What is a Red Brick University?

Historical Context and Definition of the Term ‘Red Brick University’#

To answer the question ‘what is a redbrick university?’, we need to take a trip back in time to the Victorian era, when a handful of England’s civic institutions gained independent university status. These civic universities were non-collegiate establishments that admitted students regardless of their religion or background and focused on real-world skills, teaching subjects such as engineering or medicine. They made a university education more accessible than ever before, by opening it up to a wider section of society. 

The name – which can be written as either ‘red brick’ or ‘redbrick’ –  is taken from the universities’ distinct architectural style. Red bricks were used in their construction, as opposed to the more costly stone masonry construction of older institutions, such as Oxford and Cambridge, and the modern plate glass style of many universities established after the 1960s. 

List of Red Brick Universities in the UK#

The original red brick universities list covers six institutions. In alphabetical order, these are: 

University of Birmingham

University of Bristol

University of Leeds

University of Liverpool 

University of Manchester

University of Sheffield

However, it’s not necessarily that straightforward: for some people, the red brick university meaning has expanded out to cover more universities with a similar architectural style that gained independence after the First World War, such as Newcastle University and the University of Nottingham. 

Red Brick Versus Russell Group: Clarifying Common Confusions#

There is some overlap between the list of red brick universities and the Russell Group meaning, but they’re not interchangeable. 

While all six of the original red brick universities are in the Russell Group, there are also institutions in the Russell Group that would not be defined as red brick universities – and equally, there are universities that would fall under the expanded red brick universities definition for some people, but are not included in the Russell Group.  

Distinct features and similarities #

Going back to the roots of red brick universities, they were originally known for science and engineering courses. 

They were also designed to be accessible to a wider segment of society than their predecessors, and they were built in industrial cities. 

However, they’re no longer confined to a particular academic field. While many red brick institutions are still renowned for these subjects, these days students can choose from a full range of degrees at red brick universities in the UK. 

Should You Study at a Red Brick University?#

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. The best way to choose a university is to consider your own particular circumstances, and from there figure out which institution will best suit your needs. 

You might want to study a course that’s only offered by a handful of universities – there are currently only 11 veterinary medicine schools in the UK, for example. Alternatively, you might want to take an English Literature degree that offers a specific module, have dreams of attending medical school and becoming a doctor, or need to live in a specific area of the country. 

Once you’ve figured out your requirements, you can start drawing up a shortlist of potential universities – there could be a red brick university or two on there, but don’t force it if they don’t feel like a natural fit. The most important thing is that you choose a university that you’re happy with, whether or not it’s on the red brick universities list. 

Tips for Successfully Applying to a Red Brick University#

As with all your applications, you’ll need to fill out a UCAS form with details of your grades and qualifications and write a personal statement. There aren’t any differences between your application to a red brick university and other institutions.

Your personal statement offers you a chance to stand out from the crowd by explaining why you’d be a great fit for the courses you’re applying to. You only write one personal statement, which is sent to all the universities you apply to – so make sure it covers information that’s relevant to all of them. The types of things your personal statement should cover include: any work experience or extracurricular activities that relate to the subject; your passion for the subject, backed up by specific examples; your hopes for your future career; and any personal qualities you have that are relevant to the course.

Impact and Importance of Red Brick Universities#

The six original red brick universities transformed the higher education sector, making a university education accessible to a lot more people than ever before. 

Today they remain influential, leading research and education and driving innovation. However, picking a university is a very personal choice and it’s always best to go for one that works for your needs, rather than basing your choice on whether or not it meets the red brick universities definition.