Everything You Need To Know About UK University Rankings
More than one in two young adults under 30 are pursuing higher education [1]. But with so many universities to choose from, how do you select the right institution?
The good news is university league tables have done some of the hard work for you. But, if you’re confused about how university rankings work and what they really show, we’ve explained how you can use them before making a final decision.
What different university rankings are there?
The most esteemed university rankings in the UK are published by The Sunday Times, The Complete University, The Guardian and Times Higher Education.
It’s important to bear in mind that different league tables favour some factors more than others. For instance, The Guardian’s league table ranks students’ satisfaction rate with teaching and assessment highly, whereas The Sunday Times prioritises the research quality of the university.
As a rule of thumb, check two or three league tables as a minimum before making a final decision. If possible, it’s always best to visit the university in person once you’ve narrowed down your choices to find out if you can see yourself studying there before submitting an application.
Subject tables
If you’re applying for a subject with a clear career destination, the ranking of the subject, as opposed to the university itself, might be more significant. According to The Complete University, the University of Leeds is one of the top three places to study Accounting and Finance[2]. Whereas if you’re studying Medicine, Leeds University doesn’t make the top 20[3]. Institutions can vary widely in terms of where they rank on the league table for specific subjects, so put aside some time to do your research once you have decided on your area of study.
Undergraduate versus postgraduate study
The experience of students can differ from undergraduate to Master’s level so avoid automatically selecting an institution based on how it ranks for undergraduate study.
Getting out of your comfort zone by choosing a different university for your postgraduate studies could be great for networking as you’ll be able to spread your wings and forge connections elsewhere. As well as reflecting on your undergraduate experience, try and speak with alumni from the universities (and ideally, courses) you are considering to gain different perspectives before making a final decision so that you are making an informed choice.
Consider the bigger picture
If you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree, you will have a strong flavour of university life. For instance, you might realise that living near your family is important to you. If this is the case, the location of where you study at the postgraduate level could have as much weighting as where a university ranks on a league table.
Take a look at the modules covered in each course at different universities to identify which topics are most relevant to your career aspirations. If you value face time with your lecturers, find out how many lectures and seminars you can expect. Whereas, if you prefer coursework to exams, take the time to check how you will be assessed.
Naturally, budget considerations may play a role too, so if you are planning on studying away from where you live, it is a good idea to ask your prospective university department for a general guide of costs that you can expect per month. Be aware that studying in London can be much more expensive and that student accommodation providers can typically charge more[4]. For more information, read about the hidden costs of postgraduate student life in one of our earlier posts.
Russell Group
If you have a strong academic record, a Russell Group University is likely to be a natural choice. There are currently 24 universities belonging to the Russell Group including universities such as the London School of Economics, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge amongst others[5]. Russell Group universities have a shared focus on research, and a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and its members are usually amongst the top of the university league tables.
[1] Participation Rates in Higher Education: 2017-18, Department for Education
[2] Subject League Table: 2021, Complete University Guide
[3] Subject League Table: 2021, Complete University Guide
[4] Should you study in London?: 2017, The Uni Guide
[5] Russell Group comprises University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, University of Exeter, University of Glasgow, Imperial College London, King’s College London, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, London School of Economics & Political Science, University of Manchester, Newcastle University, University of Nottingham, University of Oxford, Queen Mary, University of London, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Sheffield, University of Southampton, University College London, University of Warwick and University of York