Strong Foundations. Proven Results.
Independent measures consistently recognise the strength of our academic provision, student experience, graduate outcomes and research performance. From being named Daily Mail Modern University of the Year 2027 to significant gains in national league tables and sector-leading student satisfaction, the University is delivering tangible progress and national recognition across its core priorities.
The University is ranked 51st out of 130 institutions in the Times Good University Guide, an increase of 34 places from 87th last year. This is our highest-ever position in the Times, surpassing our previous best of 53rd in the 2020 edition, and represents a further significant milestone in our league table performance.
Notably, we are ranked 6th among Modern Universities.
A key driver of the improvement is our significantly stronger NSS performance, with the University now ranked in the national top 10 for:
- Teaching Quality – 5th, up 84 places from last year
- Student Experience – 6th, up 106 places from last year
We have also improved by 12 places for Good Honours and nine places for Entry Standards.
Daily Mail Modern University of the Year 2027
place league table rise
Highest-ranked modern university
Recognition of institutional progress and success
NSS 2026 Results
Ranked #7 in the UK for overall student positivity
%
overall positivity (+7.6 percentage points)
Outperforming the sector average across all seven NSS themes
PTES 2026 Results
up 39 places nationally
%
positivity (+6.6%)
Top 10 UK ranking (#6)
Our wider performance
University of the year for employability (Academic employability awards 2026, graduate futures institute)
2nd for social inclusion (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
%
of research impact classed as “outstanding” or “very considerable” (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
Modern University of the Year 2027 – Staffordshire
Staffordshire has risen in the Daily Mail university league table for three successive years, this year ranking the highest of all modern universities. This significant achievement extends far beyond data, however, being backed up by substantial substance that impacts the daily lives and wider university experience of all of its students.
The university makes a compelling case to students inevitably concerned about the costs of higher education and their job prospects afterwards. Three quarters of Staffordshire’s graduates land high-skilled jobs and graduate salaries place the university in the top 30 nationally.
The rollout of a new curriculum framework from next year will further embed employability into courses, many of which already benefit from the institution’s heavy recent investment in immersive and simulation-based learning.
The university is also paying attention to the wider student experience with next month’s opening of a £100m student village and student hub providing accommodation for 1,000 and a gateway for student support.
This is a good moment for prospective students to consider the dynamic higher education offered by Staffordshire, which was the standout candidate to be the Daily Mail Modern University of the Year 2027.
Alastair McCall, Editor, Daily Mail University Guide
Record-Breaking Success: Staffordshire Rises to 34th in the UK
The University of Staffordshire has achieved its highest-ever position in the Guardian University Guide, rising to 34th place nationally and reinforcing its position as one of the UK’s most improved universities. The result reflects growing national recognition of the University’s progress and ambition, with particular strengths identified across teaching quality, assessment and feedback, and the added value delivered for students. The ranking also highlights the breadth of academic excellence across the institution, with multiple subjects now placed within the national top 10.
Academic Strategy
Our academic strategy is driving a transformational journey for our students – our outstanding 2026 NSS results are testament to the focus and progression.
Research
We’re producing world-class and innovative research and we’re proud to contribute to leaps in knowledge, understanding, and discovery. Our researchers are also having a tangible impact on improving the quality of people’s lives locally, nationally, and globally.