UK University Rankings See a Shift: Oxford and Cambridge Fall Out of Top Three Positions for the First Time
Top Universities Recognised in the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 has revealed the top-ranked universities in the UK, with some unexpected changes in the rankings.
For the second year in a row, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has claimed the number one spot, maintaining its position at the top. The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, traditionally at the forefront, have not made it to the top three this year, marking a significant shift in the university rankings.
Instead, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge share the fourth position, a slight dip from their usual dominance. Durham University, on the other hand, has risen to third place, displacing LSE from the top three. Durham University's Vice-Chancellor (Universitätsleiterin), Professor Karen O'Brien, presided over this achievement when Durham University was ranked number 3.
Several other universities have also been recognised for their achievements. The University of Warwick is ranked eighth, while the University of Bath comes in seventh. The University of Bristol and University College London are ranked tenth and ninth respectively.
The University of St Andrews, meanwhile, has secured the second position in the guide, a notable achievement for the institution. Imperial College London is ranked sixth, and the University of Strathclyde is named runner-up University of the Year.
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 is based on analysis of student satisfaction with teaching quality and experience, entry standards, research quality, sustainability, and graduate prospects. The guide, which has been published since 1993 (The Times) and 1998 (The Sunday Times), aims to provide comprehensive and reliable information to help students make informed decisions about their university choices.
Competition to get a place at top-ranked institutions continues to grow, leaving some lower-tariff universities with recruitment challenges. Despite this, the guide recognises universities from across the UK, highlighting the diversity and quality of higher education institutions in the country.
Several regional universities have also been recognised for their achievements. LSE, Durham, Cambridge, Warwick, Bath, Oxford, and Queen's Belfast University are named regional universities of the year in their respective regions. This recognition underscores the importance of regional universities in providing high-quality education and contributing to the local communities.
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