Discover the best UK universities for Mathematics in 2026. Dive into world-class teaching, top research, and supportive student communities.
Best Universities for Mathematics: 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 | 96 | 75 |
| 2 Silver | University of Oxford | 99 | 67 |
| 3 Bronze | Imperial College London | 98 | 70 |
| 4 | University of Warwick | 93 | 81 |
| 5 | University of Manchester | 96 | 83 |
| 6 | University of Bristol | 97 | 87 |
| 7 | University of Edinburgh | 95 | 84 |
| 8 | University of Glasgow | 92 | 88 |
| 9 | University of Leeds | 94 | 92 |
| 10 | University of Nottingham | 93 | 92 |
1. University of Cambridge Gold
2. University of Oxford Silver
3. Imperial College London Bronze
4. University of Warwick
5. University of Manchester
6. University of Bristol
7. University of Edinburgh
8. University of Glasgow
9. University of Leeds
10. University of Nottingham
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Mathematics rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to maths 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 Mathematics Universities Explained
University of Cambridge
World-renowned for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and top graduate employability.
University of Oxford
Exceptional teaching quality with a strong focus on pure and applied mathematics.
University of Warwick
Known for innovative research and a vibrant mathematics department.
Imperial College London
Strong emphasis on applied mathematics and connections with industry.
University of Edinburgh
Offers a balanced academic and social experience with high student satisfaction.
University of Manchester
Great research output combined with diverse student societies and support.
University of Bristol
Top-tier teaching and strong graduate prospects in math-related careers.
University of Leeds
Strong academic delivery and a lively student social scene.
University of Glasgow
Affordable city living with excellent academic support.
University of Nottingham
Good balance of academic rigor and social life with career-focused teaching.
Career Prospects After a Mathematics Degree
Graduates often enter finance, data science, engineering, academia, or software development. Related courses include Data Science and Computer Science.
Mathematics Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical entry requirements include A-level Mathematics and often Further Mathematics, with UCAS points ranging from 140 to 160 depending on the university.
Cheapest Cities to Study Mathematics in the UK
Glasgow, Newcastle, and Sheffield offer affordable living costs alongside strong academic programs.
Best Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Leeds, Manchester, and Nottingham rank high for nightlife and vibrant campus communities.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities such as Edinburgh, Warwick, and Bristol provide excellent support services and study environments.
Not Sure About Mathematics? Consider These Alternatives
Try Data Science, Physics, or Engineering for related pathways.
Summary: Which Mathematics Uni is Right for You?
Look for strong academic reputation, supportive student culture, and career services to help launch your future.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Mathematics
Top UK universities for Mathematics include Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, and Warwick, known for their strong academic reputation and excellent student satisfaction.
The University of Cambridge often leads the rankings for Mathematics, thanks to outstanding research, teaching quality, and student feedback.
A Mathematics degree offers strong career prospects in finance, technology, research, and education. It's valued for developing problem-solving and analytical skills.
Most courses require A-level Mathematics, and many also recommend or require Further Mathematics. Check individual university requirements for details.
Mathematics graduates pursue careers in finance, data science, actuarial work, software engineering, academia, and more, benefiting from strong analytical skills.
Yes, Mathematics graduates are highly sought after in sectors like finance, technology, and research, due to their critical thinking and quantitative abilities.
Starting salaries for Mathematics graduates typically range from £25,000 to £35,000, with significant growth potential in finance and tech roles.
Courses with advanced pure mathematics, theoretical focus, or combined degrees like Maths and Physics can be more challenging.
Many Mathematics graduates work in banking, tech, government research, education, and consulting across the UK.
Absolutely. Mathematics is highly respected for its rigour and applicability across industries worldwide.
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
