education (Complete University Guide, 2026). This means students who want access to London's employer ecosystem, particularly in tech, gaming, business, and law, can study a Staffordshire University degree while being based in one of the most professionally connected cities in the world.

The London campus sits within the broader city network, giving students direct access to internship opportunities, networking events, and employers across all the sectors where Staffordshire University has built its strongest graduate connections. The Games Institute, the largest of its kind in the UK, has particular relevance here, as London houses some of the most active gaming and digital media companies in Europe.

For international students, the London campus is a particularly attractive option. Students benefit from the same Staffordshire University scholarship awards, academic quality, and career services as the main Stoke-on-Trent campus, while gaining the lifestyle and professional access that comes with studying in London. The dedicated London campus bursary, the ACS Crisford Charitable Foundation Bursary, provides financial support specifically for London-based students.

How to Apply to Staffordshire University

The application process at Staffordshire University is structured & accessible for both domestic and international applicants.

UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS using the institution code S72. Applications for September 2026 entry are open, with the standard UCAS deadline in January and a final deadline in June for late applications. Priority for on-campus accommodation is given to students who make Staffordshire University their first choice on UCAS.

International undergraduate students can apply online through the university's official portal. The acceptance requirements include:

• Academic qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels (minimum entry requirements vary by course)
• English language proficiency,IELTS6.0 overall (or equivalentTOEFL/PTE) for most undergraduate programmes
• International students must pay a £6,500 deposit before the university issues the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter needed for a UK Student Visa (Shiksha, 2025)

For postgraduate programmes, applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. A relevant bachelor's degree is required, along with specific grade requirements depending on the programme.

Campus Life at Staffordshire University

Campus life at Staffordshire University is built around practical learning, industry network, & an inclusive community. The university has invested in specialist facilities that set it apart from many institutions of similar size.

The Students' Union at Staffordshire University is active and well-organised, running events, campaigns, and welfare support throughout the academic year. Students from over 100 nationalities bring a genuinely global perspective to campus life, and the multicultural student community is frequently cited in student reviews as one of the most positive aspects of studying here.

Staffordshire University Alumni

Staffordshire University alumni have gone on to build careers across sport, politics, journalism, music, ceramics,  & business, a reflection of the university's broad and practically-focused programme range.

• Andrew Triggs Hodge - One of the university's most distinguished alumni, Andrew Triggs Hodge is a three-time Olympic gold medal-winning rower who represented Great Britain at the highest level of international sport.
• Tom Smith - Best known as the lead singer of the indie rock band Editors, Tom Smith helped form one of the UK's most successful alternative rock bands after studying at Staffordshire University.
• Russell Leetch - A bassist and founding member of Editors, Russell Leetch is part of the award-winning band that has achieved multiple chart-topping albums and international success.
• Jane Kambalame - A respected diplomat & public servant, Jane Kambalame has served as Malawi's High Commissioner to Zimbabwe and Botswana, contributing significantly to international relations.
• Ian McMillan - Renowned poet, broadcaster, and writer, Ian McMillan is widely recognised for his contributions to British literature, radio, and cultural commentary.

Staffordshire University Student Accommodation

Staffordshire University accommodation is available across all its main campuses, with a variety of room types to suit different budgets & preferences. But on-campus accommodation fills up quickly, leaving students to search for alternative options. Withamber, students can find affordable & comfortable off-campus housing near their university.

Here are a few of the Staffordshire University student accommodation options:

1. Empire Hall - From £105 per week

2. Stoke Student Village - From  £105 per week

3.Q studios Stoke-on-Trent - From  £130 per week

4. College Court - From  £135 per week

5.Aire Stoke-on-Trent - From  £145 per week

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Staffordshire University has built a strong reputation for career-focused education, industry partnerships, and practical learning. With strengths in computing, digital technologies, business, health, games design, & creative arts, the university offers students a wide range of academic and professional opportunities. Affordable tuition fees, modern facilities, strong graduate employability, and a supportive student environment make Staffordshire University an attractive choice for both UK and international students. Whether you're looking for undergraduate studies, postgraduate qualifications, or flexible online learning, Staffordshire University provides a way to prepare students for real-world success.

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