Top UK Universities Map – 2025 Rankings and League Table
Looking for a map of all the UK universities? In this guide, we’ve listed out the top UK universities by location. We have grouped these universities based on the 2025 league table rankings. Finding a good UK university by looking at a map is a great way to narrow down your search, as you may have preferences of studying at a given location in the UK. Let us explore the top UK universities by location in this guide.
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Why Choose A UK University By Location?
When choosing a UK university, looking for options by location or just simply looking at the map can help you find universities that fit your preferences easily. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a university by location:
1) Campus Type
Universities or campuses located in the city are quite different from those located in the outskirts or suburban areas. When picking a university, you should consider your lifestyle preferences, proximity to public transport, cultural attractions and safety. For instance, if you prefer to be in the city area, you may want to choose a university that is located in major cities in the UK.
2) Cost of Living
The cost of living varies significantly across the UK, with expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation differing between regions. Mapping out your preferred universities helps provide insight into the affordability of different locations, helping you budget effectively and choose a study destination that matches your budget.
3) Employment Opportunities
Understanding the geographical distribution of universities helps students evaluate the employment prospects in different regions. Mapping out key industries, job markets, and networking opportunities allows students to align their academic pursuits with career goals and potential employment pathways after graduation. For instance, if you want to work in London but you are based in a Scottish University, the opportunities for networking might be more scarce.
4) Cultural Diversity
The UK is known for its cultural diversity, with each region offering a unique blend of traditions, languages, and lifestyles. Hence, you may want to use a UK university map to shortlist universities that are located at multicultural hubs and vibrant communities. For instance, if you want to experience Scottish culture, you may want to select a university that is located in Scotland, or one that has close partnerships with those universities.
Top 50 UK Universities (2025 Rankings)
Looking for the top 50 universities in the UK? Here’s a list of the top 50 UK universities based on 2025 university rankings.
How are the rankings measured?
The rankings shown here are the 2025 Complete University Guide’s League Table. The league table is measured based on ten indicators and each indicator has a different weightage in the calculation process.
The indicator with the strongest weightage is the Student Satisfaction score at 1.5 weightage, followed by Entry Standards, Research Quality, Student-Staff Ratio, and Degree Completion with an equal weightage of 1. Other indicators used in the calculation process include Research Intensity, Graduate Prospects (Outcomes and On track), Academic Services Spend, and Facilities Spend.
UK Universities Map
Here you can find a downloadable map of the top 50 UK universities, courtesy of Britannia.
Click on the map to zoom in or to share the image on social media.
UK University Google Map
Here you can find our curated UK University Google Map you can use for your own research purposes.
Top Universities In England
1. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is among the world’s best universities. The famed university has a strong reputation for academic excellence and education standards. Additionally, it’s one of the most exclusive universities in the UK – Cambridge annually receives around 19,000 applications and has an average of an 18% acceptance rate.
2. University of Oxford
At the number two spot this year is the University of Oxford, which is one of the top-ranked universities in the world. Its unique approach to teaching at the tertiary level lends itself to the university’s success – Oxford has a personalised tutorial system that ensures students get enough contact hours with their tutors. This might be the very reason why Oxford has ranked among the top ten for nearly 40 of its courses.
3. London School of Economics and Political Science
LSE is renowned for its excellent graduate employability and it is one of few UK universities that are dedicated to the humanities. Located in the heart of London, LSE has an incredibly diverse student body, with nearly 50% of its students hailing from outside of the UK and EU. The university is among the top ten ranked universities in the UK for ten subjects which include Law, Accounting & Finance, Politics, Sociology, and more.
Top Universities In Scotland
1. University of St Andrews
Located in Scotland, the University of St Andrews is one of few ancient universities in the UK. The university considers itself a “Scottish university with a global orientation”, as it welcomes over 40% of its students and staff from all over the world while maintaining its distinct culture. Ranked as the number four university in the UK, St Andrews offers a wide range of subjects, with 25 of them ranked among the top ten courses in the UK.
2. University of Edinburgh
Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh stands as a beacon of academic excellence amidst a city steeped in history and renowned for its quality of life. Embracing diversity, this esteemed institution boasts a vibrant international community, with over a quarter of its student body hailing from beyond the UK and EU borders. With a wide array of more than 500 programs, the university prides itself on delivering top-tier education, reflected in its impressive track record: nearly 90% of graduates attain a distinguished 2:1 classification in their degree.
Top Universities In Ireland
Queen's University, Belfast
Queen’s University, Belfast is renowned for its academic excellence, research prowess, and rich cultural heritage. Situated in the vibrant city of Belfast, Queen’s University offers a dynamic learning environment that fosters innovation, critical thinking, and personal growth. Additionally, Queen’s University’s strong ties to industry, government, and the local community ensure that graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to society, further enhancing its status as the top university in Northern Ireland.
Top Universities In Wales
1. Cardiff University
Cardiff University stands as the sole Welsh representative within the esteemed Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Organised into three distinct colleges—Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; and Physical Sciences and Engineering—Cardiff University boasts a formidable academic profile and ranks within the top ten universities for 13 subjects, particularly excelling in healthcare-related programs. Cardiff is well known for research quality, and was recently recognised for its advancements in microbial wipes, enhancements in patient care standards, initiatives for environmental conservation, and innovations in malicious software detection.
2. Swansea University
Swansea University is a public research institution known for its commitment to research, academic excellence and vibrant student culture. Established early in 1920, the university is situated across two campuses, Singleton Park and the Bay Campus, offering a picturesque and diverse environment for learning. Swansea University boasts a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines such as arts and humanities, engineering, business, health sciences, and natural sciences. The institution is recognised for its impactful research initiatives, particularly in areas like materials science, life sciences, and digital innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Cambridge is the number one university in the UK for 2025.
The University of St. Andrews is the number one Scottish university in the UK for 2025.
Cardiff University is the number one Welsh university for 2025.
Queen’s University, Belfast is the top UK university in Northern Ireland.
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