Ranking methodology

Our “top” and “best” lists are designed to help students shortlist universities, they are editorial guides, not a substitute for official global rankings.

Our composite ranking score

Every university is given a transparent 0–100 composite score, computed from published, verifiable signals. The default ordering on our “best” and subject/level pages uses this score. There is no component for “registered international capacity”, because the UK has no equivalent register. The 1–6 star band shown on profiles is derived from this score; it is not an input to it. The weights are:

• Reputation, 55%. QS World University Ranking position, as recorded in Wikidata (the ranking edition is not stated in that data).
• Academic breadth, 20%. The number of published courses, normalised across all universities.
• Internationalisation, 15%. The share of international students.
• Student support, 10%. On-campus accommodation, open admissions and clear intake dates.

Better QS positions are rewarded on a curve that favours the very top. On subject and level pages, a university must offer relevant, published programmes before it can appear, and the same composite score decides the order.

What we do not do

• We do not invent or calculate our own numeric rankings.
• We do not sell placement, no university can pay to rank higher.
• We do not present editorial ordering as an official global ranking.

A note on accuracy

Ranking positions and ratings shown across the site are indicative and provided for general guidance. They can change year to year, always verify current positions with the official ranking bodies and the university.