Queen’s University Belfast has been ranked as the best university in Northern Ireland and one of the top universities in the UK, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. The university, located in South Belfast, secured the top spot in the prestigious list and ranked 31st nationally among UK universities. Ulster University was named the second-best university in Northern Ireland and placed 40th on the national list.
University College London claimed the top position on the national list and was also named University of the Year 2024. The University of Exeter secured the runner-up spot. The Good University Guide 2024 is regarded as the definitive ranking for UK universities and provides a comprehensive overview of higher education in the country. The guide includes profiles of 134 universities, utilizing the latest available data.
Prospective students and their families can find valuable information in the guide to help them make informed decisions about higher education. The guide assesses various factors, such as satisfaction with teaching quality, student experience, degree completion rates, and graduate employment prospects.
Key findings from the Good University Guide 2024 revealed that applications for computer science, including AI, video game design, and robotics, were nearly 10% higher than the previous year and 31% higher than in 2019. The data also showed that both Oxford and Cambridge have seen an increase in the proportion of entrants from non-selective state schools since 2018.
Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, highlighted the challenges faced by the higher education landscape. She emphasized the need for prospective students, parents, and caregivers to carefully consider their options and make informed choices about where to study and what subject to pursue. The guide, now in its 30th edition, offers a comprehensive online version that compares universities subject by subject, provides insights into campus life, and highlights available scholarships and bursaries.
The fully searchable website, featuring 70 subject tables, interactive tables, and additional features, will be available on The Times and The Sunday Times website starting from September 15th.