Overview of Edge Hill University's Rankings

Edge Hill University, located in Ormskirk, Lancashire, has established itself as a respected institution in the UK higher education landscape. Founded in 1885 as a teacher training college, it gained full university status in 2006. The university is particularly renowned for its strengths in education, health, and social sciences. Rankings provide a snapshot of its performance across various metrics, including teaching quality, research output, student satisfaction, and employability. These rankings are compiled by reputable organizations using data from sources like the National Student Survey (NSS), Research Excellence Framework (REF), and graduate outcomes surveys. Below, we explore Edge Hill's rankings in detail, highlighting key achievements and areas of excellence.

National Rankings in the UK

In the UK, university rankings are dominated by three major league tables: The Guardian University Guide, The Complete University Guide, and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. Edge Hill consistently performs well in these, often ranking in the top 100 out of over 130 institutions. Its focus on vocational and professional courses contributes to strong scores in student satisfaction and graduate prospects.

The Guardian University Guide

The Guardian emphasizes value-added metrics, such as student satisfaction and career progression. In the 2024 edition, Edge Hill University ranked 75th overall, an improvement from 80th in 2023. This positions it solidly in the mid-tier of UK universities. Key highlights include:

• Student Satisfaction: Ranked 42nd, with an overall satisfaction score of 85% based on NSS data, reflecting positive feedback on teaching and campus life.
• Graduate Prospects: 68th, with 92% of graduates in employment or further study six months after graduation, above the national average.
• Value for Money: 55th, praised for its affordable fees and supportive learning environment.

Edge Hill's upward trajectory in The Guardian Guide underscores its commitment to enhancing the student experience, particularly for those pursuing teaching and nursing qualifications.

The Complete University Guide

This guide, published annually since 2000, assesses universities on entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate prospects. For 2024, Edge Hill secured 82nd place overall, up from 85th the previous year. The university excels in several sub-categories:

• Research Quality: 70th, drawing from the 2021 REF where 100% of Edge Hill's research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in education and social work.
• Student-Staff Ratio: 65th, indicating personalized attention with smaller class sizes in specialized programs.
• Facilities Spend: 50th, with investments in modern labs and simulation suites for health sciences.

The guide notes Edge Hill's strengths in regional impact, making it a top choice for students from the North West of England.

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide

Renowned for its comprehensive analysis, this 2024 guide placed Edge Hill at 90th in the UK, a stable position from recent years. It highlights the university's teaching excellence, with a Teaching Quality score of 78.5%. Notable aspects include:

• Student Experience: High marks for its inclusive and vibrant campus, scoring well in the NSS for learning community (87%).
• Employability: 82nd, with partnerships like those with the NHS boosting nursing graduate employment to 98%.

Edge Hill's ranking here reflects its evolution from a specialist college to a well-rounded university, with growing recognition in arts and sciences.

International Rankings

While primarily a national player, Edge Hill is gaining visibility in global rankings. These focus on research impact, international outlook, and citations, where the university's niche strengths shine.

QS World University Rankings

In the 2024 QS Rankings, Edge Hill appears in the 1001-1200 band globally, a commendable entry for a teaching-focused university. QS evaluates academic reputation, employer reputation, and faculty-student ratio. Edge Hill scores particularly well in:

• International Faculty Ratio: Reflecting its diverse staff from over 20 countries.
• Employer Reputation: Strong in education and health sectors, with alumni in leadership roles at organizations like Teach First.

This ranking affirms Edge Hill's appeal to international students, who make up 5% of its 13,000-strong student body.

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings

The 2024 THE Rankings place Edge Hill in the 801-1000 group worldwide. THE's methodology includes teaching (30%), research (30%), citations (30%), international outlook (7.5%), and industry income (2.5%). Edge Hill's performance is bolstered by:

• Teaching Environment: 25th in the UK for this metric, emphasizing its student-centered approach.
• Research Influence: Notable in clinical health, where REF 2021 rated 80% of outputs as 3* or 4* (internationally excellent or world-leading).

Compared to larger research-intensive universities, Edge Hill's ranking highlights its efficiency in leveraging resources for impact.

Other Global Metrics

In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Rankings) 2023, Edge Hill does not feature in the top 1000, which is typical for universities prioritizing teaching over high-volume research. However, it performs well in subject-specific global lists, as detailed below.

Subject-Specific Rankings

Edge Hill's reputation is anchored in its specialist subjects. It offers over 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across five faculties: Arts and Sciences, Education, Health, Social Sciences, and Business.

Subject Area	UK Ranking (2024 Guardian)	Key Strengths	Global Notes
Education	Top 20	Outstanding Teacher Programme; 95% satisfaction in NSS	QS Subject Rankings: 301-350 globally
Nursing & Health	Top 30	100% employability; state-of-the-art simulation facilities	THE Subject Rankings: 401-500
Social Work	Top 25	Strong partnerships with local authorities; research-informed practice	Emerging in CWUR subject lists
Performing Arts	Top 40	Renowned drama program; collaborations with Royal Shakespeare Company	QS: 351-400
Business & Management	Top 70	AACSB-accredited; focus on entrepreneurship	Improving in FT Masters rankings

These rankings demonstrate Edge Hill's leadership in professional fields. For instance, its Education department is one of the oldest in the UK, producing graduates who excel in schools nationwide. In health sciences, the university's £12 million investment in facilities has elevated its profile, with nursing ranked 22nd in the Complete University Guide 2024.

Student Satisfaction and Employability

Beyond traditional rankings, Edge Hill shines in student-centered metrics. The 2023 NSS reported an overall satisfaction rate of 84%, placing it in the UK top 50. Factors include its green campus, voted 'Best Grounds' in the 2022 Green Gown Awards, and extensive support services like the Careers+ team.

Employability is a cornerstone, with 95% of graduates in positive outcomes 15 months post-graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022). This is particularly strong in education (98%) and health (97%), where professional accreditations ensure job readiness. The university's placement opportunities, including international exchanges, enhance these figures.

Historical Trends and Future Outlook

Edge Hill's rankings have shown steady progress. In 2010, it ranked around 100th in national tables; by 2024, it has climbed into the 70-90 range across guides. This growth aligns with strategic investments: research income rose 25% post-REF 2021, and international student numbers increased by 15% in the last five years.

Looking ahead, Edge Hill aims to break into the top 70 nationally by 2030, focusing on sustainability and digital innovation. Its Athena SWAN awards for gender equality and carbon-neutral goals further bolster its reputation.

In summary, Edge Hill University offers a compelling blend of academic rigor, practical training, and supportive environment. While not a global research giant, its rankings affirm its value for students seeking career-focused education in a welcoming setting. Prospective students should consider these metrics alongside personal fit, as rankings evolve annually with new data.