University of Greenwich: History, Courses, Fees and Rankings

Dream of studying in the UK but find their universities unbelievably expensive? The University of Greenwich might be the solution to your problem. Offering high quality education at an affordable price, this university makes learning accessible to all, while also standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best universities in UK. With a reputation for producing some of history’s brightest minds, this university has a high acceptance rate, making it an excellent choice for many international students, especially if you intend to pursue a degree in management or STEM. Here’s everything you need to know about Greenwich University. 

About the University of Greenwich

University of Greenwich Campuses

The University of Greenwich has two campuses in London and one in Medway, Kent. Combine a city lifestyle with peaceful surroundings for a one-of-a-kind study experience. 

Avery Hill

Avery Hill Campus is located in Eltham, southeast London, and is surrounded by green spaces. Avery Hill is an excellent choice for students looking to study in London. It not only has a university campus vibe with teaching and living space, but it is also only 30 minutes by train from central London. 

Greenwich‍

Greenwich Campus is situated on a World Heritage Site in the heart of Greenwich, southeast London. The neighbourhood has a lively atmosphere but is removed from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it an ideal place to study. The campus is surrounded by historical sites, Greenwich Park, and a variety of bars and restaurants. Many locations on campus have served as film sets, including The King’s Speech, Les Misérables, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and The Queen. 

Medway‍

Medway Campus, located in Chatham, Kent, has a long naval history. Its red-brick structures were once a Royal Navy base. Chatham’s Historic Dockyard was the site of the construction of Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory. There are also fantastic cafés and bars on campus, including those in the Pembroke and Pilkington Buildings. For events, an attractive piazza-style area with outdoor seating is ideal. There are also numerous green spaces, as well as a tennis court. 

History of the University of Greenwich

Woolwich Polytechnic, the second-oldest polytechnic in the United Kingdom, opened in 1891, giving rise to the university. It was founded in October 1891 by Frank Didden, with the support and principles of Quintin Hogg, and opened to students. 

In 1894, it took on an educational role, focusing on higher technical education, which was appropriate given its proximity to Woolwich Dockyard and the Royal Arsenal; William Anderson, director-general of the Ordnance Factories, was a trustee and later a member of the board of governors. Its grounds were also used for day schools, with the first Woolwich Polytechnic School opening in 1897. 

Thames Polytechnic was formed in 1970 when Woolwich Polytechnic merged with a portion of Hammersmith College of Art and Building. Dartford College (1976), Avery Hill College of Education (1985), Garnett College (1987), and parts of Goldsmiths College and the City of London College (1988) were absorbed in the years that followed. The university moved from its historic main campus in Woolwich’s Bathway Quarter to Greenwich’s current campus in 2001.

University of Greenwich Student Life

The Students’ Union is an important part of university life because it gives students a voice and helps them get the most out of their studies. It advocates for students’ rights and interests and organises events throughout the university, such as nights out and the annual Varsity competition, in which Team Greenwich and Team Medway compete for the title of Varsity champions. Greenwich Students’ Union (GSU) represents students on all three campuses. 

The Students’ Union (GSU) has over 60 academic, social, and athletic student societies. Current societies include the Anime & Games Society, the Disney Society, a Dance Society, and Radio GRE, which is ideal for aspiring DJs. Hockey, cheerleading, and rugby clubs, as well as yoga and meditation clubs, are all available. Students can also form their own clubs or organisation. 

University of Greenwich Rankings

People & Planet Green League Table named the university the greenest in the UK in 2012. In 2019, it was ranked 14th in the United Kingdom and third in London. It has received two Guardian University Awards, four Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education, and the Research Impact prize twice in 2014 and 2015. In addition, the university has received nine Times Higher Education awards, including the Most Innovative Teacher, Outstanding Engineering Research, Outstanding International Strategy, Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and Technology, and Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development. The university’s Natural Resources Institute received a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2019 for its work in pest management and control to combat human and animal diseases in the UK and internationally; in 2015, it received a prize for work on the cassava crop in Africa. Since 2014, the university has been designated as Silver in the Higher Education Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

University of Greenwich Alumni

John Boyega

John Adedayo Bamidele Adegboyega, professionally known as John Boyega, is an English artist and manufacturer who has worked as a stage performer, film character and performing star. His foreign influence was evident in his portrayal of Finn in the Star Wars trilogy films — The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019).

Christine McVie

Christine McVie is an English artist, composer, and keyboardist best known as one of Fleetwood Mac’s three lead vocalists and keyboardists. She joined the band in 1970. She also released three solo collections. Her contralto vocals are well-known, as are her direct but sentimental lyrics about love and communication. 

Abiy Ahmed Ali

Abiy Ahmed Ali is an Ethiopian leader who has served as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s fourth Prime Minister since April 2018. He was the third administrator of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the first Oromo to hold that position from the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP), one of the EPRDF’s four coalition forces. 

What can I study at the University of Greenwich?

The University of Greenwich has over 250 programmes at various levels of study. Through its three accessible campuses, the university provides physical, online, and blended modes of study. International students can enrol in a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the University of Greenwich International College (UGIC). The university is best known for being one of the best business schools in London. 

Programs offered at the University of Greenwich fall into four distinct faculties:

• Engineering and Science
• Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Education
• Health
• Human Sciences
• Business

How do I apply to the University of Greenwich?

UK undergraduates should apply to UCAS for full-time courses and to the university directly for part-time courses. If you are not from the UK, you can apply directly to the university, through UCAS, or through one of their in-country representatives. The deadlines differ depending on the intake and program/course, which may change each year. For current academic year deadlines, visit the official website. 

University of Greenwich Eligibility Criteria

A complete application, full academic transcripts, English language qualifications, and references are required. International students who do not speak English as their first language must present an English test result. They also accept a variety of other English language qualifications, ranging from academic English tests like TOEFL or PTE Academic to high school level qualifications like GCSE English or a WAEC English Language. These requirements may differ from one country to the next. 

Unsure of how to start studying for your language test? Don’t worry, we’ve got some guides ready to help you out with TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. 

University of Greenwich Required Documents

Students who wish to apply for undergraduate courses at the University of Greenwich need to present the following original documents in English or translated into English:

• Academic transcripts
• IELTS score report
• Letters of recommendation (LORs)
• Supplement essays
• Additional supplements such as interview forms or portfolios, as per course requirement
• Financial documents
• Fee waiver form, if any

If you’re applying for postgraduate courses, you’ll need these documents in addition to the above:

• Resume/CV
• Essays or SOP, as per requirement
• Two to three LORs

How much will I pay when studying at the University of Greenwich?

University of Greenwich Fees

The University of Greenwich does not charge application fees for undergraduate or graduate programmes. The following are the standard fees for home students assessed to pay the tuition fees in the 2022-23 academic year studying on the main campus at the University of Greenwich for the majority of their undergraduate courses: 

University of Greenwich Scholarships

Our scholarships and bursaries range from awards for athletic achievement to bursaries for care leavers and low-income students. New students from the EU may be eligible for a first-year tuition reduction with our EU Bursary. 

1. Greenwich Postgraduate Scholarship 2023

Our Greenwich Postgraduate Scholarship provides final-year undergraduates at the University of Greenwich with the opportunity to receive £5,000 to further their education. 

2. Robert Holman Bursary

This £1,000 award is available to current accounting and finance students from Greenwich, Lewisham, and Southwark.

3. RPS Karen Roberts Scholarship

You might get £5,000 from this scholarship during your first year of study if you are a BA Landscape Architecture undergraduate student. 

4. The Greenwich Bursary

The Greenwich Bursary is a scholarship worth £700 for first-year undergraduate students from low-income families.

5. Visionary Scholarship

Deserving students who have interacted with the university while in high school or college and who have been recommended by a teacher or advisor from their institution are eligible for this £5,000 grant. 

6. William Hills Scholarship

Six students will receive £2,000 per year from the William Hills Scholarship throughout their four-year MEng Mechanical Engineering programme. Two more awards will be given to students in their second year of the BEng Mechanical Engineering programme. 

Overall, the University of Greenwich is a great choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education at an affordable price. The university has a lot to offer in terms of academics and extracurricular activities. Its location in London is ideal for students who want to experience all the city has to offer. If you’re looking for a university that will give you a well-rounded education and prepare you for a successful career, the University of Greenwich is definitely worth considering. Also check our detailed blog on Greenswich acceptance rate.

If you’ve made up your mind and have applied to study here, you know what the next step is: booking student accommodation nearby. The sooner you book, the more chances of you getting your ideal home away from home.