The best UK universities to study at for graduate social mobility 24.03.2026

The University of Bradford has been recognized as England's leading institution for graduate social mobility in the 2025 annual rankings, an index compiled by London South Bank University (LSBU) that assesses how effectively universities support socio-economically disadvantaged students from enrollment through to post-graduation success. This comprehensive analysis, published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), considers undergraduate access, continuation rates, and subsequent graduate outcomes, including median salaries weighted for regional differences. Aston University and the University of Wolverhampton secured second and third place respectively, with several West Midlands universities, including Birmingham Newman University (fourth) and Birmingham City University (seventh), also featuring prominently. Top Russell Group institutions like Imperial College London, the London School of Economics, and King’s College London ranked eighth, 10th, and 11th. Professor Antony Moss of LSBU highlighted persistent inequalities in access and outcomes for disadvantaged learners, urging institutions to enhance their efforts.

















