Complete University Guide - Cambridge ranked No. 1

According to the Complete University Guide 2019, Cambridge is ranked No. 1 in the UK, followed by Oxford in 2nd place, London School of Economics in 3rd place, Imperial College London in 4th place, and St Andrews in 5th place.

Cambridge

Cambridge University retains its position as the top university in the UK, according to the Complete University Guide 2019. Cambridge has long been considered one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. It is renowned for its rigorous academic standards, world-class faculty, and the exceptional quality of its research output. The university’s success in the rankings is attributed to its strong academic performance across all disciplines, outstanding graduate prospects, and high levels of student satisfaction.

Cambridge’s performance is also underpinned by its innovative research programs and partnerships with industry leaders, providing students with valuable opportunities for career development. As a result, it continues to attract talented students from across the globe, maintaining its position as the ultimate destination for those seeking an intellectually stimulating environment and an education that offers exceptional career opportunities.

Oxford

Oxford University, closely following Cambridge in second place, remains one of the most prestigious and respected institutions in the world. Known for its historic traditions, rigorous academic programs, and outstanding research output, Oxford consistently ranks highly in global university rankings. In the Complete University Guide 2019, Oxford's continued success is attributed to its strong focus on academic excellence, its exceptional graduate employment rates, and its emphasis on developing well-rounded students who can thrive in their careers after graduation.

Oxford offers a wide range of programs across multiple disciplines, and its tutorial system of teaching—where students receive personalized instruction from world-leading experts in their fields—sets it apart from other universities. The university’s close-knit academic community, extensive resources, and support for independent learning contribute to its continued success and reputation for producing future leaders and innovators.

London School of Economics (LSE)

The London School of Economics (LSE) claims the third spot in the 2019 rankings, reaffirming its position as the leading university for social sciences in the UK. Known for its focus on economics, politics, law, and international relations, LSE is widely regarded as one of the world’s best universities for students interested in pursuing careers in business, finance, law, and policy. The university has an exceptional track record of producing influential leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to society.

LSE’s continued high ranking reflects its world-class faculty, the diversity of its student body, and the strong links it maintains with global institutions and industries. As one of the most prestigious economics and social sciences schools globally, LSE continues to attract high-achieving students from around the world, further cementing its reputation for academic excellence and its impact on shaping global economic and political discourse.

Imperial College London

Imperial College London takes fourth place in the Complete University Guide 2019, further solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading institutions for science, engineering, medicine, and business. Imperial College has built a reputation for providing cutting-edge research and education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, and its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship has earned it a strong place in global university rankings.

Imperial’s research excellence and close collaboration with industry leaders make it an attractive destination for students looking to pursue careers in fields such as engineering, computer science, and medicine. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, alongside its focus on developing real-world skills, ensure that students are well-prepared for professional success upon graduation.

St Andrews

St Andrews University, securing fifth place in the Complete University Guide 2019, continues to be Scotland’s top university. Known for its strong academic reputation and prestigious history, St Andrews offers a personalized and supportive learning environment that is highly valued by students. The university excels across a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and it is particularly well-regarded for its programs in philosophy, international relations, and the arts.

St Andrews’ commitment to academic excellence, combined with its strong emphasis on student well-being, makes it an attractive choice for students seeking a high-quality education in a picturesque coastal setting. The university’s global reach and strong alumni network also contribute to its continued success and prestige in the UK university rankings.

Loughborough University

Loughborough University has made notable progress in the 2019 Complete University Guide, rising to 7th place in the overall rankings. This marks the third consecutive year that Loughborough has remained in the top ten of the guide. The university’s continued success is due to its strong focus on research, student satisfaction, and graduate employability. Known for its expertise in sports science, engineering, and design, Loughborough offers a dynamic and hands-on learning experience that equips students with the skills needed to excel in their chosen careers.

Loughborough’s commitment to offering a well-rounded education, combined with its world-class facilities and strong links with industry, ensures that students graduate with the necessary experience and qualifications to succeed in the workforce. The university's ranking as the top university in the East Midlands further reflects its growing reputation and influence in the UK higher education sector.

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is ranked 15th in the Complete University Guide 2019, rising two places from the previous year. Bristol’s continued success is driven by its outstanding performance in research intensity, degree completion rates, and student satisfaction. The university’s General Engineering program, ranked first in the country, is a particular highlight, alongside its strong performance in a range of other subjects.

Bristol’s emphasis on research-led teaching and its close collaboration with industry partners ensures that students are exposed to the latest developments in their fields. The university’s high scores in research intensity and its commitment to providing a supportive academic environment make it an attractive choice for prospective students interested in a world-class education.

Swansea University

Swansea University, ranked 39th in the 2019 Complete University Guide, remains the top university in Wales for graduate prospects, with 82.2% of its graduates securing graduate-level employment or pursuing further study. Swansea has made significant strides in improving its rankings, with many of its subjects showing improvement, particularly in areas such as engineering, business, and health sciences.

The university’s strong focus on employability, coupled with its excellent student-staff ratio and supportive academic environment, makes it an appealing choice for students seeking to study in Wales. Swansea’s continued success in the rankings highlights its growing reputation as a university that produces highly employable graduates who are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern workforce.