We’re a pioneering university, steeped in history and culture, yet constantly evolving and adapting to the demands of modern higher education. We are a top 30 university (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018), ranked in the top 200 globally (Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018). We sit within the top 25% of UK universities for research (Research Excellence Framework 2014) that is rated world leading or internationally recognised and at 88%, our 2017 National Student Survey satisfaction is the highest of the University of London institutions.

Then and now

Today's Royal Holloway is formed from two colleges, founded by two social pioneers, Elizabeth Jesser Reid and Thomas Holloway. They were among the first places in Britain where women could access higher education.

Bedford College, in London, opened its doors in 1849, and Royal Holloway College's stunning Founder's Building was unveiled by Queen Victoria in 1886 – it’s still the focal point of the campus.

In 1900, the colleges became part of the University of London and in 1985 they merged to form what is now known as Royal Holloway.

Our campus is frequently named as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, with an impressive combination of historic and modern buildings. In October 2017, Royal Holloway opened the state-of-the-art Emily Wilding Davison Building. This £57 million construction project was the most ambitious on Royal Holloway’s campus since the completion of the Founder’s Building in 1886, which was opened by Queen Victoria. 2018 saw the completion of the Beatrice Shilling Building, a high-quality, technology-led establishment, available for all students and staff.

Join our community

Through world-class research that expands minds and changes lives, the dedication of our teachers and the feel of the Royal Holloway experience, ours is a community that inspires individuals to succeed academically, socially and personally.