A Lancashire university has been ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025.

Lancaster University remain in joint 10th position in the national league table and has also retained its crown as the top university in North West England.

Lancaster scored highly in a number of individual subjects including social work – ranked number one in the UK – while architecture made its first appearance in the guide going straight in at number seven.

The university also ranked well in:

  • Communication and Media Studies – ranked number 2
  • Biomedical Sciences – ranked number 3
  • Linguistics – ranked number 3
  • Drama, Dance and Cinematics – ranked number 4
  • Italian – ranked number 4
  • Creative Writing – ranked number 6
  • Architecture – ranked number 7
  • Art and Design – ranked number 7
  • French – ranked number 7
  • Marketing – ranked number 7
  • German – ranked number 8
  • Physics and Astronomy – ranked number 8
  • English – ranked number 10
  • Sports Science – ranked number 10

 

Professor Wendy Robinson, Lancaster University pro-vice-chancellor for education, said: “It is fantastic to see Lancaster retain its top-10 position in the table, as well as remaining the top-ranked university in the North West.

“From our cutting-edge research and wonderful teaching, to our vibrant campus and welcoming atmosphere, Lancaster is an excellent university which constantly seeks to enhance and enrich our overall student experience, with a holistic approach to their learning and personal growth.”

The Complete University Guide league table is based on ten measures: entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, academic services spend, spending on student facilities, continuation, student-staff ratio, graduate prospects – outcomes, and graduate prospects – on track.