Times Good University Guide 2012 (Top 10 List)

The Times Good University Guide 2012 offers a comprehensive analysis of the state of higher education in the United Kingdom, highlighting the strengths of various institutions across a wide range of academic disciplines. According to this analysis, the University of Oxford maintains its position as the leading institution in the UK, securing the number one spot in the national rankings, followed closely by the University of Cambridge, which is ranked second. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) holds the third position, while Imperial College London claims the fourth spot. Notably, University College London (UCL) has made significant strides, moving into the top five nationally after advancing from its previous position of seventh in the 2011 league table. This strong performance reflects UCL’s commitment to excellence across diverse disciplines and its reputation as a globally connected institution.

Durham University also maintains a strong position in the Times Good University Guide 2012, retaining its sixth spot in the national rankings. Durham stands out as one of the UK’s most distinguished institutions, sitting alongside Oxford, Cambridge, and UCL as part of the top four full-subject universities in the nation. This speaks to Durham's breadth of academic programs and its excellence across multiple disciplines. Of particular note is Durham's top position in the subject area of History, where it is ranked number one in Britain. This accomplishment highlights the university's strength in the humanities and its reputation for producing innovative and high-quality research across multiple subject areas.

The University of Sussex has experienced significant growth in the 2012 league tables, climbing seven places to secure the 14th position, up from 21st in 2011. This remarkable leap represents the largest upward movement of any institution in the top half of the table for the year. Sussex's progress can be attributed to its strong academic performance, quality of teaching, and innovative research initiatives. Furthermore, the University of Sussex boasts four subject areas that are ranked in the UK top five. These include Social Work (ranked 3rd), Anatomy and Physiology (ranked 4th), American Studies (ranked 5th), and History of Art (also ranked 5th). Sussex’s ability to achieve top-five rankings across such a diverse range of disciplines showcases its commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and dedication to preparing students for a variety of professional and academic pursuits.

The University of Surrey is another institution that has shown progress in the Times Good University Guide 2012 rankings, moving up three places to 29th overall. Surrey is also recognized for its strengths in a variety of academic disciplines, with nine subjects ranking in the UK top ten. Among these, Surrey holds the number one position in Hospitality and Tourism, a field for which the university has become highly regarded. Additionally, it is ranked second in Electrical and Electronic Engineering as well as Food Science, highlighting its innovative approach to teaching and research in applied sciences and engineering. Other strong subject areas for the University of Surrey include Sociology (ranked 3rd), Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering (ranked 4th), Mechanical Engineering (ranked 5th), Civil Engineering (ranked 8th), Chemical Engineering (ranked 9th), and Economics (ranked 10th). This demonstrates Surrey’s comprehensive academic offering and its ability to cater to students interested in diverse fields of study. Its engineering and sciences programs, in particular, stand out for their innovation, technical skills development, and employment opportunities upon graduation.

The University of Leeds ranks 30th in the Times Good University Guide 2012, a slight decline from its position of 26th in the 2011 guide. Despite this minor dip in its overall position, Leeds maintains its strong reputation and continues to rank highly for specific disciplines. Leeds is ranked 7th for sports science and 10th for nursing, showcasing its diversity and strength in both health sciences and sports-related academic programs. Additionally, detailed analysis by the Times highlights that Leeds is among the top ten universities in the UK in terms of being targeted by key employers, ranked 10th in this category. Leeds is also fourth in the number of applications received by universities, reflecting its popularity and strong reputation as a destination for students seeking both academic and professional opportunities. The University of Leeds continues to demonstrate its strengths as a multidisciplinary institution, offering strong career prospects, diverse course offerings, and a student-centered approach to higher education.

Oxford Brookes University has also seen an improvement in its standing in the Times Good University Guide 2012. Recognized as England's leading post-1992 university, Oxford Brookes has moved up three positions to claim the 48th spot in the national rankings. The Times describes Oxford Brookes as “firmly established” in the UK higher education system due to its strong focus on practical and professional education. It offers students innovative, career-oriented programs while maintaining a strong emphasis on quality teaching and research. This steady improvement and positioning showcase its increasing recognition and reputation as a well-regarded university that provides excellent opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Additionally, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has demonstrated progress in the 2012 rankings, improving its standing from 69th to 61st out of a total of 116 universities in the UK. UCLan has established itself as one of the top modern universities in the UK, breaking into the list of the top ten modern universities while retaining its position as the leading modern university in the North West of England for the fifth consecutive year. UCLan’s steady climb in national rankings highlights its focus on modern, multidisciplinary programs that emphasize employability, research-led teaching, and student engagement. Its success reflects the institution’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to access academic excellence and professional development.

The Times Good University Guide 2012 offers a comprehensive overview of how UK universities are performing across various disciplines and ranks, with Oxford, Cambridge, and London School of Economics leading the way. Durham University maintains its sixth position with its strong research performance, while the University of Sussex stands out as the fastest climber in the top half of the table, signaling innovation and academic success. Surrey showcases its strength across engineering, sociology, and hospitality programs, while Leeds remains highly competitive despite a minor dip in rankings. Meanwhile, Oxford Brookes and UCLan exemplify the success of modern universities by focusing on adaptability, student experience, and employability.

These rankings not only reflect the achievements of each institution but also represent the opportunities available to students in terms of diverse academic programs, research strengths, student satisfaction, and employment prospects. The Times Good University Guide 2012 reaffirms that the UK's higher education system offers world-class teaching, research opportunities, and career pathways to students from the UK and abroad. As competition increases among students and institutions alike, these rankings serve as a valuable resource for understanding the strengths and opportunities that each university provides, offering prospective students insights into their academic journey and future aspirations.

The Top 10 UK universities for 2012:
1 Oxford
2 Cambridge
3 LSE
4 Imperial
5 UCL
6 Durham
6 St Andrews
8 Warwick
9 Lancaster
10 Exeter
Source: The Times Good University Guide