The Sunday Times’ 2025 Good University Guide has revealed how Leeds’ universities fare regionally and nationally.

While one university has climbed over 10 places since the 2024 guide, the new list shows a significant drop for three other institutions in the city.

For the second year in a row, Leeds Beckett University has jumped up more than 10 positions. From 113 in 2023 to 101 in 2024, and breaking onto the top 100 this years as it lands on number 88.

University of Leeds, however, has dropped from 25 to 29, while Leeds Arts University ranks 92, down from 89 last year. Leeds Trinity University has seen the largest drop since last year, falling from 92 to 112.

The Sunday Times' Good University Guide 2025 reveals where Leeds' universities rank regionally and nationally. | National World

placeholder image — The Sunday Times' Good University Guide 2025 reveals where Leeds' universities rank regionally and nationally. | National World

The top university in the north and northwest remains Durham University, rising two places from last year to rank fifth nationally.

The annual guide lists universities locally and around the UK based on teaching quality, student experience, research quality, entry standards, graduate prospects, firsts/2:1s, continuation rate and student-staff ratio, and

Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, said: “The best universities — whether they were founded in the 15th century or 2005 — are local and global powerhouses of intellectual thought and creativity, from the arts to science, that can power economic regeneration and lead the way to a better life. But what and where to study — and how to pay for it — has never been tougher. This is where our comprehensive guide can help.

“This year we have tweaked our methodology to keep up with contemporary concerns around climate change and careers and have added in a sustainability metric, teaming up with People & Planet, and boosted the weighting of graduate prospects.

“The higher education sector is facing unprecedented challenges from debates on free speech to financial stability, but it is important to remember the force for good that going to university can be. See how the universities compare subject by subject, a guide on campus life, and what scholarships and bursaries may be on offer online.”