Best universities for philosophy

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As a philosophy student, you’ll be tackling some of life’s biggest questions. One of these questions you’ll have to tackle before you even start – which university should you go to? To help you make your decision, we’ve consulted with some of history’s greatest thinkers (much like you will on your degree), also known as the Complete University Guide. Using their 2024 philosophy league tables, we’ve put together a list of the top unis across different criteria. So, get your thinking hat on and start pondering whether any of these might be the right fit for you.

Best university for philosophy in student satisfaction

Oxford Brookes University

Top in the UK for student satisfaction in the philosophy league tables is Oxford Brookes University. The uni offers a diverse and welcoming community, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other students during your studies, as well as benefit from the professional-standard facilities and top-class teaching – its research capabilities are also highly regarded too.

Read what students think of the Oxford Brookes University.

Best university for philosophy in research quality

Cardiff University

Cardiff University dates back to 1883 and has a strong reputation for high-quality research, so it’s no surprise that it’s ranked top for research quality in the philosophy league tables. Studying here, you’ll be in the capital city of Wales, with plenty to see and explore throughout your degree. The uni also has a strong sporting community and offers world-class campus facilities in a surprisingly affordable location.

Read what students think of philosophy at Cardiff University.

Best university for philosophy in graduate outcomes

University of Oxford

One of the oldest universities in the UK and even the world, the University of Oxford has an international reputation for excellence. As a student here you’ll be part of a long and illustrious history, and degrees from the university are highly respected. Along with the world-class research being carried out here, you’ll have access

Read what students think of philosophy at University of Oxford.

Best university for philosophy in England

London School of Economics and Political Science

A hugely influential university has come top in England for philosophy students – it's the London School of Economics and Political Science. Specialising in social sciences, LSE takes an in-depth look at societies, allowing students to really get an insight into people, which most certainly would help when learning about philosophy.

Read what students think of London School of Economics and Political Science.

Best university for philosophy in Scotland

University of St. Andrews

With a history dating back to 1413, the University of St. Andrews is one of the oldest in the world. The town itself is situated around 55 miles from Edinburgh and is home to around 8,000 undergraduate students. Many famous names have studied here, from Benjamin Franklin to JM Barrie to Prince William and Kate Middleton. The university is world-famous for its research and teaching quality, meaning degrees from here are held in very high esteem.

Read what students think of philosophy at the University of St. Andrews.

Best university for philosophy in Wales

Cardiff University

Cardiff University makes its second feature on this list, having come top in the philosophy league tables for research quality as well as being the top university in Wales offering philosophy. Quite the achievement!

Read what students think of philosophy at Cardiff University.

Best university for philosophy in Northern Ireland

Queen’s University Belfast

Queen’s University Belfast is the only university to offer philosophy in Northern Ireland, but just because it had no competition doesn’t mean it hasn’t earned its place on this list. As a member of the Russell Group, the uni is research-driven and is internationally recognised for its high research standards. Located just a short distance from the centre of Northern Ireland’s capital city, the uni offers stunning buildings and high-quality teaching facilities to over 17,000 undergraduate students.