University of Warwick named as top university in the West Midlands in annual guide

The University of Warwick has been named as the top university in the West Midlands and ranked seventh in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2027.

The annual guide evaluates 164 UK institutions and 74 subject areas, with the main league table based on ten measures: entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, academic services spend, facilities spend, continuation, student-staff ratio, graduate prospects and graduate prospects.

The University of Warwick climbed two places, achieving its best result in more than ten years having last ranked seventh in the 2016 league tables.

Professor Stuart Croft, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Warwick, said: “To be ranked seventh in the UK and the leading university in the West Midlands reflects the dedication of our staff, the talent of our students, and our continued focus on delivering an outstanding education and student experience.

The University of Warwick has been named as the top university in the Midlands in an annual guide. Photo by The University of Warwickplaceholder image
The University of Warwick has been named as the top university in the Midlands in an annual guide. Photo by The University of Warwick

“This is an important milestone for Warwick, and this ranking demonstrates the strength of our teaching, the impact of our research, and the success of our graduates.

“We remain committed to widening access and ensuring that talented students from all backgrounds can thrive at Warwick and go on to achieve their ambitions.”

Professor Amanda Chetwynd, chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, added: “Congratulations to the University of Warwick for retaining the top spot in this year's West Midlands 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 what students care most about – teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.

“This year's rankings show that the opportunity to attend a prestigious university has never been more accessible.

“The movement we are seeing in entry requirements across the top 40 is a broadening of access, and that is something to welcome.

“Students who might previously have ruled out certain universities should look again. The right university is not always the one with the highest entry requirements; it is the one that is the best fit for you, your ambitions and your future.”

The full Complete University Guide 2027 can be found at: https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/

The University of Warwick was also named as the top university in the Midlands in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

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