Independent Good University Guide (UK)

The Independent Good University Guide Ranking of 2009, one of the leading sources of higher education rankings in the UK, reflects the academic excellence, research prowess, and global standing of the country’s top universities. This guide provides an insightful analysis of the educational landscape, based on a broad set of criteria that include student satisfaction, teaching quality, research output, employability, and other factors that contribute to an institution's reputation. In this particular ranking, the universities at the top were Oxford, Cambridge, the London School of Economics (LSE), Imperial College London, and Warwick. These institutions are recognized for their exceptional academic performance, groundbreaking research, and world-class facilities, and their standing in the 2009 Independent Good University Guide underscores their leadership within higher education both in the UK and internationally.

The University of Oxford claimed the top spot in the 2009 rankings, solidifying its position as one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the world. Oxford’s global reputation is unmatched, with a history dating back over 900 years, during which it has cultivated a tradition of academic excellence that spans every discipline. The university's tutorial-based system, in which students engage in one-on-one discussions with tutors, provides an educational experience that is deeply personalized and intellectually rigorous. This unique form of teaching fosters critical thinking, encourages independent learning, and builds close relationships between students and faculty. Furthermore, Oxford’s commitment to research, with a faculty composed of leading scholars across a wide range of subjects, has resulted in groundbreaking discoveries that shape global knowledge in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Its alumni network includes numerous Nobel laureates, political leaders, business magnates, and other influential figures, reinforcing the university’s status as a leader in higher education. The 2009 ranking is a testament to Oxford’s enduring academic strength, its commitment to providing a transformative educational experience, and its ability to remain at the forefront of higher learning.

Cambridge University, consistently ranked as one of the world’s best universities, closely followed Oxford in the 2009 Independent Good University Guide. The two universities have long shared a historical rivalry, with both institutions offering exceptional programs and producing graduates who shape the intellectual and professional landscape globally. Like Oxford, Cambridge’s collegiate system creates a close-knit community of scholars, providing a unique environment for learning and personal growth. Cambridge is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and has long been a center of research excellence. Its departments in science, mathematics, engineering, economics, and humanities are internationally respected, and its research output continues to drive innovation in various fields. Cambridge also maintains a strong focus on interdisciplinary research, fostering collaboration between departments and institutions to address complex global challenges. The 2009 ranking reflects Cambridge’s continued prominence as a leader in education and research, and its ability to attract top talent from around the world.

The London School of Economics (LSE) shares the third position in the 2009 ranking with Imperial College London, both of which are prominent players in their respective fields. LSE has established itself as the leading institution in the UK for the study of social sciences, particularly economics, politics, sociology, law, and management. The school is renowned for its academic rigor, with an emphasis on research-led teaching and a critical, analytical approach to understanding complex social and economic issues. LSE’s faculty includes some of the world’s foremost scholars in economics and political science, and the school’s reputation for producing influential graduates is well-established. Its alumni include Nobel laureates, heads of state, and leading figures in business, finance, and academia. Located in the heart of London, LSE offers students unparalleled opportunities for networking, internships, and engagement with key policymakers and global leaders. The school’s strategic location also enhances its focus on global issues, particularly those related to international economics, finance, and governance, making it a hub for students seeking to address the most pressing challenges of the modern world.

Imperial College London, also ranked third in the 2009 Independent Good University Guide, is one of the world’s leading institutions in science, technology, engineering, and medicine (STEM). Known for its cutting-edge research and innovation, Imperial College has consistently been at the forefront of technological advancement, particularly in areas such as biomedical science, engineering, and environmental sustainability. Its strong focus on interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry ensures that its students are not only equipped with the knowledge necessary to excel in their fields but also gain practical experience that enhances their career prospects. The college’s world-class facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, provide students with the tools to engage in groundbreaking scientific research. Imperial’s close connections with the business and technology sectors in London and beyond also allow students to build a robust professional network that serves them well in their future careers. In addition, the university’s entrepreneurial focus and commitment to fostering innovation have made it a top destination for students interested in shaping the future of technology and business.

Warwick University, ranked fifth in the 2009 Independent Good University Guide, is another institution that has consistently performed well in UK university rankings. Known for its strong academic programs and outstanding research output, Warwick has built a reputation as a leading center for business, economics, engineering, and the humanities. The university’s management school is one of the top business schools in the UK, and its economics department is highly regarded for its research and teaching. Warwick also offers a diverse range of programs, allowing students to engage in a wide array of academic disciplines and gain exposure to global perspectives. With a commitment to providing students with the skills necessary for success in the global job market, Warwick’s strong emphasis on employability and its extensive alumni network make it a popular choice for students seeking both a world-class education and excellent career prospects.

Independent Good University Guide Ranking 2009

Col. 1, Rank 2009
Col. 2, (Rank 2008)
Col. 3, Institution
1 (2) Oxford
2 (1) Cambridge
3 (4) London School of Economics
3 (3) Imperial College
5 (8) Warwick
6 (10) Durham
7 (5) St Andrews
8 (6) University College London
9 (24) SOAS
10 (19) Lancaster
11 (14) York
12 (20) Leicester
13 (11) Loughborough
14 (9) Bath
15 (17) King's College London
16 (14) Nottingham
16 (7) Bristol
16 (30) Glasgow
19 (17) Exeter
20 (20) Southampton
21 (16) Edinburgh
22 (13) Royal Holloway
23 (12) Aston
24 (31) Birmingham
25 (34) Essex
26 (25) Sheffield
27 (23) Newcastle
27 (31) Manchester
29 (26) Sussex
30 (35) Surrey
31 (41) Strathclyde
32 (37) Leeds
33 (20) East Anglia
34 (28) Queen's, Belfast
35 (36) Kent
35 (38) Stirling
37 (27) Cardiff
38 (29) Reading
39 (33) Aberdeen
40 (50) Keele
41 (52) Brunel
42 (41) Liverpool
43 (39) Queen Mary
44 (51) Goldsmiths College
45 (43) Aberystwyth
46 (48) City
47 (47) Swansea
48 (39) Hull
49 (44) Heriot-Watt
49 (49) Bradford
51 (54) Ulster
52 (45) Dundee
52 (56) Nottingham Trent
54 (94) Hertfordshire
55 (46) Bangor
56 (66) Bournemouth
56 (59) University of the Arts, London
58 (73) Gloucestershire
59 (53) Oxford Brookes
60 (76) Portsmouth
61 (55) Robert Gordon
62 (101) West of Scotland
63 (63) Central Lancashire
64 (88) De Montfort
65 (74) UWIC, Cardiff
66 (77) West of England
67 (69) Brighton
68 (89) Abertay Dundee
69 (67) Birmingham City
70 (57) Plymouth
71 (79) Chichester
71 (62) Salford
73 (75) Northumbria
74 (71) Winchester
75 (58) Queen Margaret
76 (70) Bath Spa
77 (63) Roehampton
77 (71) Napier
79 (87) Sunderland
80 (78) Sheffield Hallam
80 (80) Staffordshire
82 (107) Middlesex
83 (65) University of Wales, Newport
84 (81) Coventry
85 (86) Bedfordshire
86 (68) Glamorgan
86 #N/A Buckinghamshire New
88 (98) Manchester Metropolitan
89 (82) Kingston
90 (84) Chester
90 (85) Canterbury Christ Church
92 (97) Westminster
93 (83) Worcester
93 (95) Northampton
95 (106) Southampton Solent
96 (61) Glasgow Caledonian
97 (100) York St John
98 (95) Leeds Metropolitan
99 (109) Lincoln
100 (90) Liverpool John Moores
101 (59) Lampeter
102 (99) Teesside
103 (102) Derby
104 (105) Cumbria
105 (91) Huddersfield
105 (93) East London
107 (107) Wolverhampton
107 (110) Edge Hill
109 (104) Anglia Ruskin
110 (103) Thames Valley
111 (113) Greenwich
112 (91) Bolton
113 (112) London South Bank

Source: The Independent