Prime Highlights
- University of Bristol ranks joint sixth in the UK, up from eighth in 2025 and 18th in 2024, according to the Daily Mail University Guide.
- Bristol tops the country for research income and ranks highly for course completion, research quality and sports.
Key Facts
- Business and Italian Studies both rank first nationally, with French and German Studies placed third.
- Graduates earn an average salary of £32,000 and rank sixth among the most in-demand by leading employers.
Background
Bristol has jumped to joint sixth in the UK’s latest university rankings, climbing from eighth place last year and 18th the year before, the Daily Mail University Guide shows.
The university topped the national rankings for research income and placed highly across several other measures, coming second for first-year course completion, fourth for research quality and ninth for sports.
The Guide praised Bristol’s efforts to keep a Russell Group education affordable through bursaries and its work encouraging applications from under-represented groups.
It also pointed to the university’s growing popularity, with eight applications for every place and a record 65,000 students listing Bristol among their top five UCAS choices in 2025.
Graduates earn an average salary of £32,000 and rank sixth among the most sought-after by top employers, ahead of both Oxford and Cambridge, the Guide noted.
The Guide also highlighted the upcoming Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, due to open next month, saying it will boost Bristol’s visibility and help regenerate the surrounding area.
Several subjects ranked among the best in the country, including Business and Italian Studies, both first nationally, along with French and German Studies, both third.
Professor Michele Acuto, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, said the ranking reflects the strength of Bristol’s teaching and research, adding that support for students from diverse backgrounds was especially encouraging to see recognized.
