St. Mary's University in Twickenham is set to launch its School of Medicine in September 2026, a move that marks a significant expansion for the institution. The new medical school will be housed in the university's recently constructed Centenary Building. Initially, the program will enroll only international students, with aspirations to include UK students in future years.
This development positions St. Mary's among universities with medical schools, a notable achievement for an institution that began 175 years ago as a Catholic teacher training college. While maintaining its foundation and ethos, the university now welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. Beyond teacher training, for which it was highly ranked, St. Mary's has been recognized for its sport-related degrees, covering fields such as coaching, communications, rehabilitation, and psychology. The university, located in southwest London, offers a less intense student environment compared to other parts of the city and has approximately 5,500 undergraduates. It provides accommodation for 650 students on its campus, which also features advanced sports facilities and the Strawberry Hill House.
St. Mary's offers various financial awards for students. Sports scholarships are tiered, with a top gold award valued up to £2,000 for senior international athletes, including cash and support services. Silver awards for national or junior international athletes are worth £500, and bronze awards for county and regional athletes include support services only. Coaching bursaries are also available to assist students in obtaining coaching and officiating qualifications. For musically inclined students, four choral scholarships offer up to £2,000 annually, and an organ scholarship is worth up to £3,000 per year. The university also provides Widening Participation Bursaries, ranging from £1,000 to £2,000 per year, for eligible students. Additionally, a St. Mary's Cares Bursary of £3,000 per year is available for students who have been in care or are estranged from their parents.
Student accommodation includes over 650 places for undergraduates and postgraduates. Undergraduate halls are catered, with room prices for the 2026-27 academic year ranging from £7,061 for a 36-week tenancy to £11,836. Admissions typically require 112 to 128 UCAS points, equivalent to BBC to ABB at A-level. However, the university's contextual offers scheme can lower this requirement to as few as 96 points (CCC or BCD) for students meeting specific criteria. These criteria include participation in widening participation programs, residing in deprived postcodes, eligibility for free school meals, having been in care, parental estrangement, or prior study at certain partner colleges.
St. Mary's provides comprehensive student support services, including a counseling service, mental health advisers, and a chaplaincy. Residential students have access to 24/7 support through resident mentors, security staff, and senior residents, all trained in mental health. All students can access online mental health and wellbeing apps, Togetherall and Student Space. The university also has a robust program addressing sexual consent, requiring an online induction module for all students and mandatory meetings for those in halls. Student ambassadors and leaders in sports teams and societies receive training on student safety.