109 best universities in the United Kingdom in 2026
Ranking based on the average of the three main global rankings: Shanghai (ARWU), Times Higher Education and QS.
University of Cambridge
Average rank: #3
No. 49Bournemouth University
Coastal university renowned for tourism, management, and media.
No. 50Aberystwyth University
Public UK university, historic and research-reputed.
No. 51University of Plymouth
Public UK university, modern and focused on employability and sustainability.
No. 52Royal Holloway, University of London
Public UK university, Russell Group member, renowned for arts and humanities.
No. 53Oxford Brookes University
Public UK university, modern and employability-focused.
No. 54Birkbeck, University of London
Public UK university specializing in evening teaching and research.
No. 55Nottingham Trent University
Modern university strong in engineering, architecture, and arts.
No. 56University of Hull
Public UK university renowned for arts, humanities, and research.
No. 57University of Stirling
Public UK university recognized for its idyllic setting and academic excellence.
No. 58Coventry University
Public UK university, modern and employability-focused.
No. 59Manchester Metropolitan University
Urban university specializing in arts, media, and management.
No. 60Bangor University
Public UK university in Wales, renowned for its natural setting.
No. 61Keele University
Public UK research university, strong in interdisciplinarity and sustainability.
No. 62Northumbria University
Public UK university renowned for design, business, and technologies.
No. 63Liverpool John Moores University
Public UK university, modern and committed to academic excellence.
No. 64University of Portsmouth
Public UK university, modern and employability-focused.
No. 65University of Brighton
Public UK university, modern and reputed in arts, design, and health.
No. 66University of Huddersfield
Public UK university, modern and employability-focused.
No. 67University of Hertfordshire
Modern university with programs in engineering and computer science.
No. 68Glasgow Caledonian University
Public Scottish university, leader in health, engineering, and business.
No. 69Kingston University
Public London university, strong in arts, design, and business.
No. 70University of Greenwich
Public UK university in London, reputed in architecture, business, and computing.
No. 71Edinburgh Napier University
Public UK university specializing in computing, engineering, and business.
No. 72Ulster University
Public Northern Irish university, reputed for engineering, arts, and health programs.