University climbs three places in new national league table
The University of Exeter's Streatham Campus
The University of Exeter has climbed to 11th place in a new national league table for the higher education sector.
Exeter rose three places to sit just outside of the top ten of the Complete University Guide 2026, representing one of the biggest gains of any institution in the top 20. It also ranked second in terms of universities based in the region.
The Guide is based on ten measures of quality, including entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate prospects, and includes 130 universities from across the UK.
It also produces comprehensive league tables for subject – and this year 20 of Exeter’s disciplines were ranked inside the top ten.
Among them were Drama, Dance and Cinematics, African and Middle Eastern Studies, and Marketing (all 4th); Sports Science (5th); Geology, and Classics (both 6th); and Nursing and Midwifery, Accounting and Finance, and English (all 7th).
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “Our sustained rise in the Complete University Guide is testament to the commitment and hard work of everyone connected to Exeter, be they staff or students. At a time when the higher education sector is coming under pressure from multiple sources, we should celebrate the way our universities continue to lead the way with pioneering research, inspiring teaching, and civic leadership.”
Each year, the Complete University Guide publishes its UK university and subject league tables to help prospective students make informed choices about their future, including those weighing up late decisions or exploring Clearing options.
The 74 subject tables are based on six measures, and include an expanded roster of 155 universities, university colleges and specialist higher education institutions.
“Our methodology draws on a range of trusted, independent measures that reflect the factors students care most about, including teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes,” says Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board. “The close competition within the top 20 highlights the consistently high standards across UK higher education.”
For more details, visit the Complete University Guide website.
