14.05.09
1994 Group universities secure half of top 20 places in Guardian University League Tables
The Guardian national university league tables published today highlight the excellent performance of 1994 Group universities with 10 members securing places in the top 18.
Professor Paul Wellings, Chair-elect of the 1994 Group and the Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University said: “Once again major national university league tables highlight the strength of 1994 Group universities. Achieving 10 of the top 18 places confirms that our members are second to none in delivering a world-class academic experience."
"Deciding on which university to attend is an increasing important choice in a very competitive job market. Savvy students have worked out that 1994 Group universities deliver the very best academic experience through a combination of world-class research, a commitment to research-led teaching and the highest levels of student satisfaction.”
“Research-led teaching is the key to a high quality academic experience and student satisfaction. A large proportion of the top academics at 1994 Group universities who achieved outstanding results in the RAE 2008 teach students. High quality research and teaching are mutually supportive – these league tables highlight the success of this approach.”
“I am particularly pleased to see the University of St. Andrew's breaking into the top 3. They are proof that you don’t need to be one of the largest universities to be one of the best. They are an excellent example of what a smaller, campus based university with a clear commitment to excellence in research, research-led teaching and student experience can achieve.”
Notes to Editors
1. The 1994 Group represents 18 of UK’s leading research intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching. www.1994group.ac.uk
2. 1994 Group members include 10 of the top 18 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published in the Guardian on the 12th May 2009.
3. Research-led teaching is central to the 1994 Group’s mission and the key to high levels of academic experience, teaching quality and student satisfaction. A large proportion of the top academics who achieved the Group’s outstanding results in RAE 2008 teach students. Independent sources highlight the success of this approach.o 8 of the top 15 institutions ranked by teaching satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2008 are 1994 Group Universities.o 9 of the top 16 Universities in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2009 league tables (which emphasis teaching quality) are 1994 Group Universities.o 5 of the top 8 universities for student experience in the overall rankings in 2008 National Student Survey are 1994 Group Universities.o The Group’s aggregate performance in the National Student Survey substantially exceeds the sector as a whole.
4. 1994 Group members include 11 of the top 25 universities in the UK (The Complete University Guide League Table published in the Independent on the 30th April 2009. 9 of the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2008). 5 of the top 8 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2008 National Student Survey)
5. In 16 major subject areas 1994 Group universities are the UK leaders achieving 1st place in their field (THE RAE subject rankings 2008). 57% of the 1994 Group’s research is rated 4* ‘world-leading’ or 3* ‘internationally excellent’ (RAE 2008, HEFCE) and 7 1994 Group members are in the top 20 in the Times RAE 2008 League Tables.
6. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, University of Durham, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York.
7. Press Enquiries or Interviews please contact Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications, 1994 Group. Tel: 0207 872 5596. Mob: 07779 232 731. Email: alistair.jarvis@1994group.co.uk