Lancaster University named top ranking North West institution

Lancaster University is the number one university in the North West, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

It took the top spot in the same year it took overall gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

It is working on one of the largest labs to focus on digital threats and cybersecurity in the region.

In September, 2022, the university announced a ‘once in a generation’ £19m investment in cyber security services.

It will create almost 60 jobs and is linked to the development of the North West Cyber Corridor.

Further data from the latest ranking shows that the University of Liverpool rose from 29th to 23rd to beat the University of Manchester that slipped from 23rd to 27th, in the national list,  year on year.

Manchester Metropolitan University, one of the UK’s largest universities, is the runner up for the Sustainable University of the Year 2025 award, and is ranked 46th nationally making the top 50.

Newly planted trees and  wildflower areas are boosting  biodiversity in All Saints Park, a focal point of MMU’s  campus.

In addition, pedestrians  and cyclists have priority over vehicles in the surrounding areas, which has helped it to take second place in the People &  Planet University League.

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.”

She added: “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.”