Marvin OnumonuThe London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has taken the top spot in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 for a second year in a row.
The University of St Andrews ranked second, with Durham University in third place.
Oxford and Cambridge shared fourth place, marking the first time in 32 years that neither has been in the top three.
Durham was named university of the year after moving up from fifth last year.
Imperial College London came sixth, followed by Bath, Warwick, University College London and Bristol.
Strathclyde was just outside the top 10 but named runner-up university of the year.
Regional winners included the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in London, Durham in the North and North East, Cambridge in the East, Warwick in the Midlands, Bath in the South West, Oxford in the South East and Queen’s Belfast in Northern Ireland.
Other universities that made the top 20 included Loughborough University, University of Sheffield, University of Exeter, Lancaster University, University of Birmingham, University of Southampton, University of Liverpool, King’s College London and University of York.
The guide’s rankings are based on analysis of student satisfaction with teaching quality and experience, entry standards, research quality, sustainability and graduate prospects.
Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, said: “Durham is an outstanding place to study. We ensure that every student can grow and thrive here.
“Our loyal, engaged alumni are testament to the impressive career prospects that await our graduates.”
Full results are due to be published in a 96-page supplement with The Sunday Times on 21st September.
Deborah Longworth, pro-vice-chancellor (education) at the University of Birmingham, said: “As we celebrate our 125th anniversary this year, I’m delighted that Birmingham has been recognised in these latest Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide rankings.
“We have made the biggest rise among the top 30 universities in the UK, climbing up to 16th place, for which we have also been Highly Commended as University of the Year 2026.
“These latest rankings reflect our ongoing commitment to improving the experience for every student.”
Longworth added: “We continue to deliver the highest quality academic experience – stretching and challenging our students to achieve a degree that will enhance professional opportunities around the world, and to contribute to society as leaders, innovators, and global citizens.”
Lisa Roberts, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Exeter, said: “It’s great to see the University of Exeter retain its top 15 position in these rankings, showing that we continue to deliver high-quality education and research as we strive to address the challenges of creating a greener, healthier, fairer society.
“To be considered as one of the top two most sustainable universities in the country shows the enormous strides we have made to respond to the climate emergency and ecological crisis, and to instil the principles of sustainability across our academic endeavours.”
