StudentCrowd reveals top UK universities according to students

StudentCrowd has unveiled the winners of its University Awards for 2024 based on extensive student feedback. 

The rankings are derived from 31,564 verified student reviews collected between June 2022 and June 2024. These awards are unique in that they are entirely based on the opinions of students currently studying in the UK, who submit their reviews using their academic email addresses.

The awards cover eleven key categories of university life, including Campus and Facilities, Students' Union, Clubs and Societies, Careers Service, WiFi and Internet, Value for Money, Teaching Quality, Course Content, Personal Tutors, and Job Prospects. Additionally, there is a standalone category for the Best Overall UK Universities, the most prestigious of the awards.

Best Overall UK Universities 2024

The top ten universities in the Best Overall UK Universities category are:

1. Ulster University

2. University of Sheffield

3. University of Birmingham

4. University of St Andrews

5. Queen's University Belfast (QUB)

6. University of Leeds

7. University of Southampton

8. University of Glasgow

9. University of Warwick

10. University of Strathclyde

Highlights from Key Categories

• Campus and Facilities: The University of Birmingham topped this category, praised for its green spaces, modern facilities, and vibrant campus life. One student noted, "There are lots of clubs and societies to join, and the study areas are spacious."

• WiFi and Internet: The University of Sheffield led the way, with students commending the reliability and coverage of the campus WiFi. A student review mentioned, "The wifi was easy to get on and I have full coverage throughout the whole university."

• Teaching Quality: The University of St Andrews was recognised for its exceptional teaching standards. A student expressed, "I’ve really enjoyed my time at the university, it’s been a true pleasure and I’ve met some incredible people, experienced fantastic teaching, it’s exceeded all my expectations."

• Course Content: The University of Liverpool was highlighted for its comprehensive course materials and engaging curriculum. A student remarked, "The lecturers and module coordinators provide lots of materials and additional resources to aid assessment and research."

• Job Prospects: Ulster University excelled in this category, with students praising the diverse learning opportunities and career support. A review stated, "Great course, plenty of opportunities, very diverse range of learning materials."

Methodology

Paul Humphreys, StudentCrowd Founder & CEO, explained the rigorous process behind the rankings: “We’re delighted to share the results of our 2024 University Awards. The winners are all institutions which consistently deliver best practice leading to excellent student satisfaction.”

To qualify for the Best UK Universities 2024 league table, a university must have at least 100 reviews. The winners are determined by the average review scores from these reviews.

Humphreys concluded with optimism about the role of student feedback in shaping future university experiences: Every StudentCrowd review is left by a real, verified student, and by sharing their experiences they provide future students with the insight they need to make the best decisions.”