The University of Sussex has climbed 24 places in the Guardian’s 2016 University rankings – here’s how it happened:

The Guardian accumulates data about universities in eight different categories and then uses a formula to calculate an overall score.

The Badger has worked out the change in each of these categories so we can see how things have developed since last year’s figures.

Rankings infographic

The satisfaction and careers stats are based on information given by final-year students in the National Student Survey.

The career score is the percentage of graduates who find graduate-level jobs, or are studying further, within six months of graduation.

The value-added score compares students’ individual degree results with their entry qualifications, to show how effective the teaching is. It is given as a rating out of ten.

Overall, the University now sits at number 19, placing it amongst the top 20 universities in the country.

This makes the University the highest climber in the top 50 UK universities (it placed 43rd in the rankings last year).

The Guardian league tables also named Sussex as the best UK university at which to study Chemistry.

It placed Sussex in the top 10 universities for many subjects including: English and Creative Writing, Geography and Environmental Studies, and Physics.

In Drama and Dance Sussex came 2nd to Royal Welsh College.

Sussex also featured in the top 20 for studying Law, History and Sociology.

The University’s management has welcomed the news, with Vice-Chancellor Michael Farthing saying: “During the past couple of years we have looked very carefully at the areas in which we weren’t doing so well and have made some major improvements.

“96 percent of our graduates are either in work or full time study six months after leaving, which is a stunning result.

“What’s important now is that we continue to give our students the best opportunities, not just in terms of their experience while studying at Sussex, but for their careers and their personal development.”

Sussex Students’ Union Education Officer Bethan Hunt said: “We will always encourage the University to strive to improve student satisfaction and engagement.

“We welcome the University’s hard-work in these areas and will celebrate with students who were disappointed when Sussex slipped down the rankings last year; it’s great to be back in the top 20.

“However, we are always cautious of the over-marketisation of higher education and will continue to promote free education.”

Daniel Green and Pete Humphreys

Categories: News

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