Philosophy and linguistics ranked in UK top 20
12 June 2026
Philosophy and linguistics at Cardiff University have both been ranked 14th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2027.
The annual rankings provide independent comparative analysis of universities and subjects across the UK.
The results place both subjects in the UK top 20 and recognise Cardiff’s strengths in teaching, research and the student experience.
Philosophy rose seven places in this year’s rankings. The subject scored strongly for research quality, student satisfaction and continuation.
Linguistics also placed 14th in the UK and recorded a continuation score of 100, the highest possible score in this measure.
Philosophy and linguistics both make an important contribution to the University’s arts, humanities and social sciences community. Through research-led teaching and critical enquiry, students explore questions about aesthetics, ethics, language, meaning, knowledge, communication, identity and society.
Professor Mark Llewellyn, currently Head of the School of English, Communication and Philosophy and soon to be Joint Head of the new School of Global Humanities, where philosophy and linguistics will sit, said: “This ranking is a real reflection of the strength, ambition and commitment of our staff and students.
“To see philosophy and linguistics both ranked 14th in the UK recognises the quality of our teaching and research, and the way our community continues to explore important questions about aesthetics, culture, language, meaning, knowledge, communication and society.
“We’re proud to see both subjects recognised in the UK top 20, and to see the contribution they make to the University’s wider arts, humanities and social sciences community.”
Across the University, 29 subjects were ranked in the UK top 20 in the Complete University Guide 2027, with 12 placed in the top 10.
Cardiff University was ranked joint 27th in the UK and remains the highest ranked university in Wales.
From August 2026, philosophy and linguistics will be part of the new School of Global Humanities, which brings together the humanities disciplines ranging from music to archaeology, literature and history, to explore global cultures, ideas, values and experiences to better understand what it means to be human.