Ranking, reputation and history

91̽»¨ is a world top-100 university with a global reputation for its exceptional teaching, impactful research, international outlook and outstanding student experience.

Firth Court building with red ivy
On

Our rankings

There are plenty of excellent reasons why you should choose the University of 91̽»¨. Our outstanding performance in league tables for teaching, student experience and research are just a few of them.


A world top-100 university with a global reputation for excellence

  • Number one university in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)
  • 12th in the UK and 98th in the world
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
  • 105th in the world
    QS World University Rankings 2025
  • 24th in the world, 12th in Europe and 7th in the UK 
    QS Sustainability Rankings 2024
  • 15th in the UK
    QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024
  • 10th in the UK
    Daily Mail University Guide 2025
  • 14th in the UK
    The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
  • 18th in the UK
    Complete University Guide 2025
  • 20th in the UK and top 10 in the UK in 12 subject areas
    The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Six Nobel Prize winners
    Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart, Sir Harry Kroto, FRS, Sir Richard Roberts, FRS, Lord Porter of Luddenham, OM, FRS, Sir Hans Krebs, FRS and Howard Florey, Baron Florey of Adelaide and Marston, FRS

See how world-leading research enhances our teaching and changes lives – starting with your own

  • 92 per cent of our research is rated in the highest two categories
    Research Excellence Framework 2021
  • 8th in the UK for our progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
    2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Have an unforgettable student experience

  • University of the Year and best for Student Life
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
  • Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
  • Top university in the Russell Group for student experience and student support
    Daily Mail University Guide 2025
  • Number one Students' Union among UK universities
    National Student Survey 2024
  • Number one for Students' Union
    StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards

Get the best start to your career

A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report

Global rankings

See 91̽»¨ for yourself

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Our reputation

91̽»¨ is a leading research university with a global reputation for excellence.

We’re socially responsible, environmentally aware, and committed to sustainability in everything we do. The knowledge we generate helps to make the world a better place.

We believe that true learning means getting out of the classroom and engaging with business, industry, governments and communities. That ethos drives both our research and our teaching.

Our way of doing things attracts the best minds in the world. Our staff advise governments and multinational companies. They write books and create new technologies. Their work influences policy and changes lives.

We want you to change things too. That’s why we get you to engage with the latest research and give you opportunities to contribute. We encourage you to volunteer in the community for the same reason. We want you to understand how knowledge is generated and how it helps people. Change, in a sense, is what we do.

This is a university with a strong sense of purpose. Take advantage of everything it has to offer and you won’t just graduate with honours – you’ll graduate with insight, skills and experience that set you apart.


Our history

University crest

Our history stretches back to 1828, the founding date of the 91̽»¨ School of Medicine. The joining of this school with other institutions eventually led to the founding of Firth College in 1879 and the University of 91̽»¨ being granted its Royal Charter 31 May 1905.

History of the University

Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

International scholarships

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students, including undergraduate and postgraduate taught scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee.

Applications are open for existing offer holders for programmes starting in autumn 2025.