Exeter climbs in top 20 of Guardian University Guide 2026
The University of Exeter has increased its standing in the top 20 UK universities in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
Exeter climbed one place to 17th in the latest guide, published on Saturday 13 September.
The result that means the University of Exeter has secured a top 20 place in all three major university rankings.
Teaching excellence, student satisfaction and career prospects were among the factors used to rank universities.
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter said: “We’re delighted with this outstanding result, which sees us move up a place to number 17. We are comfortably in the UK top 20 in all three major UK league tables.
“This recognises the dedication of our entire community in delivering a high quality educational experience, and our unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges of creating a greener, fairer, healthier society.
“I’d like to extend huge thanks and congratulations to all our staff, students and supporters for the part they play in our ongoing success.”
In the guide accompanying the rankings, which shows how universities perform in the main subject areas, Exeter performed well, with two subjects ranked in the top five, a further three in the top 10, while there were 18 subjects ranked from 11th to 20th.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering was the highest ranked subject in the table, securing 2nd place.
Zoology (5th), Psychology (6th), Earth and Marine Sciences (8th) and Health Professions (8th) made up Exeter’s top 10 places.
Theology and Religious Studies secured 11th place, Classics and Ancient History, Economics, Medicine and Physics all came 12th, Business and Finance ranked 13th and both History of Art and Sociology and Social Policy placed 14th.
English, Mechanical Engineering and Philosophy were 15th, Biomedical Sciences and Marketing and PR were 16th, General Engineering ranked 17th, Civil Engineering 18th, Politics 19th and Sports Science 20th.
