University of Southampton named in top 20 in the UK

Complete University Guide's 2026 League Tables uses data based on entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects to rank every university in the UK with a per cent score.

Southampton's Russell Group institution ranked 17th, three places higher than it did last year, and second in the southeast.

The university earned a 77 per cent score out of 100.

In aeronautical subjects and aerospace engineering specifically, University of Southampton was ranked second in the country.

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"We can be pleased as an institution to have improved on our UK top 20 position in this year’s Complete University Guide," vice-chancellor Professor Mark E. Smith said.

University of Southampton has been named in the UK's top 20. (Image: Newsquest) "To have climbed three places to be ranked 17th is an achievement of real note given the competition in the sector with so many world-ranked institutions as part of it.

"I would like to thank colleagues for all their hard work in delivering outstanding education and world-leading research."

Professor Smith said it was a "fantastic achievement" to rank second in the southeast grouping.

"These rankings build on our reputation as one of the top 100 universities in the world, as recognised by the QS World University Rankings," he added.

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Southampton Solent University fell 12 places to be ranked 114th in the table.

Inside The Spark at Southampton Solent University. (Image: Solent University)

The East Park Terrace-based institution specifically rose ten places in the Accounting and Finance ranking and finished 90th.

Universities are provided a complete set of their data before the League Tables are published so that potential inaccuracies can be identified.

Complete University Guide takes data from as far back as the 2019-20 academic year to compile the tables.

This includes looking at the student to staff ratio at the university, the amount spent on facilities and academic services, the quality and intensity of research carried out by institutions and the student satisfaction rates.