York University is named top in the North – but Leeds closes the gap
York has been named the top university in the North.
In The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2015, the University of York pipped Leeds to first place.
York was 16th in the national rankings, dropping from 11th last year. That means Leeds University, which jumped 12 places, is now only ranked one below it.
Meanwhile York St John University was number eight in the North, but ranked 87 nationally – down from 64th the year before.
Top of the North
| Rank | Name | Ranking 2015 | Ranking 2014 | Student satisfaction (%) | Graduate prospects (% in prof jobs or grad-level study) | Facilities spend per student |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of York | 16 | 11 | 82.6 | 73.8 | £1,995 |
| 2 | University of Leeds | 17 | 29= | 84.3 | 74.8 | £2,068 |
| 3 | University of Sheffield | 21 | 18= | 83.0 | 76.9 | £1,801 |
| 4 | University of Hull | 58 | 63 | 83.0 | 63.5 | £1,472 |
| 5 | Sheffield Hallam University | 62 | 77= | 83.0 | 59.7 | £1,705 |
| 6 | University of Bradford | 76 | 84= | 79.3 | 72.4 | £1,426 |
| 7 | University of Huddersfield | 77= | 66 | 82.3 | 69.5 | £1,288 |
| 8 | York St John University | 87 | 64+ | 80.2 | 64.5 | £1,207 |
| 9 | Leeds Trinity University | 91= | 104 | 83.4 | 65.8 | £1,236 |
| 10 | Leeds Metropolitan University | 111 | 103 | 78.9 | 55.6 | £1,188 |
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Applications and enrolments both rose significantly in 2013 at York, the guide reports.
But its scores in the National Student Survey — a traditional strength — slipped in 2014, placing it outside of the top 50 for this measure under the guide’s analysis.
Leeds scored highest for student satisfaction, with a score “that would not look out of place in a small, campus-based university”, the guide authors say.
York is among the top ten institutions for research: more than 60% of the work in a national assessment was judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
The guide reports that York University has launched a series of initiatives to boost its students’ transferable skills and networking opportunities to enhance employment prospects.
Every student has an online tutorial to identify key strengths and career development needs.
While the new Heslington East campus has allowed York to expand significantly with new departments, facilities and student accommodation, “securing a place here remains highly competitive”.
More details will be printed in The Sunday Times and The Times