University of Bedfordshire breaks into Guardian top 100
The University of Bedfordshire has broken into the top 100 of the Guardian University Guide 2027, climbing 15 places to 90th – its highest position in the league table for 16 years.
The latest rise follows an 18-place jump in last year’s table, meaning the University has climbed 33 places in two years. It marks another significant step forward for the University and reflects sustained work across the institution to improve the experience and outcomes of its students.
Professor Deborah Johnston MBE, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “Rising to 90th in the Guardian University Guide is a significant achievement and a reflection of the hard work and commitment of colleagues across the University.
“Most importantly, this is about our students and the experience and opportunities we provide for them. There is a lot to be proud of in this result, and we will continue to build on this progress.”
Improvements in areas including student continuation and student-to-staff ratios have contributed to the University’s rise including strong performances across a range of individual subject areas, including:
9th in the UK for Accounting and Finance
13th in the UK for Mental Health Nursing
14th in the UK for Animation and Games Design
15th in the UK for Education
15th in the UK for Sports Science
19th in the UK for Criminology
21st in the UK for Social Work
One of the biggest improvements was in the University’s value-added score, which resulted in a 48-place rise to joint 24th in the UK. The measure recognises the progress students make beyond what might have been expected from their qualifications when they started - making this a particularly strong reflection of the difference the University makes to student outcomes.
The Guardian University Guide is one of the UK’s major university league tables and focuses on the student experience and outcomes. Its rankings are based on eight measures, including student feedback on teaching and assessment, student continuation, and graduate career outcomes.
The rise comes as the University continues to focus on giving students the teaching, support and opportunities they need to succeed.
Central is the University’s Career-Powered Education approach – its commitment to making a degree a springboard to the career students have set their sights on. Students are supported to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive, alongside gaining meaningful, real-world experience in their chosen field through partnership and collaborations with businesses and organisations locally, regionally and nationally.
Professor Johnston continued: “Our Career-Powered Education approach is about making sure our students can turn their potential into opportunity, wherever they come from and whatever their ambitions.
“The Guardian ranking is a great testament to the work our colleagues do every day to give our students the teaching, support and opportunities they need to thrive.”