Top Athletics Universities
Going to university is a pretty life-changing experience. Most can safely say that they wouldn't be where they are today without the experience and self-development it provides. However, it's not for everyone and that's okay.
University is obviously a big call, there are pros and cons for sure, but they are for you and your athlete to look into, we can't help you there, unfortunately.
But what we can do is give you a run down of some of the UK's top sports universities to help with decision making.
Loughborough University
Ranked #1 University in the world for sporting subjects, Loughborough has it all. Not only is it sporty, but it it is now ranked in the top 10 for academics, student experience and much more.
Other benefits include it's world-class facilities and coaching, extensive list of successful alumni, and it being the national base for athletics and many other sports. Based in the Midlands, it's transport links to almost anywhere in the UK are pretty excellent.
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Athlete Testimonials
“Loughborough allows me to fully focus on my academic and athletic interests at the same time. The support network in my sporting and academic life is superior, and I am always encouraged to pursue both my interests to the full extent”
Bekah Walton
British Champion and 2019 UK Ranked #1 Javelin
“Learning how to train through freshers’ hangovers and never to leave the lid on an empty protein shake weren’t the only things being a student athlete at Loughborough taught me. Surrounding myself with top tier people who fed my motivation helped me achieve some insane highs and navigate through devastating lows. I came to Luff for shiny facilities and to train with my idols (major catfish). I stayed for the friends and memories I made that I’ll carry for life.
*mic drop*”
Alex Haydock-Wilson
Great Britain 400m Runner & Loughborough Student
Why Loughborough University? It's simple...
Recent Alumni & Current Students
Loughborough University has obviously been home to some of our country's best ever athletes in the past, but let's take a look at some of the more recent graduates and current students.
Thomas Young
Tokyo 2020 Paralympic 100m Champion and
Loughborough Sport student.
(Image by Jodi Hanagan)
Cameron Fillery
European U23 110m Hurdles Medalist, Multiple National
Medalist and 2021 Graduate.
(Image by Jodi Hanagan)
Morgan Lake
2 x Olympian and 2nd Best UK All-Time
Women's High Jump.
(Image by Jodi Hanagan)
Charlie Dobson
World Junior 200m Silver Medalist, Ranked #1 UK 400m
2021 and Current Loughborough Undergraduate.
(Image by Jodi Hanagan)
Birmingham University
As a Russell Group university and British Universities & College Sport (BUCS) contender, Birmingham University is a worthy challenger for the top spot.
As well as being located in the thriving midlands city, there is a lot to look forward to, with the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and the elite facilities that come with it. It's definitely worth a look at.
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Athlete Testimonials
“Being part of BUAC has been the highlight of my university experience. The club is so supportive, there’s always someone to train with on and off the track!”
Issey Boffey
Multiple International Junior Medalist & Current Birmingham University Student
Six Reasons Why Performance Athletes Choose Birmingham
- Top 5 University For Sport
- New £55 Million Sports Centre
- Individualised & Cutting Edge Sport Scholarships
- Full-Time Team Of Specialist Practitioners Programme
- Distinguished Coaching Staff
- Top Class Academic Reputation
Recent Alumni & Current Students
The University of Birmingham has obviously been home to some of our country's best ever athletes in the past, but let's take a look at some of the more recent graduates and current students.
Oliver Dustin
British U23 800m Record Holder, Tokyo 2020 Olympian & Current Birmingham University Student.
(Image by England Athletics)
Laura Zialor
International High Jumper & Current Birmingham
University Sports Scholar
(Image by University of Birmingham)
Chris McAlister
UK Ranked #1 400m Hurdler and Recent
Birmingham University Graduate
(Image by British Athletics)
Sabrina Sinha
Multiple International Distance Athlete and Current
Birmingham University Scholar.
(Image via Instagram)
Brunel University
Located in Uxbridge, West London, Brunel is notable within the athletics community - especially within the sprint events - with coaches such as Laura Turner, Linford Christie and Margaret Adeoye leading the way, they always show up in BUCS.
With a fantastic community feel amongst the athletics club, their social events and overall club feel is definitely one of the best there is. As one of London's top athletics universities, it's definitely one to check out.
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Athlete Testimonials
“The quintessential proposition that we face in our sport is not just defining who we are today, but defining who we could be tomorrow. Uni allowed me to reinvent myself as a man as much as it did as an athlete”
Tyri Donovan
International 400m Hurdler and Recent Brunel University Undergraduate.
“Through the athlete accommodation I was able to meet some of my closest friends who shared their high level aspirations athletically but also just wanted to be normal university kids and have fun socially, which should never be undervalued!”
Thomas Pitkin
Irish International 400m/400mh & Recent Brunel University Graduate
Take a look at Brunel's new indoor facility
Recent Alumni & Current Students
Brunel University has obviously been home to some of our country's best ever athletes in the past, but let's take a look at some of the more recent graduates and current students.
Holly Mills
International Heptathlete & Current Brunel
University Sports Scholar
(Image by Alex Livesey)
Efe Okoro
2021 UK Ranked #2 400m Hurdler and
Brunel Graduate
(Image by Getty)
Finette Agyapong
International Sprinter and
Brunel University Graduate
(Image by Mark Shearman)
Tyri Donovan
International 400m Hurdler and Recent
Brunel University Undergraduate.
(Image via twitter)
St. Mary's University
Known as one of the top athletics universities for endurance running. St. Mary's University, 30 minutes commute from central London, plays host to some of the best endurance training groups the country has to offer. Having been the base of one of GB's most successful athletes of all time, Sir Mo Farah, a whole host of athletes have followed in his footsteps.
Could this be right for you or your child? Then read more to find out!
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What has St Mary's University got to offer?
Athlete Testimonials
“St.Mary’s University gave me an opportunity to develop and make a gradual progression both physically and mentally within the sport. The EPC (Endurance Performance Centre) created a fun environment to grow and learn whilst being surrounded by your teammates!”
Izzy Fry
International Distance Runner and Recent St. Mary's University Graduate
Recent Alumni & Current Students
Loughborough University has obviously been home to some of our country's best ever athletes in the past, but let's take a look at some of the more recent graduates and current students.
Emile Cairess
Joint British 10k Record Holder, Multiple International
Athlete and St. Mary's Recent Graduate.
(Image by JHMSport)
Thomas Randolph
1:44 800m Runner, European U23 Medalist and
Recent St. Mary's Graduate.
(Image via Twitter)
Shemar Boldizsar
2019 European U23 200m Champion and
Recent St. Mary's Graduate.
(Image by Getty)
Adelle Tracey
St. Mary's University Based Sub 2 Minute 800m Runner,
Multiple International and Graduate.
(Image by Jodi Hanagan)
University of East London
UEL are undoubtedly established as one of the top 10 UK universities for athletics, with a specialist approach to sprint and hurdle events. Showing recent success at the latest edition of the BUCS indoor championships finishing 5th overall - a fantastic feat.
Located in East London and with links to Newham and Essex Beagles, the university claim "We pride ourselves on our ability to develop talent, and have a fantastic track record when it comes to turning novices into finalists."
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Athlete Testimonials
“UEL has supported me as a student and an athlete. The flexible elite athlete study policy allows me, as a sports scholar, to compete and train at the highest level whilst ensuring I have the flexibility to earn a degree.”
Adam Gemili
3 x Olympian, Multiple International Medalist and UEL Graduate
“UEL has provided me with an opportunity to find a perfect balance between my academic studies and my sporting endeavours.”
Youcef Zatat
Great Britain Shot Put Athlete and UEL Graduate
Recent Alumni & Current Students
Loughborough University has obviously been home to some of our country's best ever athletes in the past, but let's take a look at some of the more recent graduates and current students.
Jona Efoloko
World Junior 200m Champion 2018, Tokyo 2020
Olympian and Recent UEL Graduate.
(Image by Getty)
Shannon Hylton
Numerous International Sprinter, Former British 200m
Champion and UEL Graduate.
(Image by Getty)
Romell Glave
Sub 10 100m Sprinter (w) and UEL Alumni
(Image by Mark Shearman)
Adam Gemili
3 x Olympian, Multiple International Medalist
and UEL Graduate
(Image by Jodi Hanagan)
University of Bath
Catering to all athletics abilities, the University of Bath is a great recommendation for any athlete. Located in the South West of England, there's a plethora of benefits that come with this university - notably the town's beauty.
As a sporting university, Bath has the credentials matched only by the best, constantly churning out and hosting some of the UK's best athletes. Further, in 2019 their coaching and support on offer earned them a 'Gold Charter Mark' by England Athletics, becoming only the second university in the country to achieve this feat.
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Athlete Testimonials
“The University of Bath was an excellent place to be as a student-athlete. Being part of the dual-career scheme gave me access to high-level coaches, treatment and facilities, accompanied with a great understanding of the challenges that surround juggling high-level sport and academics.”
Ben Claridge
International Athlete and University of Bath Alumni
“The University of Bath scholar programme gave me great support throughout my time there. I benefitted from high level coaching, access to top class facilities, strength & conditioning sessions and continuous physio support. This allowed me to successfully manage my sporting commitments alongside studying for my degree.”
Jacob Paul
International 400m Hurdles Athlete and University of Bath Graduate
Why Should You Consider the University of Bath?
Recent Alumni & Current Students
Loughborough University has obviously been home to some of our country's best ever athletes in the past, but let's take a look at some of the more recent graduates and current students.
Cameron Chalmers
Multiple International 400m Athlete, Tokyo 2020
Olympian and University of Bath Alumni.
(Image by Jodi Hanagan)
Alastair Chalmers
British U18 & U20 Record Holder, International Athlete
and University of Bath Alumni.
(Image by Jodi Hanagan)
Chari Hawkins
Team USA Heptathlete, 2019 & 2022(i) World Championships
Representative and University of Bath Graduate
(Image via Team USA)
Kirsten McCaslan
International Athlete at Various Championships and
University of Bath Graduate.
(Image via Powerof10)
Cardiff Met
The stats don't lie, Cardiff Metropolitan University is Wales' No.1 Sporting university. Based in the capital, Cardiff Met has a fantastic mix of everything: facilities, coaches, support, academics and talented athletes.
If you're looking for a balance between sport and studies and are hoping to "set the foundations for your future career" then Cardiff Met promise just that. As home to some of Wales' top athletes, there aren't many universities you'd rather be at.
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Athlete Testimonials
“Over my past 5 years of study at Cardiff met transitioning from undergraduate to a postgraduate student, they have helped me develop from a student athlete to an elite sport student by providing a scholarship system that focuses on your sporting ambitions as well as support for your studies. The 24 hour access to indoor and outdoor training facilities make it an ideal training base all year around for all sport students.”
Joe Brier
International 400m runner, Tokyo 2020 Olympian & Current Cardiff Met Student
“Cardiff Met have identified that being a student-athlete can be extremely stressful, they are flexible with changing assessment deadlines/lectures to accommodate training, competition and for I’m struggling psychologically. Since being at Cardiff Met, it is extremely evident that they are a team, and everyone supports each other massively and the environment is always encouraging.”
Hannah Brier
Great Britain 100m Runner & Current Cardiff Met Student
“Being a student athlete at Cardiff Met is awesome. The university has supported me both on and off the track, allowing me to train harder and get the best recovery in between sessions. Coming from an area where there isn’t a big athletics presence, the facilities, coaches and team as a whole at Cardiff Met are top quality.”
Adam Booth
2021 European U20 400m Hurdles Finalist & Current Cardiff Met Student
Performance Sport at Cardiff Met:
Recent Alumni & Current Students
Loughborough University has obviously been home to some of our country's best ever athletes in the past, but let's take a look at some of the more recent graduates and current students.
Jeremiah Azu
European U23 100m Champion 2021 and
Current Cardiff Met Student.
(Image by Jurij Kodrun)
Jake Smith
International Distance Runner, 3rd All Time Half Marathon
and Recent Cardiff Met Graduate
Harrison Walsh
Former Wales Rugby Player Turned Paralympic Discus
Thrower and Current Cardiff Met Student
(Image via Twitter)
Jenny Nesbitt
International Distance Runner, 2nd Welsh All Time
3000m and Current Cardiff Met Student.
(Image by JMHSport)