Research and Prep

Best universities in the West Midlands

Trying to find the best university in the West Midlands? Wondering which West Midlands unis rank top for criteria such as student satisfaction and graduate prospects? We’ve got the answers you’re looking for. 

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
26 Mar 2025

There are loads of reasons you should study in the West Midlands. The range of unis on offer is obviously one of the biggest reasons to pick this region as your uni home. The West Midlands is known for being a foodie paradise, as well as having a range of large cities and smaller towns perfect no matter what you’re looking for with your uni experience. To help you find the best university in the West Midlands based on what’s important to you, we’ve used the student-focused criteria that Complete University Guide uses to create their 2025 league tables to put together a list of the region’s best unis. 

Universities in the West Midlands 


The following 12 unis can be found in the West Midlands: 

Best uni in the West Midlands for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)


Birmingham Newman University 

Birmingham Newman University offers a wide range of support for students to assist with any issues that may arise in their personal, professional or academic lives during their studies. The academic facilities, such as the libraries, labs and teaching rooms are all modern, well-equipped and make use of the latest technology.

Read what students are saying about the Birmingham Newman University. 

Best uni in the West Midlands for graduate outcomes (Complete University Guide 2025)


University of Warwick

Ben FirshmanCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The uni offers many of its students the chance to complete a work placement alongside their studies, allowing the chance to network and build your professional skills as part of your degree. Courses are designed with employability in mind, and are informed by some of the latest research, particularly the research being carried out by members of staff at the uni. The uni also has a dedicated careers service, where students can receive personalised advice and guidance no matter what stage they're at in their career hunt, and there are regular employability events throughout the year where students can workshop and network.

Read what students are saying about the University of Warwick.

Best uni in the West Midlands for research quality (Complete University Guide 2025)


University of Birmingham 


The uni is recognised internationally for its high quality research output. The research carried out here tackles some of the biggest problems society faces today, and focuses on the local community as well as the world at large. Some of the topics being addressed by the uni's recent research projects include sustainable environments, global health and social and economic inequality.

Read what students are saying about the University of Birmingham. 

Best uni in the West Midlands overall (Complete University Guide 2025)


University of Warwick 

Ben FirshmanCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The University of Warwick has developed a national and international reputation for excellence thanks to its high research quality, investment into its buildings and facilities, and its long history of producing graduates who go on to excel in their fields. The uni also places a lot of emphasis on its student support services, covering all aspects of student life. 

Read what students are saying about the University of Warwick. 

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