St Andrews University named best in Scotland, according to new rankings

Institution is also the only non-English one to feature in the UK top 10

(University of St Andrews via Facebook)

St Andrews University has been named the best in Scotland, according to the latest rankings from The Complete University Guide (CUG).

The top institution is also the only one to feature in the UK top ten - at number five - that is not based in England.

UK-wide, the University of Edinburgh rose by one place for the second year in a row, now sitting at 19th, while Glasgow ranked ten behind Edinburgh in 29th place.

CUG described how there have been a number of “big climbers” in Scotland this year, with the most significant being Abertay University in Dundee, which jumped from 95th to 86th place.

Two universities have risen by eight places - the University of West of Scotland and Stirling - while Dundee also joined Stirling as one of biggest climbers in the UK top 50.

Top 10 universities in Scotland (2017):

1. St Andrews
2. Edinburgh
3. Glasgow
4. Heriot-Watt
5. Dundee
6. Stirling    
7. Aberdeen
8. Strathclyde
9. Robert Gordon
10. Glasgow Caledonian

Acting principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Garry Taylor, described how the university’s position in both the Scottish and UK-wide league tables was testament to the commitment of all his colleagues “who work tirelessly” to ensure the unique student experience is maintained and enhanced each year.

He said: “Our ambitious strategic plan for the next ten years will provide new student housing, new teaching spaces, new sports and music facilities, expanded library and study spaces, and investment in world-leading research that will ensure we can continue to deliver research-led teaching.”

Oxbridge institutions have taken the top two spots to be named the best universities in the UK.

Dr Bernard Kingston, principal author of CUG, described how there is “a considerable degree of stability” at the upper end of the UK-wide league table this year.

He said: “While dramatic changes may be newsworthy, this stability indicates that the rankings are robust and credible for young people seeking a university place - our primary purpose.”