Mid Wales' only university remains the second best in Wales – but has joined other institutions around the country in falling in the UK-wide rankings, according to a new guide.
The latest Times Good University guide has shown a decidedly mixed bag for Welsh Universities.
Aberystwyth University, which ranked second in the Welsh rankings, has continued to flourish with key performance measures in the National Student Survey – coming 41st nationally, commpared with 38th last year. The university remains third for satisfaction with teaching in the survey’s overall result.
The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 has named Cardiff University the 2023 Guide as the Welsh University of the Year - topping the Welsh university rankings and sitting 25th place nationally.
Cardiff is the only Welsh Russell Group university and remains in the top 20 for graduate prospects, based on a survey of those in highly skilled work or further study within 15 months.
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However there has been signs of decline across other Welsh Universities. Of the eight Welsh universities included in the guide all but two, Bangor and Cardiff, have fallen in the national rankings.
Wrexham Glyndwr University was the worst-ranked in Wales – ranking 120th of 135 universities nationally.
Aberystwyth was awarded a Wales-best scored of 83.7 per cent in its student teaching survey, and was also top-ranked in Wales for student satisfaction with a score of 80.5 per cent.
However, is score of 66 per cent for graduate prospects was down on those achieved by Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor and Cardiff Met. Its completion rate was 85.2 per cent.
Aberystwyth 's vice-chancellor Professor Elizabeth Treasure said: “We are delighted to uphold our long-standing reputation for excellent student satisfaction and exceptional teaching quality.
"This is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, who go the extra mile to ensure that our students have an outstanding student experience and fulfil their potential.
“Aberystwyth University celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. As well as being an opportunity to commemorate the institution’s considerable contribution to the world since opening as Wales’ first university in 1872, it is also a time to celebrate new advancements and future ambitions as we continue to respond to the challenges faced by society today."
The study by the Times and Sunday Times includes profiles on 135 universities and the definitive UK university rankings, making use of the latest data published in the past two months.
The academic league table is made up of eight indicators including student satisfaction with teaching quality and their wider student experience, research quality, graduate prospects, entrance qualifications held by new students, degree results achieved, student/staff ratios, and degree completion rates.
The full table can be read here.
Wales' universities, and their national rankings
- Cardiff University - 25
- Aberystwyth - 41
- Swansea University - joint 42nd
- Bangor University - joint 45th
- Cardiff Metropolitan University - 93
- University of South Wales - 103
- University of Wales Trinity St David - 104
- Wrexham Glyndwr University - 120
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