Essex cements top 30 ranking in Complete University Guide

The University of Essex has secured a top 30 place in the Complete University Guide rankings for a third year in a row.

Essex has been placed 30th in the new table for 2027, demonstrating its consistent performance in the annual rankings, which celebrate the best universities in the country.

Positive feedback from students led to the Guide ranking Essex in the top 20 for student satisfaction.

All 130 universities included in the table are assessed on a range of metrics including student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, graduate prospects, student-staff ratios, academic services and facilities spend, continuation and entry standards.

Essex ranked highly in several areas, coming fifth in facilities spend and 10th in academic services spend and inside the top 20 for student-staff ratio.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Frances Bowen said: “Essex has performed consistently well in the Complete University Guide and it is a great testament to everyone working here that we have once again secured a place in the top 30 for a third year in a row.

“The ranking underlines Essex’s contribution to impactful and innovative research around the world, as well as our ability to mix high-quality teaching with a dynamic and engaging student experience.”

Essex was ranked the second best university in the East of England, up one from last year.

In subjects, Essex secured top 20 places in Drama, Dance and Cinematics, and Tourism, Transport, Travel and Heritage Studies.

Reflecting on this year’s rankings, Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, said: “Our methodology draws on a range of trusted, independent measures that reflect what students care most about - teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.

"This year’s rankings show that the opportunity to attend a prestigious university has never been more accessible. The movement we are seeing in entry requirements across the top 40 is a broadening of access and that is something to welcome.

“Students who might previously have ruled out certain universities should look again.

“The right university is not always the one with the highest entry requirements; it is the one that is the best fit for you, your ambitions and your future."