ACCORDING to the Complete University Guide 2018 (CUG) there has been quite a shift within the university rankings, with many institutions improving significantly since last year’s classifications. Below, we take a look at the 8 universities that have witnessed the most significant improvement:
University of West London (No.79)
This year, UWL has achieved the best overall improvement, rising 27 places in the CUG rankings since 2017. According to an interview given by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, this ambitious feat resulted from the convergence of impressive financial investment in the University’s infrastructure and its excellent graduate employment rates, which, in this ever-shifting social climate, is a determining factor for most graduates.
Liverpool Hope University (No. 59)
An equally impressive rise in the rankings came from LHU, as it shot up 23 places overall. Moreover, there have been classification improvements in individual subject areas, such as Business, Biosciences and Social Policy and Administration (LHU being in the top 10 overall in the country for the latter). According to faculty members, the increase is due to the favourable attitude students have to the open-door academic policy promoted at the University. The approachability of lecturers and staff encourages students to voice their academic and non-academic concerns, ensuring that they make the most out of their higher-education.
Aberystwyth (No.68)
This Welsh university is no stranger to improvement, as it is constantly moving up in various university rankings. CUG registered a growth of 19 places since last year. In addition to the friendly atmosphere and the graduate employability rate, Aberystwyth also benefits from massive appreciation from international students, with it being a top choice among overseas students.
Arts University of Bournemouth (No. 61)
This glorious artistic hub, tucked away on the sleepy southern coastline, has risen 15 places in the CUG rankings since last year. Students have noted that the appreciation for AUB is cased by an intersection of affordability of student life (as compared to London-based art-focused universities for example) and the success in recent years of creative degrees that have a strong practical element to them (eg. BA Commercial Photography). Not only do alumni enter the workforce with an already-developed skillset, but they receive high praise within the industry as well.
Nottingham Trent University (No. 52)
The appreciation for NTU is reflected in its 10 place improvement. Students are attracted by the quality of teaching that places a strong emphasis on practical application. Engineering courses are benefiting from unprecedented innovation, as students have access to major industry employers from the start of their undergraduate degrees. Alumni admit that this gives them an important upper hand when they graduate, as they already have a strong network they can rely on to make subsequent job searches significantly less daunting.
University of the West of Scotland (No.100)
Tied with the same 10 place increase is UWS. This Scottish institution under 50 years old is quickly making a name for itself among graduates in Bio-medical sciences and sport-related subjects. Students have even registered 100% satisfaction with their course, due to the innovative nature of their courses (with bespoke, flexible curriculums) and their increased chances of getting into employment after graduating.
University of Essex (No.32)
This university, which already boasts a ranking in the top 50 Universities according to the CUG 2018, isn’t stopping there and has seen a growth of 9 places. When interviewed, students noted that UoE is a place where risk-taking initiatives are encouraged and this adds a welcome fresh twist to (what can become) stuffy academia. Furthermore, with three very diverse campuses (Colchester, Southend and Loughton), students appreciate the possibility of finding a study environment best suited to their own tastes and personalities.
University of Huddersfiled (No.72)
A gold-rated institution named Times’ Top University in 2013, the University of Huddersfield is not resting on its laurels, as this year it witnessed a 9 place growth as well. Both academics and students note the University’s professional inclination as a reason as to why students may chose to come here. The emphasis on acquiring a tangible skillset is what sets UoH apart from others in the same range.
