Complete University Guide 2012 - Top 20 List

The Complete University Guide 2012 marked a year of significant changes and notable achievements for many universities across the UK. This comprehensive ranking system, which assesses institutions based on a range of performance indicators including student satisfaction, research quality, entry standards, and graduate prospects, has cemented the position of Cambridge as the best UK university. The guide placed Cambridge in the top spot, ahead of Oxford, which held its position as the second-best university in the UK, and Imperial College London, securing third place. These rankings reflect the continued prestige and academic excellence that these universities maintain, consistently outperforming their peers and drawing top students from around the world.

Cambridge's position at the top of the guide for 2012 reinforces its reputation as an institution of exceptional academic standards, offering a range of programs across diverse fields of study. The university's strong performance in research output, teaching quality, and graduate employability has been crucial to its continued success. With a long-standing history of academic achievement, Cambridge has long been regarded as a leader in higher education, combining rigorous academic programs with an enriching student experience that fosters intellectual growth and innovation.

Oxford, while maintaining its rank as the second-best UK university, continues to rival Cambridge in terms of global recognition and prestige. The intense competition between these two historical powerhouses has driven them to consistently innovate and uphold their standards. This rivalry has elevated the overall quality of education in the UK, motivating universities to enhance their offerings and invest in both academic and student services. Imperial College London, ranked third, is renowned for its specialized focus on science, engineering, medicine, and business. Its high position in the rankings showcases its strength in research and its ability to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in highly technical and competitive fields.

The University of York, which has historically held a strong position in the rankings, found itself ranked 12th in the 2012 edition, slipping two places from its 10th position in 2011. Despite this change, York remains the top university in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. This is a testament to its continued commitment to providing high-quality education across a range of disciplines. York has been recognized for its strong academic programs and is placed in the top ten for 12 of the 26 subjects it offers. This broad range of subject-specific excellence emphasizes York’s role as a leading institution that is both diverse and comprehensive in its educational offerings. While it may have slipped in the overall ranking, its reputation as a top university in certain fields remains intact, highlighting its importance as a significant educational center in the UK.

Lancaster University emerged as a key highlight of the 2012 guide, securing 9th place overall and being recognized as the top institution in the North West. This placement was a testament to Lancaster's consistent growth and focus on maintaining high academic standards. Lancaster's success is also reflected in its strong performance in specific subject areas, including accounting and finance, where it was ranked 4th, and business studies, which placed 7th. These impressive subject-specific rankings demonstrate Lancaster’s strength in business-related disciplines, a critical area of study for students seeking high employability prospects and industry relevance. The university's continued commitment to academic rigor and student support contributes to its position as a leading educational institution in the UK.

Buckingham University, a private institution, saw a notable shift in its ranking for 2012, dropping from 20th to 42nd. Despite this decline, Buckingham continued to stand out in other areas of the guide, taking the top spot for student satisfaction, graduate prospects, and the ratio of staff to students. These accolades highlight the university’s dedication to creating a positive student experience and ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their future careers. Buckingham’s emphasis on small class sizes, tailored support, and a student-focused approach to education has contributed to its strong performance in these areas, even as its overall ranking slipped. The university's focus on quality education, personalized teaching, and robust student support systems underscores its position as a respected player in the UK higher education landscape.

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) also made significant strides in the 2012 rankings. It was named the top modern university in the North West and improved its overall ranking from 72nd to 65th out of 116 universities. UCLan's progress can be attributed to its investment in facilities, which earned it a 19th-place national ranking and 2nd in the North West. Additionally, UCLan placed 39th nationally and 2nd among North West universities for student satisfaction. This progress is indicative of UCLan’s efforts to prioritize student needs and improve its facilities to enhance the overall student experience. UCLan’s commitment to growth and development, along with its targeted investments, has reinforced its reputation as a leading modern university that provides valuable education and a supportive environment for its students.

The top 20 UK institutions:
1 Cambridge
2 Oxford
3 Imperial College London
4 London School of Economics
5 Durham
6 St Andrews
7 University College London
8 Warwick
9 Lancaster
10 Bath
11 Bristol
12  York
13 Edinburgh
14 Southampton
15 Exeter
16 King's College London
17 Nottingham
18 SOAS
19 Loughborough
19 Sussex
Source: Complete University Guide 2012