Best UK Universities for Tourism, Transport, Travel & Heritage Studies 2027 — Complete University Guide Rankings

A refreshed 2027 table (published 2 June 2026) ranking 53 universities; we present the top 20. The subject spans tourism, hospitality, events, leisure and sports management. The University of Surrey leads with 100 overall.

Top 20 — Tourism, Transport, Travel & Heritage Studies

Rank	University	Overall	Entry	Satisfaction	Research	Grad Prospects
1	University of Surrey	100	66	80	84	58
2	University of Strathclyde	97	100	83	n/a	68
3	Edge Hill University	97	59	83	73	n/a
4	Aberystwyth University	94	57	83	65	n/a
5	Leeds Beckett University	94	55	82	81	68
6	University of Winchester	94	60	82	64	80
7	Arts University Bournemouth	93	59	77	64	82
8	Manchester Metropolitan University	93	60	80	77	62
9	University of Stirling	93	80	78	79	48
10	University of Plymouth	91	64	81	70	54
11	University of Chichester	90	54	81	73	68
12	Sheffield Hallam University	90	59	76	80	56
13	University of Essex	89	47	83	75	72
14	Northumbria University	89	66	74	70	50
15	University of Chester	89	65	75	64	66
16	University of Staffordshire	88	52	82	75	60
17	University of Gloucestershire	88	52	80	69	68
18	Bournemouth University	87	54	75	77	62
19	University of Lincoln	87	52	81	70	60
20	University of Brighton	86	50	78	78	76

Analysis

This refreshed 2027 table is overwhelmingly post-92 and specialist in character, with the University of Surrey — home to a globally renowned hospitality and tourism school — leading on 100 overall and the best research quality (84). Strathclyde records maximum entry standards (100) and the highest satisfaction (83).

A defining and cautionary feature is the comparatively low and variable graduate-prospects column (48–82), the weakest of any subject in this set, reflecting the seasonal, service-sector nature of tourism and hospitality employment — a crucial consideration for fee-paying international students assessing return on investment. Student satisfaction, by contrast, is consistently strong (74–83), indicating engaging, practically oriented courses.

The table features almost no Russell Group institutions, underscoring that this is an applied, industry-facing field where vocational links, placements and specialist facilities (Arts University Bournemouth, Leeds Beckett, Winchester) matter more than research prestige. Entry standards are highly accessible (47–100).

For students targeting careers in events, heritage management or international hospitality, the satisfaction and research columns identify the strongest programmes, while the prospects column flags the importance of internships and networking.

Agent Scholarship Options

The following table highlights the top UK universities for Tourism, Transport, Travel & Heritage Studies based on the Complete University Guide 2027 rankings, matched with their corresponding “Agent Scholarship” or pathway opportunities. Eligible international students can apply through these links to secure exclusive corporate scholarships.

Tourism, Transport, Travel & Heritage Studies Rank (2027)	University Name	Agent Scholarship / Pathway Page Link
1	University of Surrey	University of Surrey Pathway Agent Scholarship
2	University of Strathclyde	University of Strathclyde International Study Centre (ISC) Agent Scholarship
5	Leeds Beckett University	Leeds Beckett University Pathway Agent Scholarship
8	Manchester Metropolitan University	The University of Manchester Pathway (INTO Manchester) Agent Scholarship

Notes:

Manchester Metropolitan University utilizes the INTO Manchester center for its pathway provision, so the associated INTO Manchester scholarship link has been provided.

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