Discover the best UK universities for Surveying in 2026. Find courses with top teaching, industry links, and strong career prospects.
Best Universities for Surveying: 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 Reading | 91 | 76 |
| 2 Silver | University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) | 89 | 74 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Glasgow | 88 | 72 |
| 4 | University of Portsmouth | 87 | 70 |
| 5 | Coventry University | 85 | 75 |
| 6 | University of Salford | 84 | 73 |
| 7 | Birmingham City University | 82 | 71 |
| 8 | Liverpool John Moores University | 81 | 70 |
| 9 | Leeds Beckett University | 80 | 69 |
| 10 | University of Lincoln | 79 | 68 |
1. University of Reading Gold
2. University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) Silver
3. University of Glasgow Bronze
4. University of Portsmouth
5. Coventry University
6. University of Salford
7. Birmingham City University
8. Liverpool John Moores University
9. Leeds Beckett University
10. University of Lincoln
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Surveying rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to students.
- 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 Surveying Universities Explained
University of Reading
Known for its strong industry partnerships and practical learning approach.Coventry University
Offers accredited courses with excellent graduate employability.University of Portsmouth
Focuses on real-world skills and professional development.University of Salford
Combines academic excellence with good student satisfaction.University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
Provides a supportive environment with up-to-date facilities and research.Career Prospects After a Surveying Degree
Graduates often work in construction, property management, land surveying, and consultancy. Related courses include Civil Engineering and Real Estate.
Surveying Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical entry includes A-levels in maths or related subjects, with UCAS points ranging from 96 to 120 depending on the university.
Cheapest Cities to Study Surveying in the UK
Cities like Coventry, Portsmouth, and Salford offer affordable living costs and vibrant student communities.
Best Surveying Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Coventry and Portsmouth rank well for nightlife and active student unions.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities such as Reading and UWE Bristol provide strong mental health services and academic support.
Not Sure About Surveying? Consider These Alternatives
Explore Civil Engineering, Real Estate, or Construction Management.
Summary: Which Surveying Uni is Right for You?
Consider universities that offer strong industry ties, practical learning, affordability, and a supportive social environment.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Surveying
Top UK universities for Surveying include Nottingham Trent University, University of Reading, and Glasgow Caledonian University, known for strong practical training and industry links.
Nottingham Trent University often leads due to its excellent accreditation, hands-on learning, and graduate employability.
Yes, Surveying degrees offer strong career paths in construction, property, and environmental management with growing demand for qualified professionals.
Mathematics and Geography are often required or recommended. Check university course pages for specific entry requirements.
Graduates work as quantity surveyors, building surveyors, land surveyors, and property managers in various sectors.
Yes, particularly in construction and real estate. The UK market values qualified surveyors to support sustainable development and infrastructure projects.
Starting salaries typically range from £22,000 to £30,000, with experienced surveyors earning significantly more.
Technical modules like measurement, contract law, and building regulations can be challenging but essential for professional practice.
Graduates often join construction firms, property consultancies, government agencies, and infrastructure projects.
Yes, it is highly regarded, especially when accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or similar bodies.
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
