Queen’s ranked 26th best UK university in annual guide while Ulster drops to 45th

That’s up five places from last year in what is considered the definitive guide to higher education institutions.

Ulster University is ranked 45th — five places lower than last year.

For the first time in the 31 years of the guide, the London School of Economics and Political Science took top spot, with last year’s leading university St Andrews dropping to second place on the list.

Northumbria University was named Modern University of the Year, while the Specialist University of the Year title went to University of the Arts London.

Earlier this year Queen’s unveiled a new building dedicated to a famous alumnus, Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney.

Two Grade II-listed buildings were transformed into the £4.9m Seamus Heaney Centre, which was opened by his widow Marie during an event attended by First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray, and actors Ciaran Hinds and Geraldine Hughes.

Queen’s vice-chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said at the time: “This centre is more than just a building, it is a tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest poets, Seamus Heaney, and it will be a cornerstone of the university.”

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.

“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 and 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.”