Middlesex University is experiencing a significant decline in admissions, with a 12% drop in new entrants for September 2025 compared to the previous year and a 60% decrease in UCAS admissions over the past decade. In response, the university has intensified its focus on graduate employability, introducing measures to provide students with greater access to real-world experience.
Recent developments include the launch of MDX Studios, a creative hub that integrates teaching, agency work, and production, offering students opportunities to work on professional projects using industry-standard equipment. This initiative embeds immersive learning and artificial intelligence into the curriculum, with students from various faculties expected to participate. The new MDX Internship Scheme offers paid, discipline-specific internships designed to equip students with professional skills and industry experience.
Middlesex University also encourages students to utilize its exchange programs, which include campuses in Dubai and Mauritius, as well as over 100 partner institutions worldwide. These opportunities are intended to strengthen students' curricula vitae.
The university reports that its diverse student population, where more than half are the first in their family to attend university and two-thirds are from ethnic minorities, feels well supported, as indicated by consistent strong performances in the National Student Survey. A substantial degree apprenticeship program currently enrolls 1,450 apprentices.
New degree programs are planned for 2027, including offerings in game art, content creation, user interface and user experience design, and three new music degrees that can be combined with sound production, film and games, or teaching. A degree in music business and management is also under development.
Financial support at Middlesex University primarily comes through hardship funds, with approximately 90% of the annual student financial aid dispensed as such. The Living Costs Fund assists with living expenses, childcare, and support for care leavers, with individual assessment determining the amounts awarded, which do not require repayment. An Exceptional Costs Fund addresses unexpected financial emergencies. The university also provides a laptop loan scheme and scholarships for high-achieving athletes ranging from £200 to £1,000, alongside various other individual scholarships, bursaries, and awards.
To manage learning costs, Middlesex maintains low gym fees, offers a daily £2 hot meal, provides free printing facilities, and operates a Kit Hub for loaning equipment such as video cameras and microphones. Student accommodation for the 2026-27 academic year is priced from £8,694 for a room with a shared bathroom to £9,811 for en suite places in Usher Hall, located near the Hendon campus. All prices are based on 40-week tenancies.
Middlesex University does not employ a formal contextual admissions program, as 98% of its intake comes from backgrounds historically under-represented in higher education. Instead, it uses a broad points offer range, typically between 80 and 112 UCAS points (equivalent to CDD to BBC at A-level), allowing admissions tutors to holistically review applications and consider educational background, personal circumstances, and work experience.
The university engages in outreach work with approximately 10,000 pupils annually and offers an online personal statement review service to 400 students from areas with high deprivation. Student support is integrated into all undergraduate programs, emphasizing employability, digital literacy, and wellbeing. Teaching timetables are arranged to accommodate students' work, family, and other responsibilities. A "Kickstarting your Journey" program during induction helps first-year students adjust to university life and discusses wellbeing expectations.
UniHelp serves as a central point for student inquiries, accessible in person, online, or by phone. Advisers assess student needs and refer them for support, which can include one-to-one sessions with mental health practitioners, counseling, and wellbeing workshops. Students can also be directed to external specialist services. A comprehensive sexual health strategy is in place, including collaborations with Brook Sexual Health for campus events and drop-in sessions.