LSE Tops, Durham Climbs in Rankings as per Times' UK Good University Guide 2026

The UK University Guide 2026, published by The Times and The Sunday Times, has revealed this year’s top performers in the world of higher education. Considered one of the most comprehensive university rankings in the UK, the guide provides students and parents with in-depth insights into academic quality, best universities in the UK, student experience, graduate employability, and available scholarships and bursaries that UK institutions offer.

Key Highlights from Times’ UK University Rankings 2026

• Durham University was crowned University of the Year 2026 and also earned titles such as University of the Year in the North & Northeast, as well as runner-up for Graduate Employment. It climbed two places, from fifth to third, on metrics including teaching quality, student satisfaction, and graduate outcomes.
  
  
• LSE retained its No. 1 spot and added further distinctions: University of the Year for Academic Performance, Russell Group University of the Year, University of the Year in London, and joint runner-up for Graduate Employment.
  
  
• St Andrews held firm in second place, lauded for consistency in research and student experience.
  
  
• Together, Oxford and Cambridge slipped to a joint fourth position, marking a rare deviation from their usual dominance.
  
  

Other notable awards included:

• Imperial College London: University of the Year for Graduate Employment.
  
  
• University of Reading: University of the Year for Scholarships and Bursaries.
  
  
• Manchester Metropolitan University: Modern University of the Year 2026.
  
  
• University of Strathclyde: Runner-up University of the Year 2026.

UK University Ranking Metrics by Times

The guide assessed 133 UK universities using a broad range of data, including UCAS entry scores, degree results (firsts and 2:1s), graduate employment rates, continuation rates (i.e. retention into year two), and student satisfaction. 

In remarks, Helen Davies, editor of the Good University Guide, noted:

“In a very competitive top ten, Durham has climbed two places in a year, which is a significant achievement. In doing so, it has outdone both Oxford and Cambridge.” 

She also observed challenges: as elite universities become more competitive, some lower-tariff institutions may struggle to recruit students. 

The 2026 guide also introduced regional awards and a new category for UK scholarships and bursaries, aiming to highlight access, financial support, and diversity across the sector. 

Institutional Perspectives

Durham’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O’Brien, praised the institution’s supportive environment and commitment to opportunity:

“We ensure that every student can grow and thrive here through a range of scholarships and one of the most generous bursary schemes in the country. We are supporting students to come here and participate in the wider opportunities available to them at Durham.” 

Her comments emphasised the role of diversity and inclusion efforts, especially in drawing underrepresented and regional students

Broader Significance & Trends

• The departure of Oxford and Cambridge from the top three is symbolic. It reflects shifting priorities: institutions that combine strong teaching, student experience, and employment outcomes are rising in esteem.
  
  
• The introduction of awards by region (e.g. University of the Year in the North & Northeast) and for Scholarships & Bursaries suggests an increasing emphasis on equity, access, and geographic balance in higher education.
  
  
• As lower-tariff and less well-known universities face recruitment pressures, the guide underscores the importance of clear differentiation through teaching quality, student support, and outcomes in attracting applicants.
  
  

Looking Ahead

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 reinforces the UK’s reputation for academic excellence while spotlighting the challenges universities face. As international demand grows and government policies evolve, universities must balance accessibility, affordability, and world-class teaching to stay ahead.