University of Nottingham Admissions Statistics

The University of Nottingham (opens in a new tab) is one of the UK’s leading research universities. It is admired for its global reach, strong academic reputation and broad subject portfolio. Like many top institutions, it attracts a high volume of applications each year. But what do the numbers actually mean for applicants?

In this article, we unpack the latest admissions figures and explain what they mean for prospective students and not just raw data. Rather than just listing figures, we go beyond the headlines by showing subject-level competitiveness. We will offer insight into how applicants can strengthen their chances of success.

For general university advice, Save My Exams has published a variety of articles that can provide you with additional information to support your university application. 

Key Takeaways

1. Nottingham receives a high number of applications annually, making some courses very competitive.

2. Overall undergraduate offer rates are around 70 %, but this varies widely by course.

3. Professional courses such as medicine and veterinary science have much lower acceptance rates than humanities and sociology.

4. Typical entry requirements are often exceeded by successful applicants in competitive subjects.

5. Nottingham offers a balanced level of selectivity compared with other Russell Group universities, providing both opportunities and competition.

Top 5 University of Nottingham Admissions Statistics

1. Top University Ranking: As reported by the University (opens in a new tab), it is among the top 20 in the UK and in the world’s top 100.

2. Estimated Acceptance Rate: As reported by UCAS (opens in a new tab), Nottingham made offers to around 70% of undergraduate applicants during a recent cycle. This means about 7 in every 10 people who applied received an offer.

3. Applications per Accepted Place: According to UCAS (opens in a new tab), there were around 5.8 applicants for every place offered, reflecting competitiveness. 

4. Overall Continuation/Retention Rate: The University maintains a strong student retention record. An independent study (opens in a new tab) found that the continuation rate is above 90%. This means fewer than 10% of students discontinue after the first year.

5. Russell Group Context: Compared with other Russell Group universities, Nottingham’s offer rate places it broadly in the middle of the group. This means several peers having offer rates above and below Nottingham’s. 

University of Nottingham Acceptance Rate Overview

According to UCAS (opens in a new tab), recent end-of-cycle data indicates Nottingham offered places to around 70% of undergraduate applicants. This offer rate reflects how many applicants receive conditional or unconditional offers from the university in a given cycle.

This offer rate demonstrates Nottingham’s popularity among both UK and international students. This is influenced by factors such as the number of places available, the number of applications received, and the academic profile of applicants.

While 70% may suggest relatively broad accessibility, it is important to note that offer rates vary significantly across different courses. Professional and high-demand programmes tend to have stricter entry criteria and lower offer rates. However, humanities and sociology degrees often have higher offer rates.

University of Nottingham Admissions Statistics by Course

This table shows the estimated competitiveness of key subject areas based on recent UCAS Undergraduate end of cycle data resources 2025 (opens in a new tab).

This table demonstrates the wide variation in course-level competitiveness at Nottingham. Professional programmes, such as medicine and dentistry are more selective. This reflects limited places and high demand. In contrast, broader academic subjects, including Physical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences, tend to have higher offer rates. This makes them comparatively more accessible to applicants.

Understanding these differences can help prospective students target courses where they are most competitive and plan their applications strategically.

Key Trends from 2025

Understanding typical entry requirements is essential for prospective applicants. The University of Nottingham’s undergraduate expectations vary by course. However, they generally require strong academic performance in A-levels, BTECs, or the International Baccalaureate (IB). For highly competitive subjects, particularly medicine and veterinary science, successful applicants often exceed the minimum grade requirements.

Typical A-level offers in recent cycles:

• Highly competitive programmes: AAA–AAB

• Other subjects: AAB–BBB, depending on the course

Meeting the minimum entry requirements is usually just the first step. Applicants who exceed these grades, combined with strong personal statements and supporting documents, significantly improve their chances of success in oversubscribed courses.

How University of Nottingham Makes Admissions Decisions

Admissions at the University of Nottingham are based on a combination of academic and non-academic factors. The university takes a holistic approach to evaluate applicants. They consider a wide range of evidence to assess both potential and suitability for a chosen course.

Academic requirements

Applicants must meet specific subject and grade criteria for their chosen course. These requirements vary depending on the level of demand for the course. Highly competitive courses often expect top grades and may specify particular subject combinations. Meeting these requirements demonstrates academic readiness and the ability to succeed in rigorous study.

Personal Statements

The personal statement is a key element of the application. Applicants are expected to write a statement that clearly communicates their motivation for studying the course, their interests, and any relevant experience. A well-crafted personal statement helps admissions tutors understand an applicant’s commitment, enthusiasm, and suitability, and can significantly strengthen an application.

For guidance on writing a personal statement, Save My Exams has published an article that explains how to structure it clearly, along with a helpful checklist outlining what to include and what to avoid.

Contextual Admissions

The University of Nottingham takes a contextualised approach to admissions. This means that it considers factors such as the performance of the applicant’s school and socio-economic background. It also considers other challenges that may have impacted their academic achievements. Contextual admissions aim to provide a fair assessment. It recognises potential even if an applicant’s grades are affected by circumstances beyond their control.

Interviews, Admissions Tests, or Portfolios 

For certain courses, applicants are required to undergo additional assessments. For example:

• Medicine and veterinary science often require interviews and Critical Aptitude Test (UCAT) (opens in a new tab).

• Architecture and art & design courses may request a portfolio showcasing creative work.

These assessments allow admission tutors to evaluate skills, aptitude, and suitability for courses that involve specific talents or practical abilities.

Other non-academic factors

Beyond academic performance, the university also values extra-curricular achievements and personal experiences. Work experience, volunteering, leadership roles, sports, music, or other hobbies can demonstrate skills, character, and initiative. Strong references from teachers or mentors can also provide insight into an applicant’s potential. Together, these non-academic factors can differentiate candidates in a competitive admissions process.

How Competitive Is the University of Nottingham Compared to Similar Universities?

Within the Russell Group of research‑intensive UK universities, Nottingham’s 70% UCAS offer rate places it among institutions with moderate selectivity. For example, some Russell Group universities such as the University of Manchester have offer rates closer to 57 %. Highly selective institutions such as University College London or Cambridge have much lower offer rates.

This suggests that Nottingham offers a competitive yet accessible entry environment relative to many of its peers, although competition can still be strong in specific programmes.

Save My Exams has published university acceptance rates organised by institution, programme, and entry requirements, which will help you compare competitiveness and make more informed decisions about your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of University of Nottingham applicants get accepted?

UCAS statistics show that the university makes offers to about 70% of undergraduate applicants.

Which course at University of Nottingham is the hardest to get into?

Professional subjects such as medicine or veterinary sciences typically have more competitive entry requirements and lower offer rates than many arts and science degrees. Applicants should check UCAS and the university’s course pages for the most accurate, current metrics.

What percentage of University of Nottingham students drop out?

The dropout rate at Nottingham is relatively low, and has an approximate continuation rate above 90%, meaning less than 10% of students do not continue their studies into the second year.

Final Thoughts

Understanding University of Nottingham admissions statistics helps applicants look beyond headline figures. Offer rates are influenced by course demand, academic entry standards and programme capacity, and subject‑level competitiveness can vary significantly.

Applicants who meet or exceed entry requirements, write compelling personal statements and provide strong supporting documents are better positioned to receive offers, even for competitive programmes.

Whether you are planning your UCAS application or comparing universities, looking at admissions trends alongside your own academic profile will help you make more informed choices.

References

University of Nottingham (opens in a new tab)

University of Nottingham: Rankings and Achievements (opens in a new tab)

2024 Entry UCAS Undergraduate Reports by Sex, Area Background, and Ethnic Group (opens in a new tab)

UCAS Releases Undergraduate End of Cycle Data for 2024 (opens in a new tab)

University of Nottingham 'A+' Rating Affirmed; Outlook Stable (opens in a new tab)

Freedom of Information Request to University of Nottingham (opens in a new tab)

Critical Aptitude Test (UCAT) (opens in a new tab)

University of Manchester (opens in a new tab)

University College London (opens in a new tab)

University of Cambridge (opens in a new tab)