University of Bradford Rises in Guardian University Rankings

Significant improvements in subject rankings and overall position

The University of Bradford has improved its position in the Guardian University Guide 2027, moving up 18 places to be ranked joint 51st out of 123 UK higher education institutions. Several of its subject areas have achieved notable national rankings, reflecting progress in teaching quality and student satisfaction.

Top subject rankings

The university’s Paramedic Science programme was ranked second nationally, while Chemical Engineering was placed sixth. Other subjects also featured in the top 20, including:

• Midwifery (14th)
• Health Professions (19th)
• Mechanical Engineering (20th)

Guardian University Guide assessment criteria

The Guardian University Guide evaluates universities based on eight categories, including National Student Survey results, career prospects, student satisfaction with teaching, and student-to-staff ratios. The University of Bradford achieved the following scores in the 2027 guide:

• 91.1% continuation rate, indicating a high percentage of first-year students progressing to their second year
• 84.5% student satisfaction with teaching
• 80.2% student satisfaction with assessment
• Average teaching score of 56.5 out of 100
• 12th nationally for the Value Added measure, which compares degree results with entry qualifications

Subject areas with notable improvements

Compared to the 2026 Guardian University Guide, some subjects showed significant gains in ranking positions:

• Computer Science & Information Systems: +48 places
• Law: +37 places
• Psychology: +29 places
• Mechanical Engineering: +27 places
• Economics: +21 places

Other recent ranking achievements

In addition to the Guardian rankings, the University of Bradford was recently placed joint 29th out of 128 institutions in the Daily Mail University Guide 2027, marking its highest position in that publication to date.

Clearing 2026 information

The university is currently participating in Clearing 2026, which runs until 9 October. This process allows prospective students, including adult learners returning to education, to apply for available places. Applications can be made online or by calling the Clearing phone line on 0808 196 9129.

Further information, including course details, virtual tours, and application support, is available through the university’s On-demand Clearing Hub.