One might think that Brexit will have a negative influence on the reputation of British universities. On the contrary, the latest rankings show that they rise and remain strong in the "world top 100 higher education institutions".

2017 Ranking and future movements

For 2017, the highest ranking UK universities are two, both sharing the forth place – The University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.

Despite the successes this year, it is uncertain what will be the future of the British universities in the next rankings. The main issue will prove to be the EU research funding which may very well be shut down as soon as the UK exits the European Union.

The top UK universities for world reputation, according to Times Higher Education

• University of Cambridge (rank #4)
• University of Oxford (rank #4)
• University College London (rank #16)
• Imperial College London (rank #18)
• London School of Economics and Political Science (rank #20)
• University of Edinburgh (rank #34)
• King's College London (rank #41)
• University of Manchester (rank between #51-60)
• University of Warwick (rank between #81-90)
• Durham University (rank between #91-100)

University of Cambridge

It was founded in 1209 which makes Cambridge the fourth-oldest university in the world. More than 18 000 students from all over the world attend it. 35% of these students are international. The university has 31 autonomous colleges where undergraduates have small group teaching sessions. Six schools are spread across the university colleges: Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology.

The University of Cambridge owns museums, libraries, botanical gardens, all open to the public. 92 affiliates of the university have won the Nobel Prize.

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English speaking world. There is evidence that teaching started in 1096. The university has 46 colleges and halls and the largest library system in the UK with more than 100 libraries. Attending students are above 19 000 of whom 40% are international.

Oxford’s alumni network has more than 250 000 graduates – 120 Olympic Medalists, 26 Nobel Prize winners, seven poet laureates and over 30 modern world leaders.

University College London

Located in the heart of London, University College London was founded in 1826. UCL has 11 Faculties: Arts and Humanities, Built Environment, Brain Sciences, Engineering, the Institute of Education, Laws, Life Sciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Medical Sciences, Population Health Sciences, and Social and Historical Sciences.  More than 28 000 students from more than 150 countries study in one of the faculties above. 47% of all students are international. 

Since 1878, UCL is the first university in England to admit women on equal terms as men. The university’s Latin motto translates as ‘Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward.’

Unlimited options…

Each world ranking uses different criteria, thus not every university makes it to the top, despite their highly developed and prestigious programmes. We recommend you to check and search for your desired Masters in our own shortlist of UK universities:

• Anglia Ruskin University
• University of Essex
• Newcastle University Business School
• University of Edinburgh
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• University of Birmingham