Recently, the Complete University Guide (CUG), one of the UK's three most authoritative rankings, released the 2023 UK University Rankings.
This year's ranking includes 130 universities, covering 74 subject areas.
As one of the more recognized rankings in the UK, it provides a good reference for students planning to study in the UK.
Without further ado, let's see if your dream school made the list!
CUG Ranking Criteria
The Complete University Guide is compiled by the Mayfield University Research Institute. This year's CUG ranking is based on 10 criteria:
1. Entry Standards (Entry Tariff) 10%
2. Student Satisfaction 15%
3. Research Quality 10%
4. Research Intensity 5%
5. Graduate Prospects – Outcomes 6.7%
6. Graduate Prospects – On Track 3.3%
7. Student-Staff Ratio 10%
8. Academic Services Spend 5%
9. Facilities Spend 5%
10. Continuation 10%
This year's criteria are largely unchanged, maintaining the same indicators and weightings as previous years.
CUG UK University Rankings Top 10
Overall, the top 10 rankings show little change compared to last year. The University of Oxford continues to hold the top spot in the Complete University Guide, with the University of Cambridge in second place.
The other three G5 institutions performed well, all inside the top 10. The London School of Economics and Political Science and Imperial College London held steady at 3rd and 5th, respectively, while University College London slipped one place to 9th.
Other universities in the top 10 include the University of St Andrews (4th), Durham University (6th), Loughborough University (7th), the University of Bath (8th), and the University of Warwick (10th).
Among these, the University of Bath rose two places, while the University of Warwick dropped one.
CUG UK University Rankings Top 20
The top 20 sees more significant movement this year, with many universities achieving better results than last year.
The University of Southampton, University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, and University of Leeds all climbed the rankings, landing at 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th, respectively.
The University of Surrey made a major leap, soaring 17 places to 18th and cracking the top 20.
The University of Manchester, University of York, and University of Exeter saw slight declines, ranking 17th and tied for 19th, respectively.
Notable Movers
Several universities put in impressive performances and rose significantly in the rankings:
University of Liverpool rose 9 places to 21st
Queen's University Belfast up 10 to 24th
University of Leicester up 11 to 29th
City, University of London up 14 to 40th
Norwich University of the Arts up 30 to 54th
Falmouth University up 29 to 70th
On the other hand, some universities had disappointing results, with significant drops:
University of Glasgow down 7 to 23rd
University of East Anglia down 5 to 27th
Heriot-Watt University down 11 to 34th
University of Essex down 12 to 39th
Swansea University down 13 to 42nd
University of Dundee down 21 to 49th
The full 2023 CUG UK University Rankings can be found at:
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings
It is worth noting that the CUG ranking differs from other UK rankings such as QS and THE, as each uses different indicators and weightings.
CUG allows you to compare universities using specific indicators, giving students a comprehensive view of overall and subject-specific rankings. However, rankings should only be used as a reference and not as the sole criterion for choosing a school. Students should consider their own background and various needs to make a more rational and personalized decision.
We hope everyone can find a school and program that suits them and aligns with their future career goals.
