What are research intensive universities (RIUs)?
Research intensive universities focus on performing cutting edge research alongside providing teaching for their students. These universities conduct long term research projects in a huge variety of subjects and contribute to wider academic discussion and debate, utilising their research and excellent facilities.
Benefits of research intensive universities (RIUs)
So, what are the benefits of completing an undergraduate degree at a research intensive university? Firstly, you will be taught by tutors that are at the forefront of their field. These leading academics are conducting exciting research as well as teaching you, so provide an exciting opportunity to be taught by highly commendable academics.
Furthermore, research intensive universities have vibrant learning environments and brilliant, high quality facilities that will help you get the most out of your studies. From bustling libraries filled with thousands of texts to assist you in assignments, to state-of-the-art study spaces, research intensive universities invest in their study facilities to ensure that you’ll always have a comfortable place to work. And there won’t just be one- RIUs often have sprawling ranges of study spaces, so you will be spoilt for choice! Whether you prefer a silent library cubicle or a shared study booth, research intensive universities have a study space to suit your every need.
Also, RIUs pride themselves on excellent facilities to support their specific degree programmes. Whether you are training to be a doctor or getting stuck into Shakespeare, access to facilities is unparalleled at research intensive universities. For example, The University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry is home to a virtual reality simulation suite that allows students to be fully immersed in their training.
Careers guidance and world-renowned reputations
However, the benefits of a research intensive university don’t stop once you have completed your degree, thanks to excellent careers services. Dedicated departments work all year round to connect you to networking events, work experience, internships, and graduate opportunities to kickstart your career. RIUs have long standing connections with some of the world’s most sought after employers in a vast range of sectors, so you will have many opportunities and consistent support to explore possible career paths.
Finally, a degree from a research intensive university has international recognition due to the world-renowned reputations and rankings of the institutions. Graduate employers and graduate academic programmes will search for students from these institutions due to the high quality education they are provided.
So to summarise, a research intensive university is a combination of brilliant facilities, leading academics, dedicated careers aid and a world-renowned reputation for your degree. Participants on the RO programme can receive offers from research intensive universities up to two A Level (or equivalent) grades lower than the standard offer.
