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Top 10 UK universities for careers (Updated for 2024)
Are you preparing to choose which universities to apply for? With over 150 higher education institutions to choose from, making your choices can be a tough decision. To help you decide on the best UK university for you, we've compiled a list of the top UK universities for careers.
There are several publications that compile university rankings and although most use similar criteria, although results vary somewhat. One of those rankings, The Guardian, publishes its data in full – and we’ve looked at their spreadsheets to find out how the universities rank on career prospects alone.
If you want to see the full rankings for 2024, check out our guide to the league tables.
How do the career prospects scores work?
Each year, the government carries out something called the graduate outcomes survey. The Guardian looks at some of the most recent reports to see the extent to which students have taken a positive first step in the 15 months after graduation. Positive scores are awarded for students who entered graduate jobs or further study at professional or postgraduate level.
Here are the top 10 UK universities for careers in 2024:
1. Imperial College London
Russell Group member: Yes
Specialist subject: Science, engineering, medicine, business
Location: London
Particularly popular with international students, approximately half of undergraduates are from outside of the UK. The University is known for having an active student's union with around 300 societies and clubs.
2. Oxford
Russell Group member: Yes
Specialist subject: Depends on college
Location: South East
Although there is no known date of foundation, Oxford University is credited as being the oldest in the English-speaking world. Made up of 38 colleges, Oxford consistently occupies the top three positions in the best universities in the UK.
3. Cambridge
Russell Group member: Yes
Specialist subject: Depends on subject
Location: East of England
Known as being the second oldest university in the English speaking world, Cambridge is made up of 31 colleges and over 150 departments and schools. It was founded in 1209 by scholars who left Oxford.
4. London School of Economics
Russell Group member: Yes
Specialist subject: Economics
Location: London
With 26 academic departments, this London university is particularly popular with international students. Combining the historical with the ultra-modern, the University's campus regularly features in the media.
5. Bath
Russell Group member: No
Specialist subject: Engineering, science, mathematics, technology
Location: South West
The (joint) most modern university in our list of the best universities for careers in the UK, University of Bath is located on the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – a great place to study if you love the great outdoors.
6. St Andrews
Russell Group member: No
Specialist subject: Depends on college
Location: Scotland
With a large intake of international students, the historic university is consistently ranked in the top ten universities in the UK. St Andrews has strong ties to universities in the United States and North America and offers a range of unique exchange programmes.
7. Durham
Russell Group member: Yes
Specialist subject: Depends on college
Location: North East
Durham, like Oxford, Cambridge and St Andrews, is a collegiate university – made up of 17 colleges. With a strong emphasis on research, it also has a tradition of sporting excellence and is located near the North Pennines – making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. University College London
Russell Group member: Yes
Specialist subject: American studies, linguistics, speech and language therapy
Location: London
UCL was founded in the early 19th century, inspired by the ideas of philosopher Jeremy Bentham, who developed the moral doctrine of utilitarianism. It is located in the heart of London, making it an exciting place to study, and former students include the band Coldplay!
9. Warwick
Russell Group member: Yes
Specialist subject: Maths, literature, business
Location: Midlands
The University of Warwick is one of the most modern universities to be included in our list of the best universities for careers in the UK. Founded in 1965, the University has 32 departments, including the largest arts complex in the UK outside London.
10. Loughborough
Russell Group member: No
Specialist subject: Sports
Location: Midlands
Loughborough University is jointly the most modern university on our list, receiving its royal charter in 1966. It has a reputation for sporting prowess – with graduates including footballers, runners and cricketers – but also has a record of academic excellence.
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