Each year, universities across the UK are ranked in league tables, showcasing the best higher education facilities for specific subjects and student satisfaction. If you’re waiting on your offers for 2024, or preparing to apply for 2025, you might want to take a look at the results so you’re well prepared when it comes to making your final decision.
Choosing your university can be a daunting prospect but knowing how your choices rank against others in the country can help you filter your options.
According to the Complete University Guide, the top five universities in 2024 are:
University of Cambridge
Cambridge boasts a long-standing reputation for being one of the top universities in the world, making it a great choice for students in the UK. It’s also one of the oldest educational establishments, having been a leading academic institute since 1209.
Some of its top courses include engineering, sciences, maths, medicine and linguistics. As well as offering outstanding education, the University of Cambridge also features its own publishing house which releases a wide variety of academic papers, research and peer-reviewed studies.
University of Oxford
Another historical academic institution, the University of Oxford has enjoyed a long and rich history and is still regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious establishments. Popular subjects include business and management, biomedical science, English and history.
The university is also surrounded by an array of museums, attractions and quaint English scenery, giving it a huge appeal for students wanting to study in a thriving location.
London School of Economics and Politics
A leading social science university, the London School of Economics is located in the heart of the capital, in Holborn, and boasts a range of programmes including distance learning, summer schools and language study options.
Its central location makes it a popular choice for those wanting to make the most of city life while its graduate prospects are rated at a respectable 87%.
University of St Andrews
With entry standards of 100%, the University of St Andrews is high on the list of sought-after education. The oldest university in Scotland, this academic establishment was founded in 1410. Students rate their experience as among the best in the UK and there are a wide range of courses on offer including archaeology, divinity and international relations.
Located on the east coast, St Andrews enjoys good transport connections with Edinburgh and Dundee within easy reach.
University of Bath
Situated in the spa city of Bath in Somerset, this university enjoys a great location with rolling hills and incredible architecture. The city is easily accessed from the north and south via the M4 and M5 and boasts great connections with the capital. There are also great transport links with surrounding towns, including trains from nearby Chippenham to Bath.
The university is known for its accounting and aerospace courses and has an overall ranking of 89%. It was also awarded triple Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework in 2023.
While university life is not all about facts and figures, knowing the aspects that contribute to the best educational experience for students can help when it comes to deciding on your future academic study.
Ultimately, the facility you choose will depend on a variety of factors including your preferred course, lifestyle and location.
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