The latest league table ranks Exeter tenth of 121 UK higher education institutions – a rise of four places year-on-year.

Exeter secures top 10 status in Guardian league table

The University of Exeter has been ranked as one of the top 10 UK universities in the UK in the influential Guardian University Guide 2020.

The latest league table, released today (June 7^th 2019) ranks Exeter tenth of 121 UK higher education institutions – a rise of four places year-on-year.

Universities are ranked according to a number of factors, including student satisfaction on courses and teaching and the proportion of graduates in employment or further study after six months. It also includes a “value added” score, which compares degree results with entry qualifications.

University of Exeter Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Sir Steve Smith said: “We are absolutely delighted to once again secure a position in the top 10 of the Guardian University Guide, it is a wonderful achievement.

“The ranking confirms our commitment to delivering high-quality education, world-leading research, and outstanding student support, and is a testimony to the outstanding work and dedication of all our staff and students.”

The University of Exeter also enjoyed considerable success in the accompanying individual subject league tables published in the latest Guardian University Guide – with  four subjects ranked in the top 5, eight in the top 10 and 25 in the top 20.

The highest ranking subject is Engineering (Materials and Minerals), which is placed 3^rd nationwide, with Media and Film, Theology and Health Professions all ranked 4^th.

Classics and Ancient History (6^th), Business (7^th), Sports Science (7^th) and Sociology (10^th) complete the subjects ranked across the top 10.

Anthropology, English and Philosophy are ranked 11^th, while Archaeology, Modern Languages, Politics and Psychology are all in 12^th place.

Exeter’s Medical School is joined by Accounting and Finance and Art History in 14^th position, Engineering (General) ranks 15^th, while Biosciences (16), Geography and Environmental Studies (16), Mathematics (17), Drama (18), Earth & Marine Sciences (19^th) and Physics (20^th) complete the top 20.

The Guardian ranking follows the recent announcement that Exeter is ranked 24^th in the world, ninth in Europe, and sixth in the UK, in the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019, which offers key insights into the scientific performance of  major universities worldwide. Exeter’s rankings are based on the percentage of publications ranked in the top 10% most cited, indicating that the University’s high-quality research has been referenced by other academics in major journals.

Exeter’s subjects across the sciences and humanities were also recognised as being among the very best in the country, with 37 subjects ranked in the top 20 -  including 27 in the top ten - in the latest Complete University Guide 2020, released last month. 

Date: 7 June 2019