Best universities in the South West

From the Cotswolds to the hundreds of miles of coastline, the South West of England is known for its beautiful landscapes, and offers several unis undertaking internationally recognised research while maintaining an inclusive campus atmosphere. With universities located in cities, the countryside and coastal towns, you can choose from a range of educational and cultural experiences while gaining a top-quality education to enhance career prospects and make you stand out from the crowd. 

We’ve created a list of the best universities in the South West, based on a range of student-focused criteria provided by the Complete University Guide's 2027 league tables. Whatever’s important to you, we’re here to help you find the ideal uni. 

Universities in the South West 

There are 12 unis in the South West, offering thousands of undergraduate courses between them and many different types of student experience.

• Arts University Bournemouth

• University of Bath

• Bath Spa University

• Bournemouth University

• University of Bristol

• Bristol, University of the West of England

• University of Exeter

• Falmouth University

• University of Gloucestershire

• Royal Agricultural University

• University of Plymouth

• Plymouth Marjon University

Best uni in South West England for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2027) 

Arts University Plymouth

Arts University Plymouth is a brilliant place to study if you're looking to take an arts degree and love to be beside the seaside. You've got top-class lecturers, you've got amazing facilities, and you've got the south coast on your doorstep.  

NEXT: Read what students are saying about Arts University Plymouth

Best uni in South West England for graduate outcomes (Complete University Guide 2027) 

University of Bath 

The University of Bath maintains an excellent national and international reputation and offers students high quality facilities and resources. Highly regarded for its research credentials, a degree from the University of Bath is sure to help you in your career after graduation. Their sporting organisation, TeamBath, is also considered an elite facility which produces professional athletes across many disciplines. Bath is well connected to other large employment markets in the South of England such as Bristol and London and has a large network of industry partnerships. 

NEXT: Read what students are saying about the University of Bath.

Best uni in South West England for research quality (Complete University Guide 2027)

University of Bristol 

With a long and distinguished history in education, the University of Bristol is an academic powerhouse which consistently ranks within the top 100 unis in the world, and the top 10 in the UK. With world-class research groups operating across a wide range of subject areas, the uni is committed to finding solutions to some of the most challenging issues facing society and the planet. 

NEXT:Read what students are saying about the University of Bristol.

Best uni in South West England overall (Complete University Guide 2027) 

University of Bath 

The University of Bath is comprehensively a top global institution with a superb academic record, excellent student support, and a particularly strong offering of extra-curricular activities and resources. It’s located in a UNESCO heritage site with a wealth of visible history, Georgian architecture, cultural institutions, independent shopping, and a well-established entertainment and nightlife scene with some of the top theatre, live music and comedy acts in the region. Favourably located in the South West, students have easy access to Bristol, London, Wales, and the coastlines of Devon and Cornwall. 

If you’re looking for more reasons to study in the South West, we have 14 of them! Check out our article to learn why this remarkable region is the right choice for you. 

• 14 reasons to study in South West England

• See which unis in South West England have upcoming open days