University of Essex moves into top 25 in The Guardian University Guide 2025

For the fourth year running the University of Essex has moved up The Guardian University Guide and now stands at 23rd in the UK.

The Guardian University Guide 2025 ranks UK universities by looking at key issues such as student satisfaction, staff numbers, spending and career prospects.

As the University celebrates its 60th anniversary, The Guardian has identified it as a “modern mover” after winning a place in the top 25. By jumping up seven places from 30th last year, Essex has achieved its highest-ever ranking by The Guardian.

Education journalist Rachel Hall writes in The Guide: “The University of Essex has climbed to 23rd overall after four years of improvement, especially around ensuring there are more teachers per student, resulting in a big increase in grades.”

Essex is one of the strongest universities in the UK for ‘value-added’ according to The Guardian, ranking 5th for the measure which compares students’ degree results with their entry qualifications to show how effectively they are taught.

Top subject rankings for Essex include:

• Anatomy and physiology – 7th
• Biology – 7th
• Economics – 7th
• Creative writing – 8th
• Drama – 8th
• Mental health nursing – 11th
• International relations – 12th
• Hospitality, event management and tourism - 14th
• Philosophy – 16th
• Physiotherapy – 18th
• Electrical and electronic engineering - 20th
• Politics – 21st
• Mathematics – 25th
• General nursing - 28th
• Health professions - 30th