Published 17 Feb 2026 • 5 min read
If studying in central London sounds like a dream, the University of Westminster is checking all the right boxes, and we got all the information you need to know straight from the source. Speaking on the first episode of the SAG Podcast, Martyn Davies, representative of the University of Westminster, opened up about what really makes the university stand out for international students. From career access to campus life, and why Westminster feels more like London itself than just a place to study.
Location? Elite.
When speaking on the university’s campuses, Martyn didn’t hold back:
“We’re a British public university right in the city center of London, very close to where everything happens,” he said.
With three campuses in central London, students are minutes away from Oxford Street, Soho, cafés, museums, and global companies, a setup that’s hard to beat.
The University of Westminster isn’t just international by name.
“Out of our 19,000 students, around 7,000 are international, coming from over 160 different countries,” Martyn explained.
That diversity puts Westminster regularly among the top universities for international outlook, and creates what Martyn described as a real-life reflection of London itself.
“It’s a real melting pot, just like the City of London. That’s exactly why students love it.”

This generation cares about employability, and Westminster knows it.
When speaking on why students choose the UK, and Westminster in particular, Martyn commented:
“A big reason international students come to the UK is the practical nature of teaching.”
From paid internships to industry field trips, students don’t just sit in lecture halls.
“Architecture students visit places like the Tower of London. Finance students go to Bloomberg and the Bank of England,” he said, adding that Westminster works with over 3,000 companies.
Translation? Students don’t wait until graduation to get real experience.
When asked about the university’s strongest programs, Martyn made it clear.
“Communication and media always rank very highly. Architecture is recognized globally. Tourism is also a strong point.”
He also highlighted:
“Most of our master’s degrees are one year, with optional placement years for extra work experience,” Martyn noted.
Not everyone has their life figured out at 18, and Westminster isn’t expecting you to.
“Students can explore options through our website, but working with recognized education consultants really helps,” Martyn said.
In reference to Study Abroad Global (SAG), he added:
“They don’t just know Westminster, they know the UK system. They help students find what’s best for them.”
Culture shock is real, and Westminster plans for it.
“The first weeks and months are key,” Martyn explained.
Before classes even start, students are welcomed through International Welcome Week, covering:
“Social integration comes before academic integration,” he said.

When speaking on student support, Martyn highlighted a buddy scheme called Friends of Arriving New Students.
“New students are guided by current students , often from the same country or region,” he said.
Each student is also assigned a personal tutor, providing academic and personal support throughout their studies.
Jobs don’t magically appear after graduation, Westminster knows that too.
“We run graduate career fairs throughout the year, connecting students with recruiters,” Martyn shared.
Students also get access to Student Circus, a platform listing employers licensed to sponsor international graduates.
“The goal is to help students build UK experience before and after graduation,” he said.
When asked what students should focus on during applications, Martyn kept it real.
“A strong personal statement matters. Grades matter. But students don’t need everything ready when they apply.”
IELTS can come later. Conditional offers are common. The real key?
“Stay on top of your emails, and work closely with your counselor.”
The University of Westminster isn’t just about getting a degree, it’s about living London, building a career while studying, and being supported every step of the way.
As Martyn put it best:
“We want our students to make the most of everything, as early as possible.”
🎧 The full conversation is available on the SAG Podcast in YouTube, featuring university partners, international student stories, and real advice on studying in the UK.
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