Queen’s climbs to top 25 universities in UK
Queen’s has climbed five places to 21st in the UK and retained its position as the top university in Northern Ireland in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
Queen’s University Belfast has secured its place among the UK’s top 25 universities, rising five spots to 21st out of 133 universities in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
Queen’s has also retained its position as the top university in Northern Ireland.
The guide, regarded as one of the most influential in higher education, assesses universities from across the UK in areas including teaching quality, student experience, research and graduate prospects.
Welcoming the rankings, Queen’s University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said:
“We are delighted that Queen’s has been ranked among the top 25 universities in the UK, rising to 21st place this year, and once again named the top university in Northern Ireland. This achievement reflects the tremendous talent and commitment of our staff, whose priority is to deliver an outstanding education for our students alongside our world-leading research.
“As we celebrate our 180th year, Queen’s will continue to make a positive impact – opening up educational opportunities, advancing our civic mission, supporting economic growth, and undertaking research that tackles the most pressing challenges facing society locally and globally.”
Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, said:
"Competition to get a place at our top-ranked institutions continues to grow, leaving some lower-tariff universities with recruitment challenges. Many more undergraduates are choosing to stay at home and commute. It is why this year we have an award for the top university in each region and the best for scholarships and bursaries.
“It is exciting to see universities across the UK working to deliver extraordinary medical and technical breakthroughs, lead economic regeneration and inspire. New degrees are launching to meet the interests of today’s students and equip the next generation to power industry and progress positive change, such as programmes in electrical and electronic engineering with robotics, and AI and public policy.”
The full Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide with 70 subject tables, full interactive tables and additional features can be found here.
Media
Media enquiries to Queen’s Communications Office on email: comms.office@qub.ac.uk