Lancaster has retained its crown as the top university in North West England in the Complete University Guide 2026.
The national league table confirms Lancaster is ranked tenth in the UK, and has also retained its spot as the top university in north-west England.
Lancaster University scored highly across a range of subject areas with 13 ranked among the top ten in the country, including Linguistics and Drama, Dance & Cinematics at Lancaster both being ranked as second best in the country.
Professor Andy Schofield, the Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, said: “It is great to see Lancaster retain its national top ten ranking, and highest ranked position in our region, within the latest Complete University Guide League Table.
“Lancaster prides itself on its world-class research and outstanding teaching that come together in a vibrant, collegiate environment that helps to enrich our students’ experience.”
Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, said: “Congratulations to Lancaster University for securing the top spot in this year’s North West Complete University Guide rankings and to all Universities in the region for supporting their students to achieve their ambitions.
‘’Our methodology draws on a range of trusted, independent measures that reflect the factors students care most about, including teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.
“Our regional tables show the strength and quality of Higher Education throughout the UK. Whether making early choices or preparing for Clearing, our university and subject league tables, along with regional insights, are here to help students navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives.”
The main Complete University Guide league table includes 130 institutions and is based on ten measures: entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, academic services spend, spending on student facilities, continuation, student-staff ratio, graduate prospects – outcomes, and graduate prospects – on track.
The subject tables are based on six measures (entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, continuation, graduate prospects – outcomes and graduate prospects – on track) and include 155 universities, university colleges and specialist higher education institutions.
Praise for Lancaster and Morecambe youngsters who took part in 'tongue movement' project
Clinic where students offer free legal advice to reopen at Lancaster University
Lines reopen after train derailment on Scotland-London line
Police arrest two and seize illegal bike in Morecambe
ITV commissions sixth series of Morecambe crime drama The Bay
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
