LSE tops Times university guide as Oxford and Cambridge slip to joint fourth
The universities of Oxford and Cambridge have fallen out of the top three in the prestigious university rankings for the first time.
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 has ranked the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) first for the second consecutive year, followed by the University of St Andrews in second place, and Durham University in third.
The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge were tied for fourth place – marking the first time neither have been in the top three in the 32 years of the Times guide’s existence.
Last year, Oxford was ranked third, while Cambridge had already been moved to fourth. Both descended the rankings last year when LSE rose to the top spot from fourth, and St Andrews secured second place.
The guide named Durham as the University of the Year 2026 after it climbed the rankings from fifth place last year.
Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, expressed: “In a highly competitive top 10, Durham has advanced two spots in a year, which is a remarkable accomplishment.
“In achieving this, it has surpassed both Oxford and Cambridge, contributing to their exclusion from the top three in our league table for the first time in the Good University Guide’s history.
“Its outstanding academic performance this year was enhanced by improvements in teaching quality and student experience.”
The Times and The Sunday Times have been producing comprehensive university guides since 1993 and 1998 respectively. The rankings are based on analysis of student satisfaction with teaching quality and experience, entry standards, research quality, sustainability, and graduate prospects.
In The Guardian University Guide 2026 published last week, Oxford was ranked first and Cambridge third.
LSE has also been recognized as University of the Year for Academic Performance, Russell Group University of the Year, and joint runner-up for University of the Year for Graduate Employment.
The new league table ranks Imperial College London sixth, followed by the University of Bath, the University of Warwick, University College London, and the University of Bristol.
The University of Strathclyde narrowly missed the top 10, but was named runner-up University of the Year.
Regional universities of the year were LSE in London, Durham in the North and North East, Cambridge in the East, Warwick in the Midlands, Bath in the South West, Oxford in the South East, and Queen’s Belfast University in Northern Ireland.
“Competition for places at our top-ranked institutions continues to intensify, leaving some lower-tariff universities with recruitment challenges,” added Ms. Davies.
“Many more undergraduates are opting to stay at home and commute. This is why this year we have introduced an award for the top university in each region as well as for the best in scholarships and bursaries.”
Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, commented: “Durham is an outstanding place to study. We ensure that every student can grow and thrive here. Our loyal and engaged alumni are testimony to the impressive career prospects that await our graduates.”
The full results will be published in a 96-page supplement with The Sunday Times on September 21. The rankings can be accessed at thetimes.com/uk-university-rankings.
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