Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - Sep 15, 2025
The Guardian University Guide 2026 has released its annual UK university rankings, with the University of Oxford once again securing the top spot. In a major shift, the University of St Andrews overtook Cambridge to claim second place, while Durham entered the top five. The list also saw unexpected performances from the University of the Arts London (UAL) and University of Bath, both breaking into the top 10 despite being outside the Russell Group. Also Read
Top 10 UK universities – Guardian University Guide 2026
| Rank | University Name |
|---|---|
| #1 | University of Oxford |
| #2 | University of St Andrews |
| #3 | University of Cambridge |
| #4 | London School of Economics (LSE) |
| #5 | Durham University |
| #6 | Imperial College London |
| #7 | University of Warwick |
| #8 | University of Bath |
| #9 | University of the Arts London (UAL) |
| #10 | University College London (UCL) |
The University of Oxford has held on to its No. 1 position, continuing its dominance from previous years. However, the University of St Andrews climbed to second place, surpassing Cambridge, which slipped to third. This shift highlights the growing reputation of St Andrews, especially for teaching quality and student satisfaction.
Rise of UAL and Bath
One of the most unexpected developments was the University of the Arts London (UAL) entering the top 10 at ninth place. This is a significant jump compared to the Complete University Guide 2025, where UAL ranked 33rd with one of the lowest employability scores. Similarly, the University of Bath ranked eighth, showcasing its strong performance in graduate employability and teaching satisfaction, further supported by positive results in other national rankings.
Methodology behind Guardian rankings
The Guardian University Guide bases its rankings on multiple indicators, including:
- Teaching quality and student satisfaction
- Dropout rates
- Graduate career outcomes
This focus on teaching experience and student success often results in different outcomes compared to other league tables, such as the Complete University Guide or Times Higher Education Rankings.
For Indian students considering studying in the UK, these rankings highlight new opportunities beyond traditional Russell Group universities. Institutions like St Andrews, Bath, and UAL are climbing the charts due to their focus on teaching quality and career outcomes, making them attractive choices alongside Oxford and Cambridge.
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