Best UK Universities 2023 - Overall Winners

As one of the best-rated universities in the country, the University of Greenwich is situated close to the highly-acclaimed Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site and located in the cultural hub of London. The university is separated into three campuses, Greenwich, Avery Hill, and Medway Campus, with their advanced facilities immersed in historic sites. Students can reach campuses via the easy-to-navigate public transport, with campuses being only a short 10-minute train journey to Central London. The university is now host to 26,610 students, the majority of whom are undergraduates, from nearly 180 countries worldwide. The modern Dreadnought Building is a student hub for socialising, going to the gym or attending concerts in the evenings. In reviews, students have raved about the range of societies available and the friendly, dedicated staff who are always working to encourage and upbuild students. 

The University of Sheffield is a member of the Russell Group and is a research-led institution with academic experts exhibiting the value of education for its students who hail from more than 150 countries. Situated in the city of Sheffield in the North of England, the university is within walking distance of the city centre and beautiful nature parks. The award winning Students' Union is the social hub of the university, with students singing its praises in reviews and flocking to it for advice, a space to work and time with friends. The University of Sheffield collaborates with businesses and individuals to pioneer a better future locally and globally. The most recent graduate outcomes for the University of Sheffield show that six months after leaving university, 92% of graduates are in work or further study (HESA). The University of Sheffield is also working towards a greener and more sustainable future through their new biodiversity regimes, ensuring new and existing planting designs promote migration and wildlife nesting environments.

The spectacular historic campus of the University of St Andrews is located on Scotland’s East Coast on the Fife Peninsula. The university is the third oldest campus in the English-speaking world, with the university being founded in the early fifteenth century. Currently there are 11,820 students enrolled in the university, over 5,000 of which are international students, adding to the rich culture and diversity of the student community. The history and stunning landscape only complement the overall appeal and charm of the University of St Andrews. The university has various different courses available, from arts to sciences, with flexible study arrangements available to suit your life and circumstances. Facilities include the Byre Theatre which plays host to vibrant and varied university events, touring productions for music and drama and family performances. With modern gym facilities and the university library all close by, the campus is perfectly set up for a productive time for students who have praised the faculty and the diverse range of societies and social events available in reviews. 

University College London is a multi-disciplinary university, providing training excellence in a range of subjects, from arts to medicine, law to history. Boasting more than 400 undergraduate degree programmes and students from 150 different countries, UCL fully reflects the multicultural nature that this famous city is renowned for. The university's celebrated staff and alumni hold 30 Nobel laureates between them. The vibrant city of London has so much to offer students: with a range of museums such as The National Gallery and the Tate Modern, and theatres and art galleries galore, there is something for everyone. UCL has state-of-the-art facilities such as research labs, production workshops and its own Bloomsbury Theatre which hosts live music, comedy and drama performances. The UCL Students' Union has multiple bars, cafes and shops on campus. With a vast number of clubs and societies available, UCL has no shortage of activities and opportunities to experience all London has to offer. 

The University of Birmingham is located in the bustling city of Birmingham and has a sizeable multicultural student body numbering over 37,000 students, 9,000 of whom are international. The striking, open, green campus is only a short train journey or 30-minute scenic canal stroll away from Birmingham city centre. The city centre itself is jam-packed with bars, museums and restaurants which offer a variety of international foods that reflect the diversity of the local residents. The sprawling campus covers 672 acres, with over 200 buildings which host celebrated spaces and advanced facilities for students, including some that were used to host the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The campus estate is being transformed by a development programme worth £1 billion aimed at modernizing facilities and improving student experience and education. Graduate outcomes reveal that six months after leaving university, 90% of graduates are employed or in further study (HESA).

Ulster University is a large institution spread across four distinctive campuses around the stunning emerald country of Northern Ireland, situated in Jordanstown, Derry/Londonderry, Coleraine and Belfast. With over 27,000 students enrolled across the universities four campuses, Ulster University plays a significant part in enriching the growing cultural understanding in Northern Ireland due to a large portion of its students being from diverse backgrounds and eager to share their cultures. Found in the Cathedral Quarter, the Belfast City Campus is largely home to the art enthusiasts, with stellar media, photography and art studios available. With it being based in the artistic centre of the city, the Belfast campus is uniquely situated to ensure the best exposure and education for its creative students. There are over 160 clubs and societies on offer campus-wide. The university offers a huge range of degree choices, from engineering to sports science, to art, with modern facilities on hand for each degree path. Public transport in Northern Ireland is easy to navigate and reliable with Translink, so sightseeing is a must for students who wish to see all that Northern Ireland has to offer, such as the historic Giants Causeway on the stunning coastline. 

The University of Liverpool is immersed in the bustling city of Liverpool, with its large professional population and lively arts scene. New students will benefit from the £800 million investment recently made in teaching, research and accommodations for students. With 28,680 students currently enrolled, over 7,500 of which are international students, the university continues to shape the rich and diverse culture of the city. The University of Liverpool is a internationally-distinguished Russell Group university, closely associated with nine Nobel Prize winners, with a renown for its global exchange opportunities. Not only is the University of Liverpool acknowledged for its academic prowess, but it’s also a social hub with many pubs, restaurants and museums, all within easy access by train or bus. Liverpool also plays host to two Premier League football clubs and of course is the birthplace of the Beatles!

Residing in the stunning Western Lowlands of Scotland is the University of Glasgow, situated in the city centre of Glasgow. With over 42,000 students currently in attendance, 17,000 of which are international students, the University of Glasgow is a beacon of culture and diversity. The university is split into three main sites: Gilmore Campus, Garscube Campus and Dumfries campus. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities such as the Advanced Research Centre (ARC) which is the hub of inquiry and innovation at the University of Glasgow, with £116.5 million invested in the remodel. This remodel is only part of the £1 billion development plan, designed to create imaginative vibrant spaces across campus. Glasgow in Gaelic translates to ‘green place’ and with 90 parks and gardens in the immediate vicinity, it undoubtedly lives up to its name. Music and nightlife is the beating heart of Glasgow city, with locations such as The SSE Hydro, Barrowland Ballroom and more pubs and restaurants in the West End than one can count to explore and enjoy.

Located on the outskirts of Coventry in the West Midlands of England, the University of Warwick was founded with innovation as its goal. With a huge range of courses available from arts to STEM subjects, the University of Warwick ensures excellence in all fields. The university is only a quick train or bus ride away from the heart of Coventry. The city has been celebrated as a City of Culture, with sights such as the stunning Coventry Cathedral available to visit. Over 28,800 students are enrolled at the University of Warwick, boasting citizenship from over 146 countries worldwide, ensuring a diverse culture on campus. Facilities such as the Warwick Arts Centre provides a live theatre in addition to music, art galleries and a cinema. Other features of the campus include modern gyms, shops within walking distance and sprawling green spaces. The Students' Union nightclub is arguably the most popular place on campus, with The Copper Rooms and the Terrace Bar hosting regular club nights, ranging from 90s to noughties classics, to Pop nights. There are also over 300 student-led clubs and societies on offer, ensuring Warwick University is a social hub!

As one of the esteemed Russell Group universities, the University of Exeter has a clear focus on high academic achievement and ensuring the best education possible for all of its students. With over 32,400 students enrolled, graduate outcomes show that 90% of graduates start employment or further study six months after leaving (HESA). The university is spread across three campuses: two on the outskirts of Exeter in Devon and one in Penryn, Cornwall. The university offers opportunities to study diverse modules outside chosen degree paths, and provides the very best of facilities within beautiful, green campuses. Dedicated libraries house a huge range of publications and the University of Exeter ensures that students have all the equipment, knowledge and support they need to excel in their chosen course. With stunning beaches, enticing culture, restaurants and art all within walking or bus distance, the University of Exeter caters to all interests and hobbies.

Featured in this league table last year, Durham University has earned its place as a global leader in education, with a strong focus on research and teaching excellence. Only a short 15-minute train ride from Newcastle in North East England, Durham University provides a historic, peaceful countryside setting, while still ensuring students have the chance to enjoy all the joys of city life. Durham University prides itself on offering top-class research equipment and facilities across a number of fields which are developed in conjunction with external organisations and businesses. The university has multiple libary and study space sites such as the Palace Green Library which holds collections from the 17th century. With a student body of over 20,200 and over 17 colleges within the university itself, Durham University hosts many social events to cater to the diverse interests within the student body. Durham University offers over 200 undergraduate courses and more than 200 student-led societies.

A strong contender in any list we compile of top UK universities, Loughborough University's campus in the East Midlands is spread over 523 acres of land and is a short walk away from the centre of the market town of Loughborough. The university is home to over 18,700 students from more than 130 countries. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities with ambitious plans for further investment in the West Park of the campus, which currently houses the newly remodelled STEMLab. Loughborough is one of the UK’s most prominent centres for educating students in STEM subjects, as well as being renowned for sports. The Students' Union has a huge nightclub with a capacity for 4,000, which plays host to all sorts of events from live music and karaoke battles to raving club nights. The Students' Union has over 120 clubs and societies on offer to join as well as a vibrant social scene without having to travel outside of university grounds to experience culture, entertainment and excitement.

Offering over 200 undergraduate courses, the University of Bristol promotes critical thinking and creativity simultaneously and has appeared on our top 20 list for the last 3 years. This Russell Group university is at the cutting-edge of global research, with an emphasis on innovation within their teaching, ensuring content is being informed by researchers who are at the forefront of their field. The university continually invests in its facilities to provide best-in-class technology and equipment for its students. The Students' Union runs over 350 clubs and societies, as well as an intramural social sports league, in which students of any ability can take part. With prominent buildings across the beautiful city of Bristol, the university offers the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in all the city has to offer. With jazz clubs such as The Old Duke for live music, comedy at the Bristol Improv Theatre or a range of genres to watch at the Bristol Bad Film Club and Sunset Cinema, students can be confident of a vibrant night life.

Jumping up 6 spots in our league table this year is the University of Aberdeen which is situated on the North East coast of Scotland, close to the vast Cairngorms National Park. The university is split into two campuses, with the Foresterhill campus playing host to the majority of the life sciences and medicine courses and the Old Aberdeen Campus being home to the arts, social and physical sciences and the central university library. The campuses are only a short 3 miles away from the city centre and Aberdeen beach. The University of Aberdeen offers over 400 different courses for students to choose from, with options available for joint honours degrees so students can combine two separate interests. Students can enjoy a variety of food venues on campus, including at the SU which is a hub for students to socialise, eat and relax around their busy schedules. The Students' Association also runs over 150 clubs and societies on campus, and hosts various events throughout the year, including campaigns and balls. 

Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland, making it an ideal place for the students of Strathclyde University. Home to over 23,000 students from varied backgrounds and originating from over 100 different countries around the world, this diverse population adds to the vibrant and cultured life on campus. Strathclyde University offers a wide range of degree choices for students, from the arts to biochemistry, with facilities to support learning, study and enjoyment. The university boasts the Strathclyde Sport building, a modern facility with a range of wellbeing and sports rooms and machines, with a state-of-the-art gym. The Students' Union provides a huge array of clubs and societies, ensuring that students are given plenty of opportunities to engage in the social aspect of their university experience, as well as the academic. Being in the heart of Glasgow city, the university is also close by to restaurants, pubs and museums, with parks and historic sites a short distance away. 

Liverpool is largely considered to be one of the most welcoming and culturally-diverse cities in the UK and is home to Liverpool John Moores University. LJMU has performed consistently well in this category in previous years, proving that students rate the quality of research-based learning they receive, as well as the opportunity for connections with businesses and employers which offer unique work experience and employability training. A bustling city hosting festivals and sports events, and with a plethora of museums and galleries to explore, Liverpool is one of the most affordable places to live in the UK so students can thrive in this city and dive into all it has to offer. The Copperas Hill campus boasts state-of-the-art gyms, wellbeing and sporting facilities for students and faculty to enjoy. Their Students’ Union has over 100 sports clubs and societies for students to engage with. With two main campuses, LJMU aims to provide the best learning opportunities possible for its students, with a bright social life to boot!

A huge student body of over 35,000 students with a large international contingent makes Sheffield Hallam University one of the UK’s largest universities. It has a reputation for delivering innovative and high-quality teaching with a strong focus on applied learning, and provides students with a number of opportunities to gain real-world work experience during their course. The Owen building holds many top-class facilities such as studios for photography and state-of-the-art bioscience labs. The Hertha Ayrton building is the student hub for all things STEM subject-related, with simulators and labs for engineers. Both campuses ensure close proximity to coffee shops for refuelling between lectures, to be used as social study spaces or for meet-ups with friends. Close by to the city of Sheffield is the Peak District National Park, jam-packed with trails for runners, cycling routes and stunning hiking spots. Sheffield also benefits from easy-to-navigate public transport, providing buses around the city and to and from surrounding attractions.

A globally-renowned university inspiring students from over 140 countries and boasting a 50-acre campus, Newcastle University is located in North East England, in the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The university is a beacon of learning with facilities such as award-winning libraries and the state-of-the-art Centre for Physical Recreation and Sport, showcasing how sport is an integral part of the university’s makeup. Surrounded by sporting events such as Premier League football in St James’ Park or the world’s largest half marathon which weaves through the city, Newcastle University promotes a love of sports inside and outside the university’s grounds. Newcastle is also a cultural hub, packed full of diverse galleries, museums and theatres such as Tyne Theatre and the Opera House. The nightlife scene boasts a varied mix of clubs, pubs and relaxed bars. With live music sites and a variety of restaurants on hand, there is something for everyone, no matter their tastes.

Found in West Yorkshire in the north of England, the University of Leeds features once again in our top 20 list. The 100-acre green campus is only short walk from Leeds city centre and is very accessible by bus. The university is well supplied with libraries, holding massive volumes of printed books, as well as thousands of online materials such as journals and study guides for students to access. Offering over 200 undergraduate courses, the university ensures in-depth learning opportunities with highly qualified lecturers. Students are spoiled for choice on campus, with a variety of food venues at the Students' Union, as well as IT suites and study booths to assist students in their academic work. The Student’s Union offers over 300 diverse clubs and societies to choose from and the city is well supplied with a range of clubs, pubs and restaurants, guaranteeing a vibrant social life for those that desire it.

Found just outside the cosmopolitan city of Belfast in Northern Ireland, Queen’s University Belfast is a Russell Group university comprising over 25,000 students, with a massive 92% of graduates reported to be in work or further study after graduation (HESA). Only a short 20-minute walk from the city centre, the main campus is surrounded by beautiful green spaces with the floral Botanic Gardens directly beside it. The campus is undergoing investment in the region of £700m, to continue to develop QUB into an innovative learning environment which combines excellence in research with high quality teaching. Over 200 clubs and societies provide ample opportunities for students to build and maintain friendships outside of their course environments. Being close to the city centre, Queen’s benefits from Belfast being a food, culture, arts and shopping destination.