The United Kingdom has a long and prestigious history of higher education, with some of the oldest and most respected universities in the world.
However, like many countries, the UK also has a range of worst universities that face challenges and issues each year.
These issues range from financial difficulties and changing government funding to concerns about academic standards, student support, and campus safety.
Some universities have also faced criticism over issues such as student satisfaction and graduate employability.
This article will help you identify the worst universities in the UK if you are unclear about which institution is not right for you.
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1. University of Bedfordshire
According to The Complete University Guide, the University of Bedfordshire is the worst university in the UK.
Here are the main issues with the university which make it the worst:
- University ranking:
Out of 130 UK universities, Bedfordshire University fell seven spots to place 130 in the rankings for 2022.
- Financial difficulties:
In 2018, the university reported a deficit of £4.7 million, which was attributed to falling student numbers and changes in government funding.
- Academic quality:
In 2017, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) raised concerns about academic standards at the university, particularly in relation to student support and assessment.
The university has, by a wide margin (53%), the lowest degree completion rate in the United Kingdom.
Beds University received a 50% rating for entry criteria and a 66% rating for graduate prospects in The Complete University Guide.
It received scores of 59% for the amount spent on academic services and 79% for student satisfaction. The university received a 63% grade for the standard of its research and a 27% grade for its rigor.
- Campus safety:
In 2016, the university was criticized by students and staff for a lack of security measures and incidents of violence on campus.
Address: Vicarage St, Luton LU1 3JU, United Kingdom
2. London Metropolitan University
The London Metropolitan University has been ranked as the worst university in the UK when it comes to handling student concerns.
Other factors such as academic offerings, location, facilities, student experience, and career prospects are also very poor.
Some of the issues that have been associated with the university include:
- Financial troubles:
In 2009, London Metropolitan University faced financial difficulties and was forced to repay £36.5 million in overpaid funding to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
- Academic quality:
In 2013, the university was placed under increased monitoring by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) due to concerns about academic quality.
To cut their costs, they just terminated the courses, which meant that everyone enrolled in one of them was expelled halfway through rather than stopping enrollment in the courses and enabling current students to complete their degrees.
- Immigration issues:
In 2012, the UK Border Agency revoked the university’s license to sponsor international students, which led to the university being temporarily banned from accepting new international students.
- Staff cuts and restructuring:
In 2016, the university announced plans to cut up to 395 jobs as part of a restructuring process aimed at reducing costs.
Address: 166-220 Holloway Rd, London N7 8DB, United Kingdom
3. University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich has faced some issues in the past that have impacted its reputation.
Some of these issues include:
- Financial management:
The University of Greenwich has faced financial difficulties in recent years, with reports suggesting that it has struggled to balance its books.
In 2018, it was reported that the university had run up a deficit of over £15 million, which it had been attempting to address through cost-cutting measures.
- Governance:
The University of Greenwich has faced scrutiny over its governance and management practices. In 2019, it was reported that the university had been fined £120,000 by the Office for Students for failings in its governance practices.
- Health and safety:
The university has also faced criticism over its health and safety practices, with concerns raised about the safety of its buildings and facilities.
In 2019, it was reported that the university had been fined £50,000 for safety failings relating to a laboratory explosion that had occurred in 2014.
Address: Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, London SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
4. London South Bank University
London South Bank University (LSBU) is also one of the lowest-ranked universities in the UK and has faced some challenges and issues in the past.
Some of the issues that have been associated with LSBU include:
- Quality of teaching:
According to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2020, LSBU scored below the sector average for overall satisfaction with teaching quality.
In particular, some students have raised concerns about the availability and responsiveness of lecturers, and the consistency of teaching across different courses.
- Student satisfaction:
LSBU has received mixed reviews in terms of student satisfaction. The NSS 2020 showed that LSBU’s overall satisfaction score was below the sector average.
Students have reported feeling let down by the lack of support and resources available to them, as well as issues with communication and feedback.
- Campus safety:
LSBU has taken steps to improve campus safety in recent years, but there have still been reports of safety concerns on and around the campus.
In 2019, a survey of students and staff found that around a third of respondents had experienced or witnessed some form of harassment on campus.
- Financial management:
LSBU has faced financial difficulties in recent years, with reports suggesting that the university has been running at a deficit.
In 2019, the university announced plans to cut staff and reduce spending in an attempt to address its financial challenges.
Address: 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA, United Kingdom
5. University of East London
The University of East London (UEL) is also known as the worst university in London and has faced some challenges and issues in the past.
Here are some of the issues that have been associated with UEL include:
- Academic standards:
UEL has faced criticisms related to its academic standards and quality assurance processes in the past.
In 2011, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) conducted a review of the university and found weaknesses in its academic standards and quality assurance processes.
The QAA issued a public statement requiring the university to take action to address these issues.
- Student satisfaction:
UEL has received lower-than-average scores for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS) in recent years. In the 2021 NSS, the university received a satisfaction rate of 72%, which is below the national average of 83%.
- Research output:
UEL is ranked lower than other universities in the UK in terms of research output and research impact. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), the university was ranked 118th out of 154 institutions in the UK.
- Financial sustainability:
UEL has faced financial challenges in the past, with reports of deficits and concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of the institution.
- Campus facilities:
UEL has also faced criticism for the condition and quality of its campus facilities. Some students have reported issues with outdated equipment, insufficient study spaces, and inadequate maintenance of buildings.
Address: University Way, London E16 2RD, United Kingdom
6. University of Bolton:
According to the Complete University Guide 2022, one of the lowest-ranked universities in the UK is the University of Bolton, ranked 129th out of 130 universities.
The University of Bolton has ranked lower in UK university rankings due to its relatively low research output and limited academic offerings.
Some of the main issues that have been reported in the media and other sources include:
- Financial difficulties:
In recent years, the university has faced financial challenges, with reports of large deficits and concerns about long-term sustainability.
- Governance and leadership:
In 2019, the university was placed under government investigation over concerns about its governance and leadership, particularly in relation to financial management.
- Academic standards:
The university has faced criticism over academic standards in some areas, with reports of high dropout rates and concerns about quality assurance.
- Campus safety:
In 2018, the university was fined £120,000 over safety breaches relating to a laboratory accident that resulted in a student being seriously injured.
Address: A676 Deane Rd, Bolton BL3 5AB, United Kingdom
7. University of Suffolk
The third-lowest-ranked university in the UK is the University of Suffolk, ranked 128th out of 130 universities. The university was established in 2007 and has a relatively small student population.
While the University of Suffolk has made progress in recent years by expanding its academic offerings and enhancing its student experience, it still faces challenges in terms of research output and funding.
Here are the issues with the University of Suffolk:
- Limited course offerings:
The University of Suffolk is a relatively new university, and as such, it has a relatively limited range of courses compared to more established institutions.
Some students may find that their desired course of study is not available at the University of Suffolk.
- Location:
The University of Suffolk is located in Ipswich, which is a relatively small city with limited amenities and attractions.
Some students may find that the location is not particularly inspiring or that there is a lack of things to do outside of studying.
- Student experience:
The University of Suffolk has received mixed reviews from students in terms of the overall student experience.
Some students have reported feeling that the university lacks a strong sense of community, while others have raised concerns about the availability of support services.
- Teaching quality:
The University of Suffolk has scored below the national average for teaching quality in some subjects, according to the National Student Survey.
Address: University of Suffolk, Waterfront Building, 19 Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1QJ, United Kingdom
8. University of Cumbria
The University of Cumbria is ranked 127th out of 130 universities in the Complete University Guide 2022. The university was formed in 2007 by the merger of several colleges in the Cumbria region.
The main issues with the university include:
- Financial management:
The University of Cumbria has faced financial difficulties in recent years, with reports suggesting that it has been running at a deficit.
In 2019, the university announced plans to cut staff and reduce spending in an attempt to address its financial challenges.
- Campus safety:
In 2019, a survey of students and staff found that around a third of respondents had experienced or witnessed some form of harassment on campus.
- Limited Course Offerings:
The University of Cumbria is a relatively small university and does not offer as many courses as larger universities. This may limit your options if you are looking for a specific program or field of study.
- Location:
The University of Cumbria has several campuses located in rural areas, which may not be as appealing to students who prefer to live in more urban environments.
- Facilities:
Some students have reported that the facilities at the University of Cumbria are not as modern or well-equipped as those at other universities.
- Teaching Quality:
While the teaching quality at the University of Cumbria is generally good, there have been some reports of inconsistent teaching quality across different courses and programs.
- Job Prospects:
As with any university, job prospects after graduation can be uncertain. While the University of Cumbria does offer career services to help students find employment, the job market in the area may be limited.
Address: Bowerham Rd, Lancaster LA1 3JD, United Kingdom
9. University of Chichester
According to the Complete University Guide 2022, the University of Chichester is placed 124th out of 130 institutions. There are two campuses for the university: one in Chichester and one in Bognor Regis.
Although the university has invested in new buildings recently and improved the student experience, it still confronts difficulties with funding and the quality of its research.
Some of the main issues that have been reported in the media and other sources include:
- Financial difficulties:
The University of Chichester has faced financial challenges in recent years. In 2019, the university reported a deficit of £2.9 million, which was attributed to falling student numbers and changes in government funding.
The university also reportedly faced a cash flow crisis, with concerns raised about its ability to meet its financial obligations.
- Campus safety:
In 2021, the university was criticized by students and staff for its handling of sexual harassment and assault allegations, with concerns raised about the safety and support of students on campus.
- Academic standards:
The university has faced criticism over academic standards in some areas, with reports of low graduate employability rates and concerns about quality assurance.
- Student satisfaction:
The university has consistently scored below the national average in the National Student Survey (NSS) in recent years, particularly in areas such as academic support and feedback.
Address: University of Chichester, College Ln, Chichester PO19 6PE, United Kingdom