Oxford tops league table for Politics in UK

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) has been named the best in the UK for Politics in the Complete University Guide League Table by Subject 2026. 

Oxford climbed two places from the 2025 rankings to secure the top spot from the University of Cambridge, which fell three places to fourth. 

The Department was graded on various areas including entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects. 

The University is also second in the UK overall, behind the University of Cambridge. 

DPIR's Head of Department David Doyle said: 

“I am absolutely delighted that the Department has been ranked number one in the UK for Politics. 

“It is a testament to the wonderful work of all my colleagues who do their very best to ensure that our research and teaching continues to be delivered at such high standards.” 

The independent editorial team behind the Complete University Guide has compiled university league tables for nearly 30 years. Since 2007, these have been freely available online.