Leading lights: which unis are on the up in the University Guide?
A close look at this year’s league tables reveals stories of great improvement at some institutions, while others excel at particular subjects
It’s not just the dreaming spires of ancient institutions that top the guide – modern universities are catching up. The University of Essex has climbed to 23rd overall after four years of improvement, especially around ensuring there are more teachers per student, resulting in a big increase in grades. City, University of London, meanwhile, has reached joint 38th thanks to satisfying students with its teaching and assessment. The University of East London has also improved in these areas, particularly in psychology and nursing, which propelled its institutional position from 96th to 56th. Sunderland University, too, only entered the top 50 two years, ago, but has now powered up to 33rd thanks to improving the student experience on its courses.
