Best Universities for Employability
Ranked for career readiness, work placements, alumni networks and real-world outcomes that matter to students.
unifreshers best for employability
University is about more than just lectures, it’s a launchpad. In 2025, students are prioritising career outcomes and real-world readiness, which is exactly what this ranking is built around.
The Unifresher Employability Award weighs graduate job stats, placement schemes, industry connections, entrepreneurship support and career services, all backed by student satisfaction data and trusted sources like HESA and LinkedIn. We’ve also factored in student insight on confidence, support, and how prepared they actually feel for life after graduation.
If you’re thinking beyond the degree, these universities offer serious career momentum.
Best uk universities for employability
Which UK universities are most likely to set you up for a great career after graduation? Here are the top 50 for graduate employability, based on our expert-led ranking.
University of Oxford
Top for graduate employability in the UK – outstanding career outcomes and opportunities.
University of Cambridge
Exceptional graduate destinations and recruitment links worldwide.
Imperial College London
Famous for career prospects in science, tech and engineering.
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University of Bristol
Superb employer links and graduate employment rates.
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University of Manchester
Consistently high graduate employment and reputation.
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University College London (UCL)
Prestigious employer recognition and job opportunities.
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London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Best in the UK for finance, business and global employability.
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Cardiff University
Impressive graduate employment and industry networks.
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University of Edinburgh
Respected by employers worldwide for graduate talent.
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King's College London
London’s best for graduate jobs in healthcare and more.
- 11. London Business School
- 12. University of Leeds
- 13. Durham University
- 14. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
- 15. Newcastle University
- 16. Lancaster University
- 17. University of Nottingham
- 18. University of Warwick
- 19. University of Exeter
- 20. University of Bath
- 21. University of Sussex
- 22. University of Glasgow
- 23. University of Birmingham
- 24. Royal College of Music
- 25. Royal Academy of Music
- 26. University of Sheffield
- 27. Queen’s University Belfast
- 28. University of York
- 29. University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
- 30. University of Brighton
- 31. University of Liverpool
- 32. Manchester Metropolitan University
- 33. University of Kent
- 34. University of Southampton
- 35. Queen Mary University of London
- 36. Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- 37. Northumbria University
- 38. University of East Anglia
- 39. University of Leicester
- 40. University of Strathclyde
- 41. Heriot-Watt University
- 42. Royal Holloway, University of London
- 43. University of Aberdeen
- 44. University of Dundee
- 45. Nottingham Trent University
- 46. University of Lincoln
- 47. City, University of London
- 48. Swansea University
- 49. Coventry University
- 50. Aston University
meet the judging panel
Our methodology is reviewed and approved by a student-focused editorial panel with firsthand experience in careers and employability. For this category, we collaborated with career advisors, recent graduates, and our editor to ensure the ranking reflects real-world job prospects and student outcomes. This blend of expertise guarantees our Employability ranking is reliable and relevant.
Chris Moss
Co-Founder, Unifresher
Connor Steele
Editor, Unifresher
Amy Finn
Student Panelist
how we scored it
For employability, we’ve focused on what really helps students land a job after uni. Career support, networking opportunities, and verified outcomes matter most here, not just prestige or tradition.
- Graduate Employability – HESA job and salary outcomes
- Placement Opportunities – sandwich years and internships
- Career Services – job fairs, coaching, employer access
- Alumni Network – strength and involvement
- Student Enterprise Support – for startups and freelancers
- Teaching Quality – NSS and subject engagement
- Student Satisfaction – happiness and wellbeing
- Cost of Living – affordability during study
Student Insight: what helps my employability
“Getting real experience and building skills outside lectures is what made me feel ready for the working world. Universities that offer work placements, great careers support and encourage students to try new things are the ones that make a difference when it comes to employability.”
how to use these rankings
Whether you’re chasing your dream grad scheme or want a uni that opens doors in your field, here’s how to use this ranking to set yourself up for career success.
1. Set your career goals
Consider what you want from your degree — strong graduate outcomes, networking opportunities, or practical experience in your industry.
2. Check the top universities
These institutions stand out for employability support, industry links, placement years and real-world relevance in teaching.
3. Dig into the data
We analysed everything from HESA job outcomes to careers support services, alumni networks and employer partnerships.
4. Build a career-ready shortlist
Combine this list with our subject and city guides to find a university that fits your ambition — not just your course title.
From Lecture Hall to First Job
Our top employability universities don’t just deliver degrees — they open doors. Here's a glimpse at the industries and companies their graduates step into.
Finance & Consulting
- Goldman Sachs – Graduate Analyst
- KPMG – Audit Associate
- Deloitte – Risk Consultant
Media & Marketing
- BBC – Production Assistant
- L'Oréal – Marketing Executive
- Sky – Content Coordinator
STEM & Tech
- BT – Software Engineer
- Rolls-Royce – Engineering Graduate Scheme
- IBM – Tech Consulting Analyst
Public Sector & Health
- NHS – Data Associate
- Teach First – Secondary Teacher
- HM Treasury – Policy Advisor
