University rises into top 20 of major UK ranking

The University of Southampton has climbed six places to 17th in this year’s Guardian University Guide, with seven subject areas in the top 10.

The success is further recognition that Southampton is one of the best universities in the UK, after also being placed in the top 15 of the Complete University Guide 2022 . In addition, internationally, the University consolidated its place in the global top 100 with an exceptional rise of 13 places to 77th in the QS World University Rankings 2022 .

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark E. Smith , said: “I’m delighted to see the University has moved up six places in The Guardian. This adds to our very impressive performance in national and international rankings this year, remarkably achieved against the backdrop of a global pandemic.

“I’m particularly pleased that, as The Guardian concentrates on education-related measures, this latest ranking recognises the hard work that colleagues across the University have made to deliver the best education and experience for our students over what has been a very challenging period.

“This is a very encouraging indicator in our ongoing journey to continuously improve all elements of our education, research and enterprise activities.”

Seven subjects made it into the top ten of the Guide this year, with Engineering: Electronic and Electrical ranked first and Music second. Other top ten positions went to, Engineering: Civil, Geography and Environmental studies, Modern Languages and Linguistics, Philosophy and Forensic Science and Archaeology, which climbed an impressive 14 places to fifth. In total, the University improved in 19 subject areas.

The Guardian University Guide uses nine measures of performance, covering all stages of the student life cycle including entry standards, student satisfaction, value added and career prospects.