It’s that time of year again! University rankings are making waves on social media, and the North West isn’t sitting still. This year, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has made an unexpected leap, moving up five spots in the Complete University Guide rankings for 2026. In a twist, the University of Liverpool has fallen to 23rd place, dropping four spots from its previous rank.
While it might seem like a small change, this year has shown that competition among universities remains fierce. Notably, the University of Surrey is now ahead of some Russell Group universities. Meanwhile, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford continue to hold the top two spots, as expected.
LJMU’s rise is especially significant since it’s now at its highest position since 2023, sitting at 76th. This puts it ahead of other institutions like Leeds Beckett University and the University of Derby. In contrast, Liverpool Hope University has seen a drop of seven places, now ranking lowest among the top three universities in Liverpool.
The Complete University Guide evaluates universities using ten key categories, including student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate prospects. The University of Liverpool has performed well in graduate prospects, ranking 27th, an improvement of seven spots from last year. LJMU also saw a boost, ranking 32nd in student satisfaction, a jump of 18 places.
For specialized fields, Liverpool shines in dentistry and veterinary medicine, ranking second best in the UK for both courses, just behind the University of Dundee and the University of Cambridge. LJMU also boasts two subjects in the top ten for their respective fields, notably in property management.
These rankings can spark friendly debates among students, so it might be worth checking how your friends’ universities compare this year. For a detailed look, you can view the entire league table here.
In a world where education and job markets evolve rapidly, these rankings highlight not only the performance of universities but also the shifting landscape of higher education. Remember, rankings are just one piece of the puzzle. What truly matters is finding the right fit for your personal and professional goals.