Are Russell Group Universities Still Highly Respected by Employers, and Are They Better for Students?

Student’s Context: What I mean by “highly respected by employers” is: Are you more likely to have more doors open for you if you attend a RG university than a non-RG university?

I got into all of my choices, 3 of which are RG, but the cities that have them are either unpopular or too close to home. The 2 non-RG universities I got offers from are in more “social” cities that will definitely have a wider range of people that I think I will enjoy. So I just don’t know which offers to accept.

To the point:
Are Russell Group universities “better” for students?

• Is the overall teaching better?
• Is accommodation more likely to be better?
• Are they more social and fun to go to, etc.?

Expert Opinion

This is an interesting question and one many students struggle with when choosing between Russell Group (RG) and non-RG universities.

What is the Russell Group?

The Russell Group is a self-selected association of 24 research-intensive universities in the UK (similar to the Ivy League in the US or the Go8 in Australia, but broader). These universities are known for strong research output, global rankings, and employer recognition. So yes, having an “Oxford,” “Cambridge,” “University of Manchester,” or “University College London” on your CV does carry weight. But not all Russell Group universities are considered equally prestigious by employers.

Employability vs. Teaching

While RG universities are often perceived as academically rigorous, this does not mean non-RG universities are not respected. Many non-RG universities (e.g., Lancaster, Loughborough, Strathclyde, or Bath) actually rank higher than some RG schools (e.g., Cardiff, Queen’s Belfast) for teaching quality, student experience, or specific subject areas. Employers are increasingly aware of this. What really matters is:

• Your performance during the program
• Skills and projects you complete
• Industry experience and networking

Student Life & Accommodation

Russell Group universities are not automatically more social or better for student life. Campus vibe depends far more on location, culture, and student community. For example:

• Cardiff (RG) and Bath (non-RG) have very different social cultures.
• Teaching quality at some non-RG universities may even be stronger, since they focus more on teaching rather than purely research.

In short: Russell Group status may give your CV an extra “brand boost,” but don’t dismiss non-RG options if they offer a stronger subject program, better city life, or a community you’ll enjoy.

Counsellor’s Experience with a Similar Scenario

One of my students had to choose between the University of Leeds (RG) and the University of Bath (non-RG) for Mechanical Engineering. Although Bath isn’t part of the Russell Group, its engineering program consistently ranks in the UK’s top 10. He chose Bath for its program strength and vibrant student life and today, he’s doing very well in his career.

Recommended Next Steps

• Compare admits across parameters such as curriculum, faculty, dissertation/capstone options, and placement support.
• Talk to current students and alumni from your admitted universities to understand student life, teaching quality, and career outcomes.
• Check subject rankings (QS, Times Higher Education, Guardian subject league tables) rather than just relying on Russell Group status.