Top UK University Rankings 2018: Complete University Guide Analysis

Understanding the methodology

The Complete University Guide (CUG) 2018 ranks universities using entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, graduate prospects, and spending per student. Weightings differ by subject, so strong overall performance usually means balanced strength in teaching and research.

Overall top 10 universities (CUG 2018)

Rank	University	Notes
1	University of Cambridge	Highest entry standards and research scores; excellent student-staff ratio.
2	University of Oxford	Strong across all measures; slightly lower spending per student than Cambridge.
3	University of St Andrews	Sector-leading student satisfaction, particularly in arts and humanities.
4	Imperial College London	Research powerhouse with high graduate salaries in STEM subjects.
5	London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	Dominant in social sciences and economics graduate prospects.
6	Durham University	Consistently high entry grades; collegiate system supports satisfaction.
7	Loughborough University	Exceptional for sport science and engineering; high student experience scores.
8	University of Warwick	Strong business and economics; competitive entry standards.
9	Lancaster University	High research quality in management and computing; strong teaching scores.
10	University College London (UCL)	Broad subject range with top research intensity; larger class sizes affect satisfaction.

Subject strengths to note

• Engineering: Imperial, Cambridge, and Loughborough dominate most engineering tables, with Bath close behind in mechanical and civil engineering.
• Business and economics: LSE and Warwick lead, followed by Bath and St Andrews for student satisfaction.
• Arts and humanities: Oxford and St Andrews rank highest for English and history; Durham is strong for theology and archaeology.
• Medicine and health: Cambridge and Oxford take the top slots, with Edinburgh and Newcastle notable for clinical outcomes.
• Architecture and built environment: Cambridge, Bath, and UCL compete closely, with Cardiff leading in Wales.

What changed from 2017

• Loughborough climbed into the top 10 due to improved entry standards and student satisfaction.
• Lancaster moved ahead of UCL on the strength of research quality increases.
• Edinburgh slipped just outside the top 10 despite strong research, reflecting lower satisfaction scores.
• Subject volatility: Computer science tables showed the biggest shifts because of rapid changes in graduate employment outcomes.

How to use the rankings

• Check subject tables first: Overall rank matters less than performance in your chosen course.
• Compare entry grades: CUG publishes typical UCAS tariff points—align them with your predicted grades.
• Consider teaching style: Collegiate universities (Cambridge, Oxford, Durham) deliver more small-group teaching, while large London universities may offer more electives.
• Weigh location and costs: Living costs in London can offset high graduate salary expectations.
• Look for stability: Schools that stay within a narrow band for several years (e.g., Cambridge, Oxford, St Andrews) signal consistent quality.

Resources for international students

• Use CUG's international student satisfaction data when available.
• Check English language requirements—many top universities expect IELTS 6.5–7.5 depending on the course.
• Explore foundation or pathway programmes if your qualifications do not meet direct entry standards.
• Attend virtual open days to understand accommodation guarantees and scholarship availability.

The 2018 Complete University Guide highlights how sustained academic quality and student satisfaction drive the UK's top universities. Pair these rankings with subject research and campus visits to build a realistic, personalised shortlist.