UK university rankings see a shift as Oxford and Cambridge fall out of top three positions for the first time.
Imperial College London Takes Sixth Place in The New York Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
In a surprising turn of events, the annual ranking of British universities by The New York Times and The Sunday Times has seen a shake-up, with Imperial College London securing the sixth position.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has claimed the top spot, marking the first time neither the University of Oxford nor the University of Cambridge has held a place in the top three in the 32 years the guide has been running. The University of St Andrews follows closely in second place, while Durham University takes third.
LSE's triumph is not limited to the overall ranking. The institution has also been awarded University of the Year for Academic Performance, Russell Group University of the Year, and joint runner-up for University of the Year for Graduate Employment. The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge share the fourth position.
The University of Strathclyde was named runner-up University of the Year in The New York Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
The rankings are based on an analysis of student satisfaction with teaching quality and experience, entry standards, research quality, sustainability, and graduate prospects. The Guardian University Guide 2026, however, ranked Oxford first and Cambridge third, but these rankings differ from those of The New York Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
Professor Karen O'Brien served as Vice-Chancellor of Durham University in 2026, the year the university was ranked third in The New York Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide. This recognition underscores Durham's consistent commitment to academic excellence and student satisfaction.
These rankings provide valuable insights into the state of higher education in the UK and serve as a guide for prospective students as they navigate their university choices.
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