The Times Good University Guide 2008 (Top 50)

The 2008 Good University Guide, published by Times Online on August 14, 2007, remains one of the most highly regarded and comprehensive resources for assessing and comparing universities in the United Kingdom. This annual guide ranks 113 UK institutions based on a variety of criteria, from academic performance to student satisfaction, campus facilities, and graduate employability. In the 2008 edition, Oxford and Cambridge maintained their dominant positions as the top two universities in the UK, a trend that has endured for decades. However, the guide also highlights a range of other institutions that have performed exceptionally well across different metrics, offering a broader perspective on the higher education landscape in the UK. Among the top five universities in this ranking are some of the most prestigious institutions not only in the UK but also globally, demonstrating their ability to meet and exceed the expectations of students, faculty, and employers alike.

The University of Oxford once again secured the top spot in the 2008 Good University Guide with an impressive score of 1000, the highest possible score. This marks the continuation of Oxford’s centuries-long reputation for academic excellence. Oxford has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and its dominance in this guide is a reflection of the institution's commitment to maintaining a world-class standard across all aspects of university life. The university is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and a teaching methodology that emphasizes individual tutorials and small-group discussions, which offer students a unique and highly personalized learning experience. Oxford's colleges, which are at the heart of the institution, provide a supportive and close-knit environment for students, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The university’s exceptional performance in this guide is also a testament to its robust research output, which spans a wide range of disciplines, and its outstanding reputation among employers who seek Oxford graduates for their intellectual acumen and critical thinking abilities.

Cambridge University, closely following Oxford with a score of 995, continues to be Oxford's closest competitor in academic prestige and performance. Like Oxford, Cambridge boasts a rich history, having been founded in 1209, and it shares many similarities in its academic culture, particularly its collegiate system, which fosters both competition and camaraderie among students. The university's consistently high ranking in this guide underscores its unparalleled strength across a range of academic disciplines, from science and technology to the arts and humanities. Cambridge is home to some of the world's most famous academic departments, such as its Mathematics and Physics faculties, which regularly rank among the best in the world. In addition to its academic excellence, Cambridge also offers a dynamic research environment, with numerous institutes and research centers that attract leading scholars and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries. Cambridge’s global reputation for academic rigor, coupled with its history of producing some of the world’s most influential thinkers and leaders, ensures that it remains firmly entrenched as one of the world’s top educational institutions.

Imperial College London, with a score of 960, secured the third position in the 2008 Good University Guide, reinforcing its status as one of the UK’s premier institutions, particularly in science, engineering, medicine, and business. Imperial College's focus on research and innovation sets it apart from many other universities. It has been consistently ranked highly in global university rankings, especially for its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, which are considered some of the best in the world. Imperial’s location in the heart of London provides students with access to a vibrant academic and professional environment, which enhances their educational experience. The college’s collaboration with industry and its strong ties to major corporations and research institutions allow students to gain practical, hands-on experience while pursuing their studies. With its world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a track record of groundbreaking research, Imperial College continues to be an attractive destination for students seeking to make an impact in fields that are shaping the future of technology, health, and engineering.

The London School of Economics (LSE) came in fourth place in the 2008 guide, with a score of 915. LSE has long been recognized as one of the world’s leading institutions for the study of economics, politics, law, and social sciences. Its high ranking reflects the institution’s strong emphasis on critical thinking, empirical research, and social theory, which attracts some of the brightest minds from around the world. LSE’s faculty includes some of the most influential scholars in the fields of economics, international relations, sociology, and political science, making it a highly respected institution both in the UK and internationally. Located in the heart of London, LSE also benefits from its proximity to key political, financial, and cultural institutions, providing students with unique opportunities to engage with the world’s most influential leaders and thinkers. The school’s global alumni network, which includes numerous heads of state, Nobel laureates, and business leaders, further enhances LSE’s prestige and its role in shaping global discourse and policy.

The University of St Andrews, with a score of 841, rounds out the top five in the 2008 Good University Guide, securing its position as one of the best universities in the UK. St Andrews is located in the picturesque town of St Andrews in Scotland, and it is best known for its outstanding programs in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. The university’s commitment to academic rigor and its personalized approach to teaching, with small class sizes and close relationships between students and faculty, make it a standout institution. St Andrews has a reputation for providing an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment, which allows students to thrive both academically and personally. The university’s exceptional performance in this guide can also be attributed to its strong research output, particularly in the fields of history, international relations, and philosophy. St Andrews continues to attract a diverse student body from across the UK and around the world, who are drawn to the university’s academic prestige, historical significance, and vibrant campus life.
The Top 50 are listed below:

Max scores 1000
1 Oxford 1000
2 Cambridge 995
3 Imperial College 960
4 London School of Economics 915
5 St Andrews 841
6 Uni College London 832
7 Warwick 813
8 Bristol 811
9 Durham 810
10 King's College London 777
11 Bath 764
12 Loughborough 755
13 Edinburgh 742
14 Southampton 738
15 Aston 734
16 York 733
17 Exeter 726
18 School of Oriental and African Studies 722
19 Nottingham 721
20 East Anglia 709
21 Leicester 705
22 Sheffield 699
23 Newcastle 694
24 Royal Holloway 688
25 Reading 683
26 Birmingham 678
27 Lancaster 670
28 Cardiff 658
29 Manchester 656
30 Leeds 653
31 Glasgow 650
32 Aberdeen 648
33 Queen's Belfast 626
34 Liverpool 625
35 Sussex 621
36 Essex 611
37 Stirling 609
38 Kent 608
39 Aberystwyth 607
40 Surrey 603
=40 City 603
42 Queen Mary, London 599
=42 Hull 599
44 Strathclyde 598
45 Heriot-Watt 551
46 Swansea 531
47 Bangor 530
48 Bradford 519
49 Oxford Brookes 512
50 Dundee 502

Another very interesting Univ Statistics:

Top for graduate salaries in full-time work (05/06)

1.London School of Economics and Political Science (£27,694)
2.Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine (£26,822)
3.St George's, U of London (£26,655)
4.Cranfield Uni (£26,132)
5.King's College London (£23,782)
6.Uni College London (£23,614)
7.The Royal Veterinary College (£23,544)
8.Queen Mary (£23,491)
9.City Univ (£23,117)
10.U of Cambridge (£22,910)
* LSE tops the list for the highest graduate salaries in full-time work, followed by Imperial.