Is Loughborough University the Best for Sports? An In-depth Analysis of Rankings, Reviews, and Tuition Fees

For students in Hong Kong with outstanding sports achievements, options might include sports-focused schools or the Hong Kong Sports Institute. But what are the options for specialized sports universities in the UK? Today, Cyclopes introduces you to a top-tier university in the sports world, both in the UK and globally — Loughborough University. We'll also provide background information on Loughborough University's fees, rankings, and reviews to help those interested in pursuing sports or sports science studies make an informed decision.

Source: Loughborough University

Loughborough University is a public research university located in the Charnwood district of Leicestershire, in the heart of England. It began as the Loughborough Technical Institute in 1909, was elevated to Loughborough University of Technology in 1969, and finally renamed Loughborough University in 1996.

For a first glimpse at Loughborough University's ranking, the university stands impressively at 212th globally according to the latest QS World University Rankings for 2024, and 30th within the UK, marking a significant presence.

However, Loughborough University truly shines in its sports programs, boasting extraordinary rankings. From 2017 to 2023, the university consistently ranked 1st in the world for sports-related subjects in the QS World University Rankings. It also secured the top position in the 'The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022' in the UK.

Source: Freepik

As the world's number one, what makes Loughborough University's sports programs so exceptional?

Facility-wise, the university boasts advanced sports facilities, including Olympic-standard tracks and swimming pools, sports fields, gyms, and sports science laboratories. In terms of support, the university offers a wealth of sports activities and competitive opportunities, providing an ideal atmosphere for sports learning, training, and research. It even served as a training base for the 2012 London Olympics, where students and alumni of Loughborough University won a total of four bronze medals, and in the Paralympics, one gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.

Moreover, the School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences at Loughborough University offers the largest sports scholarship program in the UK. The university's sports science faculty is composed of world-renowned scholars and athletes, including Olympic champions and world record holders.

Beyond sports, Loughborough University excels in other disciplines too, such as engineering and art and design, frequently receiving accolades. For instance, its School of Design and Creative Arts has been ranked 1st for three consecutive years (2021 to 2023) in 'The Guardian University Guide 2023' for subjects like fashion and textiles, graphic design, and product design.

Source: Freepik

According to a recent report by 'The Guardian', Loughborough University is introducing hologram technology for teaching by 2025, becoming the first university in Europe to apply this technology in education. The university plans to use this to create a more immersive and interactive teaching experience, inviting experts from different fields, like MIT sports scientists, to teach remotely, enhancing the sense of presence and interaction in remote lectures.

For the 2024 academic year, tuition fees for UK students at Loughborough University are set at £9,250 annually. For international students, fees vary depending on the discipline, ranging from £23,000 for level one subjects, £25,500 for level two, and £28,600 for level three.

Loughborough University is not just a UK gem but one with the world's best sports education. If you're keen on sports or aspiring towards the increasingly recognised field of sports science in Hong Kong, consider applying to the highly esteemed Loughborough University. If you have any further questions about Loughborough University beyond tuition fees, feel free to consult Cyclopes' team of professional education consultants, ready to provide you with the answers you need.