From Liverpool to Lancashire, Cumbria to Manchester, there are plenty of excellent local study options for ambitious North West students winding up their sixth form studies this year.
The Guardian’s latest university guide for the 2026 academic year is out now. This annual league table compares and ranks more than 120 universities from across the UK, giving them scores out of 100. Its comprehensive methodology includes the most recent available data on student satisfaction, staff numbers, spending, future career prospects for graduates, and more.
We’ve taken a look at how the North West’s 12 major universities fared in this year’s rankings, looking at both their overall scores, and other key details prospective students will want to know. These include a score representing how satisfied final year students were with their teaching, and the proportion of recent graduates either employed in a graduate-level job or undertaking further study 15 months after their course finished.
But The Guardian says that each university’s ranking should be viewed as part of a bigger picture. “Rankings change annually, and some universities may benefit from temporary measures such as funding boosts or changes to their student intake. Don’t forget that universities languishing at the bottom of the overall table can be top for certain subjects,” its creators wrote. Some universities have also not been included, where data was not available.
Here is how the North West’s 12 universities did, for the students of 2026:
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5. Liverpool John Moores University
As its name might suggest, Liverpool John Moores is based in Liverpool. It ranked 42nd overall this year, climbing from 54th last year. The Guardian gave it an overall score of 58.9 out of 100. It had a rating of 86 for students satisfied with their teaching, and 77% of recent graduates were either employed or in further study after 15 months. | Adobe Stock
6. Edge Hill University
Based in Ormskirk, Lancashire – not far from Liverpool – Edge Hill ranked 46th this year, slipping slightly from its position of 44th last year. The Guardian gave it an overall score of 58.4 out of 100. It had a rating of 86.9 for students satisfied with their teaching, and 81% of recent graduates were either employed or in further study after 15 months. | Google
7. University of Greater Manchester
Formerly the University of Bolton, this Greater Manchester-based university ranked 53rd this year, down from 32nd last year. The Guardian gave it an overall score of 56.3 out of 100. It had a rating of 88.6 for students satisfied with their teaching, and 77% of recent graduates were either employed or in further study after 15 months. | Google
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8. University of Chester
This university, headquartered in Chester, Cheshire, came in 71st this year, falling from 46th place last year. The Guardian gave it an overall score of 52.8 out of 100. It had a rating of 83.1 for students satisfied with their teaching, and 80% of recent graduates were either employed or in further study after 15 months. | Google