Trent tops rival university for first time

Nottingham Trent University has overtaken its rival, the University of Nottingham, for the first time in the 2019 edition of the influential Guardian University Guide.

Trent University, which has 30,000 students and has risen 18 places to number 16, is in the top five in the UK for fashion and textiles, building, town and country planning and in the top 10 for design, psychology, accounting, criminology, and film.

Professor Edward Peck, vice-chancellor of Nottingham Trent University, said: “This continued rise in the rankings shows the benefits of implementing a strategy that focuses on being excellent in those areas that matter most to students. We are redefining what it means to be an elite university in the twenty first century.”

However, the top University in the East Midlands according to the tables is Loughborough, which rises to 4th.

Loughborough University vice-chancellor Professor Robert Allison said: “I am absolutely delighted that Loughborough has been ranked 4th in the latest Guardian University Guide. This league table bases its results on the factors that matter most to students, which makes our achievement even more rewarding. ”

The University of Nottingham is ranked 17th, while Lincoln soars 25 places to 22nd. Derby comes 29th in the tables – a rise of 25 places.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “To achieve our highest ever ranking is fantastic news for the University and formally recognises the outstanding commitment of staff and students.

“It is particularly pleasing to be recognised in the Top 30 in the country by The Guardian league tables, which focus on student experience, student satisfaction and employability – values which have always been at the heart of our institution. This is a very positive outcome which will further enhance our global profile.”

The University of Leicester drops 20 places to 63rd, while De Montfort climbs 23 places to 71st.