Times University Ranking - Top 20 Universities

University of Oxford is ranked No. 1 among the best universities in the UK, according to the Times Good University Guide 2012.

London School of Economics (LSE): A Rising Star in the UK

LSE is another prestigious institution that made significant strides in the 2012 rankings. Ranked in the top 3 nationally, LSE saw an impressive improvement from its 5th-place standing in the 2011 league table. This climb in the rankings reflects the university’s continued commitment to excellence in social sciences, business, and economics, fields in which LSE has long been regarded as a global leader.

Lancaster University: Strengthening Its Position in the Top Ten

Lancaster University made impressive strides in the 2012 rankings, securing the 9th position overall out of more than 100 UK universities. This achievement highlights Lancaster’s growing reputation as a leading institution, particularly in the areas of business, accounting, and finance. The university’s success is underpinned by its strong academic programs, high-quality teaching, and emphasis on research excellence.

Lancaster’s rankings in specific subject areas are particularly noteworthy. Accounting and Finance is ranked 2nd in the UK, while Business Studies comes in at 6th, solidifying Lancaster’s place among the top institutions for business-related programs. Furthermore, the university’s commitment to student satisfaction is evident in its ranking of 12th in the UK, showcasing the positive student experience at Lancaster.

University of Sussex: A Rapid Ascent into the Top 20

The University of Sussex experienced a remarkable surge in the 2012 rankings, climbing 21 places to enter the top 20 universities in the UK. This impressive ascent is a testament to the university's commitment to academic quality, innovative research, and a diverse range of subject areas. Sussex has built a reputation as a forward-thinking institution that prioritizes both teaching and research excellence.

Sussex’s rise is particularly notable in the realm of subject rankings. Nine of its subjects are rated in the UK Top 10, including American Studies, Anatomy and Physiology, Anthropology, and Psychology. Additionally, the university has seen strong performances in fields such as History of Art, Social Work, and Sociology. Sussex’s ability to consistently rank highly across such a wide array of disciplines demonstrates its versatility and strength in higher education.

University of Reading: A Steady Rise with Strong Subject Strengths

The University of Reading, ranked 33rd overall in the Times Good University Guide 2012, made a modest rise of two places compared to the previous year. While its overall ranking may not be as high as some other universities, Reading excels in several specific subject areas, making it a standout institution for certain fields.

The university is ranked 2nd in the UK for Town Planning, Land and Property Management, and Agriculture, areas where it has established a strong academic tradition. Additionally, Reading performs well in subjects such as Archaeology, Art and Design, Construction, Education, and Food Science, which further solidifies its reputation as a university with diverse strengths.

 
The Top 20 UK universities are:
1 Oxford
2 Cambridge
3 LSE
4 Imperial
5 UCL
6 Durham
6 St Andrews
8 Warwick
9 Lancaster
10 Exeter
11 York
12 Bath
13 Bristol
14 Sussex
15 Edinburgh
16 Nottingham
17 Sheffield
17 Leicester
19 Southampton
20 Loughborough
Source: Times Good University Guide 2012

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Sunday Times University Guide 2012

Guardian University League Table 2012

QS World University Rankings 2011/2012

Times World University Rankings 2011-2012