Guide to Studying in Liverpool
Thinking about studying in Liverpool next year? Find out more about this great student city with our comprehensive guide.
The University of Liverpool
University of Liverpool occupies the following positions in the world ranking proposed by the various league tables:
| World ranking | Type of league table |
| 101 – 150 | The Academic Ranking of World Universities |
| 157 | The Times Higher Education World University Rankings |
| N/A | The Professional Ranking of World Universities |
| 151 | Centre for World University Rankings |
| 33 | QS World University Rankings |
| 16 | The National Student Survey |
Zoom in:
- Member of the prestigious Russell Group
- Largest provider of 100% online postgraduate degree courses in Europe, with some 7,000 students studying at University of Liverpool.
- Its strength lies in its department of Life Sciences and Medicine, ranking the 9th university worldwide in Veterinary Medicine.
What the league tables say in more details:
The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
The University of Liverpool is considered to be amongst the 101st and 150th universities in the world with a total score of 21.55/100 and amongst the 10th and the 17th universities in the UK. In terms of fields and subjects, its strengths lie in the field of medicine and science, in particular Physics and Chemistry.
University of Liverpool has maintained a position amongst the first 150 universities in the world since 2003. Its Medicine and Physics teaching departments have, however, ranked lower year by year, from 76-108 in 2003 to 101-150 in 2015.
The ARWU ranks universities based on 4 major criteria, further split by categories:
| Criterion | Weight | Score | |
| Quality of education | Number of alumni who have won a Nobel Prize | 10% | 17 |
| Quality of Faculty | Number of staff who have won a Nobel Prize | 20% | 13.3 |
| Number of highly cited researchers | 20% | 14.9 | |
| Research Output | Number of Papers published in Nature and Science | 20% | 18.6 |
| Number of Papers cited in Science Citation Indexes | 20% | 41.2 | |
| Academic Perf. | Per capita academic performance | 10% | 22.5 |
| Overall | 100% | 21.55 | |
The ARWU offers scores for each of the criteria above, but one disadvantage is that it does not rank the universities based on individual criterion as well, so students do not get full insight into university rankings based on their personal preferences.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
Overall, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings places University of Liverpool on the 157th place in the world.
The league table considers the following criteria (each with an equal weight):
| Criterion | Score (of 100) |
| Teaching quality | 32.8 |
| International Outlook | 85.4 |
| Industry Income | 30.9 |
| Research capabilities | 85.9 |
| Citations | 36.6 |
| Total | 52.2 |
University of Liverpool is:
- In top 10% universities in international outlook in 2015-2016
- In top 20% universities in Citations in 2015-2016
The main statistics on University of Liverpool consist of:
- Number of students: 18,815
- % of international students: 30%
- Students to staff ratio = 13.6
- Female: Male ratio = 52:48
The Professional Ranking of World Universities (PRWU)
This league table ranks university by a simple criterion, undeclared but verifiable: the number of alumni holding a post of chief executive officer or equivalent in one of the 500 leading international companies, at a particular time and with the data, (companies and company leaders) of the Fortune Global 500 classification. The last such survey was conducted in 2009 based on the companies included in Fortune Global 500 at the end of 2008.
University of Liverpool is not mentioned in this league table, meaning that at the time of the research, no alumni from this university was holding a post of chief executive office or equivalent in any of the companies considered.
Centre for World University Rankings
Based on this ranking, University of Liverpool is the 199th university in the world and the 15th in the UK.
CWUR uses eight objective and robust indicators to rank the world’s top 1000 universities:
| Criterion | Measurement | Weight | Ranking by criteria |
| Quality of Education | Measured by the number of a university’s alumni who have won major international awards, prizes, and medals relative to the university’s size | 25% | 176 |
| Alumni Employment | Measured by the number of a university’s alumni who have held CEO positions at the world’s top companies relative to the university’s size | 25% | 179 |
| Quality of Faculty | Measured by the number of academics who have won major international awards, prizes, and medals | 25% | 207 |
| Publications | Measured by the number of research papers appearing in reputable journals | 5% | 154 |
| Influence | measured by the number of research papers appearing in highly-influential journals | 5% | 172 |
| Citations | Measured by the number of highly-cited research papers | 5% | 128 |
| Broad Impact | Measured by the university’s h-index | 5% | 174 |
| Patents | Measured by the number of international patent filings | 5% | 377 |
QS World University Rankings
Based on these criteria, University of Liverpool ranks the 15th university worldwide and the 7th in UK.
In terms of subjects and fields of study, University of Liverpool ranks best in:
- By subject – Veterinary Science – number 9
- By field – Sciences and Medicine – number 63
This league table looks at 6 main criteria:
| Criteria | Weight | Score |
| Academic reputation (based on a global survey) | 40% | 55.1 |
| Employer reputation (based on a global survey) | 10% | 69.5 |
| Student to faculty ratio | 20% | 66.8 |
| Citations per faculty | 20% | 50.1 |
| International faculty ratio | 5% | 76.9 |
| International student ratio | 5% | 95.1 |
| Overall | 100% | 61.1 |
The National Student Survey
The National Student Survey ranks universities based on students’ responses to a survey which assesses the following:
- the quality of teaching
- assessment and feedback
- academic support
- organization and management
- learning resources
- personal development
- overall satisfaction
- Student’s Union
- NHS Practice Placements
In the case of University of Liverpool, student overall satisfaction is at 85%. A further analysis of the responses shows that students have answered on average with 4 out of 5 (satisfied) to most of the questions evenly, with less students expressing dissatisfaction with the various factors included within the criteria.
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool John Moores University occupies the following positions in the world ranking proposed by the various league tables:
| World ranking | Type of league table |
| N/A | The Academic Ranking of World Universities |
| 501 – 600 | The Times Higher Education World University Rankings |
| N/A | The Professional Ranking of World Universities |
| 696 | Centre for World University Rankings |
| N/A | QS World University Rankings |
| 16 | The National Student Survey (students’ overall satisfaction) |
Zoom in:
- Liverpool John Moores University was included in the new 2013 Times Higher Education 100 under 50, ranking 72 out of 100. The list aims to show the rising stars in the global academy under the age of 50 years.
What the league tables say in more detail
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
Overall, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings places Imperial College amongst the 501 – 600 universities worldwide.
The league table considers the following criteria (each with an equal weight):
| Criterion | Score (of 100) |
| Teaching quality | 16.4 |
| International Outlook | 62.1 |
| Industry Income | 28.8 |
| Research capabilities | 11.6 |
| Citations | 45.9 |
| Total | 32.96 |
The main statistics on Liverpool John Moores University consist of:
- Number of students: 18,513
- % of international students: 13%
- Students to staff ratio = 19.8
- Female: Male ratio = 52:48
Centre for World University Rankings
Based on this ranking, Liverpool John Moores University is the 696th academic institution in the world, with an overall score of 44.37/100, and the 53rd in the UK.
CWUR uses eight objective and robust indicators to rank the world’s top 1000 universities:
| Criterion | Measurement | Weight | Ranking by criteria |
| Quality of Education | Measured by the number of a university’s alumni who have won major international awards, prizes, and medals relative to the university’s size | 25% | 367+ |
| Alumni Employment | Measured by the number of a university’s alumni who have held CEO positions at the world’s top companies relative to the university’s size | 25% | 567+ |
| Quality of Faculty | Measured by the number of academics who have won major international awards, prizes, and medals | 25% | 218+ |
| Publications | Measured by the number of research papers appearing in reputable journals | 5% | 723 |
| Influence | Measured by the number of research papers appearing in highly-influential journals | 5% | 395 |
| Citations | Measured by the number of highly-cited research papers | 5% | 511 |
| Broad Impact | Measured by the university’s h-index | 5% | 606 |
| Patents | Measured by the number of international patent filings | 5% | 871+ |
The National Student Survey
The National Student Survey ranks universities based on students’ responses to a survey which assesses the following:
- the quality of teaching
- assessment and feedback
- academic support
- organization and management
- learning resources
- personal development
- overall satisfaction
- Student’s Union
- NHS Practice Placements
Student overall satisfaction at Liverpool John Moores University is at 85%, with 166 universities and higher education institutions ahead. A further analysis of the responses shows that students have answered mostly with 4 or 5 (satisfied or very satisfied) to most of the questions evenly, with very few students expressing dissatisfaction with the various factors included within the criteria. Students’ answers show that above 80% of them are overall satisfied on average with the aspects considered in each section mentioned above, with the exception of the Assessment and Feedback section which scored an average overall satisfaction level slightly below 80%.
Liverpool – City Guidee
CITY CENTRE
Places to Eat
In the centre of Liverpool there is a restaurant or café on practically every street. Dinner at Yates or Wetherspoons is always cheap but there’s also lots of great independent spots worthy of support.
My go-to spot for a quick meal is Leaf, an independent tea shop and bar. Their breakfast and lunch menus feature a variety of foods, including vegetarian options, and their cakes for afternoon tea are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Ichi Noodle is always a good choice, with the option to eat in if with friends, or take out if you’re in a rush. The meals start at £3.99 and are just the right size to fill you up!
Café De Pearl is a relatively new place and their speciality is bubble tea, which is a sweet fruit or milk tea-drink with tapioca balls. I’m a big fan, and it’s worth going in just to try one, but they also serve really great Chinese food at unbelievable prices.
Nights Out
The centre of Liverpool is really the only place anyone ever goes out, with everyone who lives on the outskirts getting the train into the city. Concert Square is where the majority of the bars are so it’s always a good location to head to if you’re not sure where to start!
The Krazyhouse is a great alternative venue, with three floors featuring rock, indie, and dance music, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy! There’s also a giant rideable rhino, which is always good for a laugh. As a 90s kid, PopWorld is a must visit, with its never-ending cheesy pop sure to keep you singing along and/or drive you insane. They even do events with members from classic 90s groups like Blue, which can really transport you back in time!
Accommodation
The average weekly rent for Liverpool city centre is £84, not far off the national average, but high compared with other locations in the city. However, with a satisfaction level of 74%, you will receive value for money, while going out and shopping both receive high user scores of 7-8/10. You’ll also be saving lots of money on travel costs with the ability to simply walk anywhere you need to go.
WAVERTREE
Wavertree is one of the most popular locations for students from all three Liverpool universities to choose to live. It’s around 30 minutes from the centre by bus.
Places to Eat
The Richmond Tavern is a sweet local pub with excellent grub and an even better quiz. Food is served all day and the menu is 2-for-1 on weekdays, making it the perfect location for sharing a meal.
Another standout is The Pizza Parlour, a takeaway after my own heart with its 23 different pizzas. They also sell pasta, salad, and (most importantly) ice cream, along with a wide selection of wines and beers!
Nights Out
Since Wavertree is very student orientated, there’s quite a few pubs and bars, mainly situated on the High Street. However, several of these are currently occupied by the older generations.
Cuffs is a café bar with good live entertainment, showcasing acoustic nights and live music. It’s a converted police station but still has a pretty relaxing atmosphere. There’s a wide range of drinks, but they can get a bit pricey.
Chillies is the place to be if you’re into sports, with pool and all the major sporting events showcased on giant screens. At night, it turns into a club with a great atmosphere, so whether or not you like sport, it will have its moments.
Accommodation
Wavertree’s average weekly rent is £61, which is pretty low. It scores 62% for satisfaction, with high scores for shopping and transport links. Going out scores a 5 but a quick taxi to the centre quickly fixes that. Wavertree remains student-central, so you will get a good atmosphere but it depends on whether you’re willing to rely on public transport to save money.
AIGBURTH
Aigburth is popular with students but is also popular with families. It’s about 20 minutes from the city centre by bus but is very close to Sefton Park, the place to be on Bonfire Night.
Accommodation
With average weekly rental rates of £61, Aigburth has a pretty low price tag. It only scores 60% on satisfaction though, with going-out and shopping scoring just 5-6/10. If you’re low on cash it’s a good choice, but you will find yourself needing to pop into the centre a fair bit; luckily, it scores a 7/10 for transport!