
You might be wondering; where do I begin with my university research? Well, one great way to start is by using league tables that assess and compare different institutions based on a variety of factors such as teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.
The Guardian’s latest league table for 2020 could be a useful resource for you if you’re thinking of studying in the UK. Find out which universities have risen in the ranks – and those which haven’t fared as well. Of course, league tables only indicate how well a university is performing, but many other variables are also important to consider such as location, sports facilities and whether you get a good feeling from the university. That being said, league tables are always a good place to start.
Check out the 2019 to 2020 comparison analysis to see which UK universities came out on top.
Key findings
As you can see, several of the UK’s top institutions have changed places since the 2019 table. Firstly, St Andrews University rose from 3rd to 2nd place, over-taking Oxford University which dropped by one place. Lancaster University jumped from 9th to sit in joint 7th position with Imperial College. and Warwick University dropped from 8th to 9th position. However, it’s important to remember that these are still the top ten universities in the country and there may be just minor differences between their scores.
You can use the Guardian University League Table site to compare and contrast institutions, based on courses and subject areas. You’ll be able to investigate and analyse overall satisfaction scores, staff to student ratios, graduate outcomes and pass rates. Overall, it’s important to research universities and courses using several sources including advice articles, prospectuses and attending university open days.
International student tuition fees
We’ve also put together some useful information on the UK’s top ten institutions including average tuition fees and the percentage of international/EU students enrolled at each university.
Cambridge University
International fees per year: GBP 19,197- GBP 50,130.
Non-EU students: 21.53 per cent
EU students: 12.85 per cent
St Andrews University
International fees for arts, divinity and science courses: GBP 22,350
Non-EU students: 33.89 per cent
EU students: 11.78 per cent
Oxford University
International fees per year: GBP 24,750 - GBP 34,678
Non-EU students: 22.36 per cent
EU students: 10.6 per cent
Loughborough University
International fees per year: GBP 17,500 - GBP 22,350
Non-EU students: 17.04 per cent
EU students: 5.8 per cent
Durham University
International student fees per year: GBP 20,700 on average
Non- EU students: 22.23 per cent
EU students: 6 per cent
University of Bath
International student fees per year:
GBP 16,600 (humanities and social science courses)
GBP 18,500 (business and management courses)
GBP 20,700 (laboratory subjects)
Non-EU students: 19.85 per cent
EU students: 9.94 per cent
Imperial College
International student fees: Start at GBP 31,000, depending on the course.
Non-EU students: 35.29 per cent
EU students: 16.73 per cent
Lancaster
International student fees per year: GBP 17,000- GBP 31,540
Non-EU students: 22.84 per cent
EU students: 10.10 per cent
Warwick
International student fees per year: GBP 21,220 - GBP 27,060
Non-EU students: 25.26 per cent
EU students: 9.72 per cent
University of Exeter
International student fees per year: GBP 17,600- GBP 35,000
Non-EU students: 18.81 per cent
EU students: 6.2 per cent
Keep researching universities in the UK: