Discover the best UK universities for Finance in 2026. These top schools combine strong academic programs with excellent career prospects and vibrant student communities.

Best Universities for Finance: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026

How to use this table:
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 Oxford 95 82
2 Silver London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 94 80
3 Bronze University of Cambridge 93 79
4 Imperial College London 92 77
5 University of Warwick 89 74
6 University of Manchester 88 75
7 University of Bristol 86 78
8 University of Leeds 85 80
9 University of Edinburgh 84 79
10 King’s College London 83 77

1. University of Oxford Gold

Academic: 95
Social: 82

2. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Silver

Academic: 94
Social: 80

3. University of Cambridge Bronze

Academic: 93
Social: 79

4. Imperial College London

Academic: 92
Social: 77

5. University of Warwick

Academic: 89
Social: 74

6. University of Manchester

Academic: 88
Social: 75

7. University of Bristol

Academic: 86
Social: 78

8. University of Leeds

Academic: 85
Social: 80

9. University of Edinburgh

Academic: 84
Social: 79

10. King’s College London

Academic: 83
Social: 77

How We Ranked These Universities

Our Finance rankings blend trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to highlight the best universities for career and campus life.

  • 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.
✅ Verified by Unifresher Editorial Team | Last updated:

Top-Ranked Finance Universities in the UK

The UK is one of the best places in the world to study finance, offering degrees that combine academic excellence, real-world application, and global career opportunities. Our 2025 guide highlights the best universities for Finance in the UK, based on teaching quality, graduate employability, and industry connections. Whether you’re aiming for a career in banking, investment, or financial consultancy, these universities provide the skills and experience to help you succeed.

University of Oxford

Oxford’s Said Business School is world-renowned for its rigorous finance and economics programmes. Students benefit from exceptional teaching, networking with global employers, and unrivalled career opportunities in investment banking and consulting.

London School of Economics (LSE)

LSE is one of the UK’s top destinations for finance and economics. Its central London location provides direct access to major financial institutions, internships, and networking events — ideal for students seeking careers in global finance.

University of Warwick

Warwick offers top-tier teaching and research in finance through its Warwick Business School. With outstanding graduate employability and a strong alumni network, it’s a great choice for students focused on career progression and international opportunities.

University of Manchester

Manchester combines academic excellence with strong industry connections. Its finance programmes include modules in fintech and corporate finance, preparing students for diverse roles in the financial sector while enjoying a lively student city.

University of Bristol

Bristol provides a modern approach to finance education with strong links to employers and research-led teaching. Graduates enjoy high job prospects in investment analysis, banking, and risk management.

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers excellent teaching and affordability, with strong emphasis on ethical finance and sustainable investment. It’s ideal for students looking for academic rigour and a great quality of life.

University of Leeds

Leeds offers vibrant campus life and career-focused finance degrees. Its business school integrates real-world learning with strong student support and access to one of the UK’s most affordable and dynamic student cities.

University of Nottingham

Nottingham’s Nottingham University Business School is well-respected for finance and management. Students benefit from excellent career support, internship opportunities, and access to an active alumni network across global finance sectors.

Imperial College London

Imperial combines finance with innovation and technology. Its location in London’s financial district provides direct access to investment banks and fintech companies, making it a great choice for students interested in financial engineering and data-driven finance.

King’s College London

King’s offers comprehensive finance programmes blending theory, practice, and research. Its central London campus gives students unique access to internships, networking events, and the wider business ecosystem.

Career Prospects After a Finance Degree

Finance graduates from top UK universities are highly sought after in banking, investment management, consulting, fintech, and corporate finance. Many go on to work in major firms like Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, and PwC. Related courses include Accounting and Finance and Management.

Entry Requirements for Finance Courses

Applicants typically need strong A-levels in Mathematics, Economics, or Business Studies, with UCAS points ranging from 120 to 160 depending on the university. Work experience and personal statements focused on financial interest can strengthen applications.

Most Affordable Cities to Study Finance in the UK

Leeds, Manchester, and Glasgow offer affordable living alongside top business schools, making them ideal for students seeking both quality education and lower costs.

Best Universities for Nightlife and Social Life

Manchester, London, and Leeds stand out for their social and cultural life — perfect for finance students who want to balance study with networking and relaxation.

Student Wellbeing and Study Support

Universities like Edinburgh, Warwick, and Nottingham are recognised for strong academic support, mental health services, and career mentoring to help students succeed both personally and professionally.

Considering Alternatives to Finance?

Explore Economics, Management, or Accounting and Finance for related study paths in business and economics.

Summary: Which Finance University Is Right for You?

When choosing a university for Finance, consider teaching quality, career services, location, and employer connections. LSE and Oxford lead globally, while Warwick and Manchester offer excellent balance between academics and employability. Compare your options to find the best fit for your financial future.

Aminah Barnes
Aminah Barnes – Manchester Metropolitan University
Topic expertise: University & Degree choice, Applications, Travel and Student life

FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Finance

Top universities for Finance include London School of Economics, University of Warwick, and University of Bath, known for strong teaching and graduate outcomes.

London School of Economics often leads Finance rankings, praised for research quality, student satisfaction, and employability.

Yes, Finance degrees open doors to careers in banking, investment, and corporate finance, with strong earning potential and demand.

Mathematics is often required or highly recommended, along with Economics and Business Studies; check each university’s entry criteria.

Graduates work in banking, financial analysis, accounting, consulting, and risk management, among other sectors.

Finance graduates are highly sought after, especially in London and financial hubs, due to the fast-growing financial sector.

Starting salaries typically range from £25,000 to £35,000, with experienced professionals earning significantly more.

Courses with a heavy focus on quantitative finance, financial mathematics or risk management can be challenging.

Many work in investment banks, accountancy firms, consultancy agencies, and corporate finance departments.

Yes, Finance is well respected by employers worldwide, especially from top UK universities.

Unifresher team

Unifresher Team

Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.

Student Panel

Student Writers

Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.

Expert Panel

Expert Panel

We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.

How are the Unifresher Awards judged?+

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
By students, for students.
See full methodology →

Author

  • Connor is a seasoned content expert at Unifresher, specialising in publishing engaging and insightful student-focused content. With over four years of experience in data analysis and content strategy, Connor has a proven track record of supporting publishing teams with high-quality resources. A graduate of the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, he combines his academic background with his passion for creating content that resonates with students across the UK. Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active at his local gym and walking his miniature dachshunds.

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