Discover the best UK universities for Classics in 2026. Our rankings spotlight strong academics, supportive communities, and vibrant student life.
Best Universities for Classics: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of Cambridge | 95 | 80 |
| 2 Silver | University of Oxford | 94 | 79 |
| 3 Bronze | University College London (UCL) | 88 | 75 |
| 4 | University of Edinburgh | 85 | 78 |
| 5 | University of St Andrews | 84 | 77 |
| 6 | Durham University | 83 | 75 |
| 7 | University of Warwick | 82 | 74 |
| 8 | University of Bristol | 81 | 76 |
| 9 | University of Exeter | 80 | 77 |
| 10 | King’s College London | 79 | 73 |
1. University of Cambridge Gold
2. University of Oxford Silver
3. University College London (UCL) Bronze
4. University of Edinburgh
5. University of St Andrews
6. Durham University
7. University of Warwick
8. University of Bristol
9. University of Exeter
10. King’s College London
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Classics rankings combine academic excellence with student lifestyle factors to highlight the best places to study Classics in the UK.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Classics Universities Explained
University of Oxford
World-leading research, historic traditions, and excellent graduate prospects.University of Cambridge
Exceptional teaching and access to rich classical resources and libraries.University College London (UCL)
Diverse course options with strong interdisciplinary links and city life.Durham University
Known for supportive staff and active student societies focused on Classics.University of Edinburgh
Strong research culture and a welcoming academic community.University of St Andrews
High student satisfaction and a picturesque study environment.King’s College London
Central London location with a rich cultural backdrop and strong teaching.University of Bristol
Engaging courses with excellent opportunities for study abroad.University of Warwick
Vibrant campus life and good career support for humanities graduates.University of Leeds
Balanced academics with a strong emphasis on student wellbeing.Career Prospects After a Classics Degree
Graduates often pursue careers in education, heritage and museums, publishing, and law. Related subjects include History and Philosophy.
Classics Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical entry requires A-levels in Humanities subjects, with UCAS points around 120-150. Check specific course pages for details.
Cheapest Cities to Study Classics in the UK
Durham, Edinburgh, and Bristol offer good value with rich cultural experiences.
Best Classics Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
London, Edinburgh, and Leeds provide lively nightlife alongside historic campuses.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities like St Andrews, Durham, and Warwick rank highly for student support services.
Not Sure About Classics? Consider These Alternatives
Explore Archaeology, Philosophy, or History.
Summary: Which Classics Uni is Right for You?
Focus on course content, teaching quality, city atmosphere, and career support to find your ideal university. Compare and bookmark your favourites.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Classics
Top UK universities for Classics often include Oxford, Cambridge, and University College London. Our 2026 rankings highlight those with strong teaching and student satisfaction.
Oxford University frequently tops the rankings for Classics due to its rich history, extensive resources, and expert faculty.
A Classics degree offers a strong foundation in history, languages, and critical thinking, opening doors to careers in education, heritage, law, and media.
The UK is renowned for Classics, but Italy, Greece, and the USA also have prestigious programs linked to the subject’s origins.
Entry requirements vary but often include History, Latin, or Greek. Some universities accept other humanities subjects—always check course details carefully.
Classics graduates work in education, museums, archaeology, publishing, and legal professions, benefiting from strong analytical and communication skills.
While niche, Classics graduates are valued for their research and language skills in education, heritage, and media sectors.
Salaries vary widely by sector. Entry-level roles start around £20,000 to £28,000, with higher earnings possible in law, education, and consultancy.
Courses heavy in ancient languages like Latin and Greek can be demanding. However, many universities offer flexibility with language options and interdisciplinary study.
Graduates often find roles in education, museums, cultural organisations, publishing, and government.
Yes, Classics is highly regarded for developing critical thinking, language skills, and cultural awareness valued across many professions.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked
