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Universities in the UK for PhD

Top 10 Universities in the UK for PhD - Ranking , Fees , Eligibility

Several universities based in the UK are known to be among the world’s premier institutions which makes doctoral study in the UK a popular choice for scholars worldwide. Research excellence paired with innovation alongside academic rigor provides UK universities deliver their PhD candidates access to modern facilities along with distinguished faculty members and industrial collaboration opportunities. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) together with Oxford and Cambridge universities maintain top positions among research institutions which provide exceptional opportunities across various academic fields.

The PhD research program in UK universities follows a defined academic outline that allows students to finish their work in three to four years. The Higher Education system in the UK features multiple categories of universities beginning with ancient ones and extending to red brick institutions then plate glass and new universities with Russell Group being the top tier. The historical development and academic progress of UK universities have produced four distinct categories that maintain their individual research strengths.

Researching for a PhD at UK institutions provides students with access to modern scientific discoveries together with connections across worldwide professional networks along with promising future career development possibilities in any academic field from science to technology to social sciences to humanities.

Top Universities in the UK to Study PhD

UniversityTHE 2025QS 2025ARWU 2024
University of Oxford136
University of Cambridge554
Imperial College London9225
UCL=22916
University of Edinburgh292740
King’s College London=36=4053
London School of Economics and Political Science=50=50151-200
The University of Manchester=53=3452
University of Bristol785497
University of Glasgow=8778101-150
University of Southampton=97=81151-200
University of Birmingham=93=80151-200
University of Sheffield=98=105151-200
University of Warwick106=69101-150
University of Leeds123=82151-200
University of Nottingham=136108101-150
Queen Mary University of London=141=120201-300
University of York=146184301-400
Lancaster University=168=141301-400
University of Liverpool=160=165101-150

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University of Oxford

Globally the University of Oxford stands as the top institution that provides higher education and conducts research. As the oldest English-speaking university it maintains its position as a top university institution. The university stands out through its pioneering research projects which bring substantial value to multiple academic disciplines.

Location

Fees

Popular Courses

Oxford, United Kingdom

$11,700

Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Medical Science

University of Cambridge

Academic excellence and innovation have been pivotal to the University of Cambridge since it established its presence eight centuries ago. Research accomplishments at this institution have led to fundamental global knowledge transformations. The university provides doctoral programs that stand at the highest level while students gain access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and accomplished academic staff.

Location

Fees

Popular Courses

Cambridge, United Kingdom

$10,000-$35,000

Clinical Neuroscience, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Engineering

Imperial College London

The world-class research institution Imperial College London specializes in science engineering and medical studies. The institution allows international students to access PhD education at a budget-friendly rate with quality academic standards preserved. Imperial College London promotes active engagement between innovation and diverse forms of academic collaboration.

Location

Fees

Popular Courses

London, United Kingdom

$33,000

Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Sciences

University College London (UCL)

UCL emerged in 1826 to become a leading multi-faculty institution in the UK through its research-driven PhD initiatives. The philosophy PhD program at the university achieves notable recognition because students receive outstanding supervision opportunities to perform independent research projects.

Location

Fees

Popular Courses

London, United Kingdom

$25,000-$37,000

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, Material Science

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh stands as a leading academic institution in Scotland because of its strong research performance and extensive appeal to global students. The PhD programs at this institution deliver complete coursework combined with specialized subject expertise to prepare future researchers.

Location

Fees

Popular Courses

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

$10,000-$30,000

Medicine, Engineering, Geosciences, Informatics, Mathematics

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester occupies a central position within an industrial metropolitan area where it promotes research excellence through interdisciplinary teamwork and innovation. Students who want to study advanced science and engineering can choose this university because it offers top-level research infrastructure.

Location

Fees

Popular Courses

Manchester, United Kingdom

$24,000-$30,000

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Mathematics

King’s College London

King’s College London stands among the top institutions in the UK for doctoral study by providing more than 180 PhD programs. Students under the university’s focus benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities because medical and pharmaceutical research stands as its core strength alongside expert teaching staff across various academic areas.

Location

Fees

Popular Courses

London, United Kingdom

$35,000-$45,000

Pharmaceutical Science, Medical Science, Life Science

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

LSE stands as a globally respected social sciences institution that provides doctoral programs in law journalism and communication fields. The student body at LSE features an international composition where 55% of its students come from overseas backgrounds thereby making it an ideal research destination for global policy and governance impact.

Location

Fees

Popular Courses

London, United Kingdom

$20,000

Communication, Social Science, Law, Journalism

University of Bristol

Research-driven education stands out at the University of Bristol which delivers an active educational setting to support its students. Students studying at this institution build skills through their PhD programs that prepare them for achieving research career success along with intellectual personal and social development.

Location

Fees

Popular Courses

Bristol, United Kingdom

$25,000-$35,000

Medical Science, Biochemistry, Physiology, Biological Science

Newcastle University

The employment-oriented educational approach at Newcastle University leads to good-paying career opportunities for its graduates. The university adjusts its doctoral studies to address contemporary scientific obstacles which provides both advanced resources to students and top-level research preparation.

Location

Fees

Popular Courses

Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

$30,000-$35,000

Medical Science, Bio-Engineering

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