Best universities for Cultural studies (2026)
7 UK universities teaching Cultural studies as a full-time degree, ranked on graduate pay, jobs, student satisfaction, students staying on and entry points.
| # | University | Score | Salary 5 yrs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Leeds Leeds, Yorkshire and The Humber · TEF Silver | 59 | £29k |
| 2 | University of Lancaster Lancaster, North West · TEF Gold | 57 | £26.5k |
| 3 | University of Edinburgh Scotland | 56 | £33.5k |
| 4 | Heriot-Watt University Scotland | 48 | £42k |
| 5 | University of Westminster Westminster, London · TEF Silver | 44 | £27.5k |
| 6 | University of the Highlands and Islands Scotland | 43 | £23.5k |
| 7 | University of Kent (Part of London and South East University Group) Canterbury, South East · TEF Silver | 42 | £29k |
How the score works: universities are compared within each subject on salary five years after graduating (27%), the share in work or further study (18%), student satisfaction (18%), students staying on (13.5%), typical UCAS points (13.5%, compared within each nation) and the TEF rating (10%, England). 50 is typical. Figures: Discover Uni (Office for Students, HESA), National Student Survey, Graduate Outcomes, HMRC LEO earnings; full-time first degrees.
Questions
What is the best university for Cultural studies?
On our measures University of Leeds ranks first for Cultural studies, followed by University of Lancaster, University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University. Rankings depend on what matters to you, so compare pay, jobs and satisfaction.
Which university's Cultural studies graduates earn the most?
Heriot-Watt University: typical earnings of £42k five years after graduating (HMRC tax records).