University of Reading ranks higher
An influential guide moves the university into its top 40
The University of Reading has risen to 35 in the UK, in the latest Guardian University Guide 2025.
Reading rose nine places from a position of 44 in the 2024 ranking.
The Guardian University Guide ranks institutions by subject, looking at student satisfaction, staff numbers, spending and career prospects, and produces an overall ranking.
This year, Reading received higher scores in student satisfaction with teaching and feedback, spending per student and graduate career prospects.
Reading ranks in the top 20 overall in several subject areas, including:
Earth and Marine Sciences (5)
Nutrition and Food Science (6)
Graphic Design (7)
English (9)
Animal Science and Agriculture (10)
Anthropology and Archaeology (10)
Geography (11)
Construction, surveying and planning (12)
Zoology (19)
Languages and Linguistics (20)
International Relations (20)
Marketing and public relations (20)
The University saw improvements across many popular subjects areas, including:
Biomedical Science
Psychology
Biology
Law
Computer Science
A number of other subjects have also ranked higher than in 2024, including Health Professions, Architecture, Fine Art, Chemistry, Politics, and Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
Reputation
Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said:
“This new ranking confirms Reading’s reputation among the top universities in the UK.
“Our global standing for excellence is reflected across a number of subject areas, including earth sciences, agriculture, and food and nutrition, and our strength in depth of academics and students in many other subjects, such as English, law, psychology, computer science and biological science subjects.
“University league tables help to provide a flavour of an institution but for those who are considering studying anywhere we always recommend visiting us at Open Days to see our beautiful campus and to chat to our staff and students."