Introduction: Why Study at London South Bank University (LSBU)?
If you’re looking for a university that blends academic excellence, employability, innovation, and community — London South Bank University (LSBU) should be at the top of your list. Established in 1892 and located in the heart of London, LSBU has evolved into one of the UK’s most career-focused and socially inclusive universities.
This article dives deep into everything you need to know about LSBU — from its rankings and teaching quality to campus life, facilities, accommodation, and global impact.
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About London South Bank University (LSBU): A Proud History and Real-World Roots
London South Bank University (LSBU) is one of London’s oldest and most community-focused universities, founded in 1892 as the Borough Polytechnic Institute. Since its inception, LSBU has stayed true to its original aim “to promote the industrial skill, general knowledge, health, and well-being of young men and women.”
With over 120 years of history, LSBU has grown into a leading modern university rooted in South London’s civic life. From serving as a community center during the Second World War to welcoming students from all over the world today, LSBU continues to empower learners, support local businesses, and foster inclusive social development.
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Top Rankings and Recognition of LSBU
LSBU has received global recognition for its excellence in education, equality, and employability. Here’s a snapshot of its most recent achievements:
- Leapt 22 places in the Guardian University Guide 2025 — now ranked 59th nationally.
- Ranked 4th among London’s modern universities and one of the top five risers in the UK.
- Ranked 6th in the world for reducing inequalities, according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025.
- Recognized as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2025.
- Ranked 15th among UK universities for graduate starting salaries (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes Data 2021-22).
- LSBU graduates are the highest-paid on average among all London modern universities (LEO 2025).
These achievements demonstrate LSBU’s unwavering commitment to delivering education that transforms lives and careers.
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Teaching Excellence at London South Bank University
At LSBU, teaching blends passion, experience, and innovation. With 700+ expert academics and over 200 courses, students learn directly from industry professionals and researchers who actively work in their fields.
Key highlights include:
- Research-informed teaching: Many lecturers bring firsthand industry insights to the classroom.
- Silver TEF Rating (Teaching Excellence Framework) — recognizing LSBU’s strong academic outcomes.
- Accessible education: Attainable entry requirements and flexible learning pathways.
- Real-world learning: Every course includes placements or practical experience designed with employers.
LSBU’s seven Schools include:
- Health and Life Sciences
- Technology and Environment
- Society and Professions
- Applied Sciences
- Arts and Creative Industries
- Engineering
- Business and Law
Learn more about the university’s teaching structure here.
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Modern Facilities and Student Life at LSBU
From film studios and robotics labs to hospital simulation suites, LSBU’s facilities are built to make students industry-ready. The university continues to invest heavily in modern spaces, spending over £65 million in recent years on its ZONES transformation project.
Here are some standout facilities across LSBU’s London campuses:
- Elephant Studios – A creative hub for media, film, and design students.
- Digital Fabrication Facilities (DFF) – Supporting architecture students with 3D printing, laser cutting, and model prototyping.
- DARLAB – Digital Architecture and Robotics Lab – Advanced robotics research and simulation environment.
- Health and Social Care Simulation Labs – Lifelike hospital wards, operating theatres, and radiography suites.
- The Hub – A sustainable award-winning student building with new technology-enabled classrooms, dining spaces, and wellbeing zones.
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Affordable Accommodation in Central London
Living in the heart of London doesn’t have to break the bank. LSBU offers affordable halls of residence just minutes from its Southwark campus — including McLaren House, Dante Road, and David Bomberg House.
Key benefits:
- Rooms starting from £175/week, all bills included.
- Located in Zone 1 London, walking distance to top attractions.
- 24/7 security and on-site wellbeing support.
- Inclusive housing for care-experienced, refugee, and disabled students.
The accommodation team fosters a friendly community vibe, helping students settle quickly and thrive socially and academically.
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LSBU’s Employer Partnerships and Career Opportunities
Since its founding in 1892, LSBU has built deep connections with business and industry. The university is a national leader in apprenticeship training — working with over 2,000 employers including Network Rail, Unilever, Sellafield, Lidl, and London Underground.
- Rated “Good” by Ofsted for its apprenticeship provision.
- Over 30 apprenticeship standards across healthcare, business, and engineering.
- Named Best University for Apprenticeships at the 2024 Apprenticeship Guide Awards.
- Dedicated Apprenticeships Team offers tailored employer support and student mentoring.
These partnerships ensure LSBU students graduate with hands-on experience and professional confidence.
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LSBU Achievements and Awards
LSBU celebrates excellence across every discipline. Over 50 national awards were won by LSBU students and staff in the past year alone (source).
Some notable successes include:
- RIBA President’s Medal for Architecture student Desislava Cholakova.
- Olivier Award for Senior Lecturer Dr Eugénie Pastor.
- Women in Property Student Award for Katie Moys.
- Mayor of London Entrepreneur Award worth £20,000 for Engineering students.
- LawWorks and Attorney General’s Pro Bono Award for LSBU’s Windrush Justice Clinics.
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LSBU Facts, Figures and Impact
According to the LSBU Facts and Figures report:
- 31,000+ learners across all LSBU Group institutions.
- 3,300 apprentices and 19,000 mature learners.
- Works with 60+ NHS trusts and trains a quarter of all new nurses in London.
- Ranked Top 200 globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.
- 8,000 students sponsored by employers and 3,500 postgraduate learners.
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Sustainability and Inclusion at London South Bank University
LSBU doesn’t just talk about sustainability — it leads by example. Through its Sustainability Strategy, the university aims to reduce carbon emissions, champion equality, and support inclusive education.
It ranked 6th in the world for reducing inequalities, and Top 100 globally for Good Health and Wellbeing and Decent Work and Economic Growth (THE Impact Rankings 2025).
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Why LSBU Should Be Your Choice
LSBU is more than a university — it’s a launchpad for your ambitions. With award-winning teaching, modern facilities, and a strong record of graduate employability, LSBU helps you build a future full of purpose, opportunity, and success.
If you’re ready to study in one of the world’s most dynamic cities with a university that truly invests in your growth, explore more at 👉 www.lsbu.ac.uk
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