Guardian Best UK Universities guide 2023: Manchester University & Manchester Metropolitan rankings revealed

The University of Manchester has been named one of the best in the North West in the Guardian University Guide 2023.

The institution was ranked at 30th in the annual guide, down two places from its 2022 position. Lancaster University, which was rated as 14th, was named the top in the North West again this year.

With lots of universities already holding opening days for 2023-24 entry, we take a look at how Manchester’s institutions fared in the league table rankings.

Where did Manchester’s universities rank in the Guardian University Guide 2023?

Manchester University ranked highly for spend per student and satisfaction with teaching.

Bolton University has shot up the rankings eight places since last year to number 38, attracting points for satisfaction with teaching and student/staff ratios.

Manchester Metropolitan University has slipped down the Guardian rankings to 84th, down from 62nd the year before.

That’s just ahead of Salford University in 89th, up five places since 2022.

UK-wide, St Andrews University in Fife came in first position ahead of Oxford and Cambridge for the first time.

You can view the full league table here.

How are the Guardian rankings compiled?

The Guardian says its rankings focus on the ‘things students care about’, including good teaching and job prospects, student/staff ratios and spend per student. They rank universities through nine different scores, which form a total out of 100.

Other things considered including feedback and satisfaction with the course plus how long students stay on the course.