Researching what uni you're going to do a politics degree in? We've got some choice picks for you!
Updated: 24 Sept 2025
Want to know what the best unis for politics are? Then you’ve come to the right place! Using the 2026 subject league tables from our sister site Complete University Guide, we’ve put together a quick list of terrific institutions where you can learn all about this interesting subject. Read on to find out the top unis for politics in the UK...
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The University of Salford is minutes away from the middle of Manchester, boasting up-to-date facilities, social spaces and more. It has close links to various industries, and the quality facilities give students the chance to familiarise themselves with the tools they’ll be using in their careers.
The University of Strathclyde is a long-standing institution in the heart of Glasgow, offering students the opportunity to learn in the city for over 200 years. It has some incredible facilities on campus, including a library with over a million print volumes alongside archives, special collections and more. No wonder it came top for research quality in politics!
A world-renowned institution which has been challenging the reign of Oxbridge universities on League Tables in recent years, the University of St. Andrews offers students the chance to take exceptionally well-taught courses up on Scotland's east coast. The university has extensive career support services for students to take advantage of, helping them find work after they graduate.
One of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford is internationally respected. Its long and rich history dates back as far as 1096, as evidence of teaching dates back this far. The picturesque city offers plenty of history and culture as well, with several museums in the local area, as well as lots of beautiful architecture. The city is also well-connected, located just over an hour’s train journey from London.
Established all the way back in the 15th century, the University of St Andrews has long been a massively well-respected institution for a number of subjects – including politics, it seems, as it has come top of the charts for Scotland in that subject. Found on the coast of Fife, the university is a wonderful place to study, both in terms of its environment and its educational expertise and facilities.
The University of Cardiff dates back to 1883, and since then it has become one of the top institutions in the UK, regularly placing in the top 30 overall unis in Complete University Guide’s tables. Based in the capital city of Wales, it benefits from the city’s history, culture and amenities – it’s also quite handy that Cardiff is one of the most affordable cities in the UK, making it particularly popular with students.
If you’re considering studying politics in Northern Ireland, then Queen’s University, Belfast will be somewhere that you ought to check out. This Russell Group university has been running since 1845, offering students the chance to develop their skills surrounded by amazing scenery. The small campus has a load of fascinating buildings and a wealth of facilities for subjects like architecture, dentistry, music and more.
Finally, the best overall uni to study politics in the UK (according to Complete University Guide) is the University of Oxford!