Overview of Liverpool Hope University's Rankings

Liverpool Hope University, a respected institution in the UK higher education landscape, consistently demonstrates strong performance across various ranking systems. Established in 1844, the university is known for its emphasis on teacher training, humanities, and social sciences, fostering a supportive learning environment. Rankings provide valuable insights into academic quality, student satisfaction, research impact, and employability. While Liverpool Hope may not always feature in the uppermost echelons of global lists, it excels in niche areas, particularly student experience and subject-specific excellence. This overview draws from major UK and international ranking providers, highlighting the university's strengths and areas of growth as of the latest available data (up to 2023-2024).

Rankings are compiled using diverse methodologies: some prioritize research output and citations, others focus on teaching quality and graduate outcomes. For Liverpool Hope, a teaching-focused university with around 5,000 students, metrics like student satisfaction and employability often shine brighter than raw research volume. Below, we break down key rankings into categories for clarity.

National UK University Rankings

In the UK, national rankings from sources like The Guardian University Guide, The Complete University Guide, and Times Higher Education (THE) evaluate universities based on entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate prospects. Liverpool Hope performs admirably, often ranking in the mid-tier overall but leading in student-centered metrics.

The Guardian University Guide 2024

The Guardian Guide emphasizes value-added factors, such as how well universities support students from diverse backgrounds. Liverpool Hope achieved an overall rank of 68th out of 121 UK universities, a solid position reflecting its commitment to inclusive education. Key highlights include:

• Student Satisfaction: Ranked 22nd, with a score of 85% in the National Student Survey (NSS), showcasing exceptional pastoral care and community feel.
• Graduate Prospects: 55th, with 85% of graduates in professional roles or further study six months post-graduation.
• Contextual Admissions: Top 10 for supporting underrepresented students, aligning with the university's social justice ethos.

This ranking underscores Liverpool Hope's appeal to students seeking personalized attention over large-scale prestige. For comparison, it's just behind universities like the University of Kent (65th) but ahead of several London-based institutions.

The Complete University Guide 2024

This guide, formerly known as The Independent Complete University Guide, assesses over 130 universities using 10 performance indicators. Liverpool Hope ranked 79th overall, with standout subject performances boosting its profile. The methodology weights entry standards at 10%, student satisfaction at 23%, and research at 20%.

Indicator	Score/Position	Notes
Student Satisfaction	4.12/5 (Rank 24th)	High NSS scores in teaching quality and learning resources.
Research Quality	2.45/4 (Rank 90th)	Growing impact in education and theology research.
Graduate Prospects	78% (Rank 72nd)	Strong in education sectors; 90% employability rate.
Entry Standards	118 UCAS points (Rank 95th)	Accessible entry, focusing on potential over tariffs.

Liverpool Hope's position here reflects its evolution from a college of higher education to a full university in 2005, with steady improvements in research since the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Times Higher Education (THE) UK Rankings 2024

THE's UK table integrates global metrics adapted for domestic audiences, ranking Liverpool Hope 101-125th out of 131 institutions. It excels in the teaching category (top 80), where metrics like student-to-staff ratio (15:1) contribute to interactive learning. Research environment scores are moderate at 2.1/4, but international outlook is strong due to diverse student body (20% international).

Compared to peers like Edge Hill University (similar rank), Liverpool Hope stands out for its Liverpool location, offering urban access without the intensity of larger cities like Manchester.

International and World University Rankings

Global rankings often favor research-intensive giants, but Liverpool Hope appears in select lists, emphasizing its niche contributions. These rankings use bibliometrics, international faculty, and reputation surveys.

QS World University Rankings 2024

In the QS World University Rankings, Liverpool Hope is not in the top 1,000 but features in the 801-1000 band for the first time in 2023, a milestone reflecting rising visibility. QS methodology (40% academic reputation, 10% employer reputation) highlights:

• Employer Reputation: Improved by 15 spots, thanks to alumni in education and public sectors.
• International Student Ratio: 25%, aiding cultural diversity scores.
• Subject Focus: Unranked overall but top 200 in Education (QS by Subject 2023).

This placement positions it alongside regional peers like the University of Chester, signaling potential for further ascent with ongoing investments in research facilities.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024

THE World Rankings place Liverpool Hope in the 1001-1200 band globally (out of 1,900+ institutions). The 13 performance indicators include industry income and citations per faculty. Strengths include:

• Teaching Reputation: 4/5 from peer reviews, emphasizing inspirational education.
• Citations Impact: Moderate, with impactful work in peace studies and disability research.
• International Co-Authorship: Growing partnerships with European universities.

Globally, this band includes innovative teaching universities from Australia and Canada, affirming Liverpool Hope's role in sustainable, ethical higher education.

Subject-Specific Rankings

Liverpool Hope's heritage in education and creative arts yields top-tier subject rankings, where it punches above its weight.

In The Guardian University Guide 2024 by Subject:

• Education: 12th overall, with 95% satisfaction; renowned for PGCE programs.
• Theology and Religious Studies: 5th, bolstered by the Loyola Institute.
• Social Work: 25th, praised for community placements.
• Performing Arts: 32nd, with strong drama and dance offerings at the Capstone Theatre.

The Complete University Guide echoes this: Education ranks 22nd, highlighting research in inclusive teaching. In QS Subject Rankings 2023, Education enters the 151-200 global band, competitive with larger UK universities like Leeds.

For STEM and business, rankings are mid-tier (e.g., Business & Management 70th in Guardian), but the university invests in interdisciplinary programs like Psychology with Criminology (top 50 satisfaction).

Student Satisfaction and Employability

Student feedback is a cornerstone of Liverpool Hope's reputation. The National Student Survey (NSS) 2023 awarded an overall satisfaction score of 84%, ranking it 10th in the UK for teaching on my course and 15th for academic support. Categories like organization and management scored 88%, reflecting efficient campus life across three sites: Hope Park, Creative Campus, and the City Centre.

Employability data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows 92% of 2021 graduates in work or study 15 months later, above the UK average of 88%. Key sectors include education (35%), health/social care (20%), and arts (15%). The university's Careers and Employability service offers tailored workshops, with 95% of students rating it highly.

Satisfaction Metric	Liverpool Hope Score	UK Average
Teaching Quality	86%	80%
Learning Resources	89%	84%
Student Voice	82%	78%
Overall Satisfaction	84%	81%

These figures attract applicants valuing wellbeing; the university's Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy earned a Times Higher Education Award nomination in 2022.

Research Rankings and Impact

Though not research-intensive, Liverpool Hope's REF 2021 results showed 68% of outputs as world-leading or internationally excellent, ranking it top 80 for impact. Strengths include Education (100% 3*/4* quality) and Theology (85%). Funding from bodies like the Arts & Humanities Research Council supports projects on social cohesion.

In THE Research Rankings, it scores 2.5/4 for quality, with rising citations in sustainable development goals. Collaborations with Liverpool John Moores University enhance joint research, positioning Hope as a thoughtful contributor rather than a volume leader.

Sustainability and Other Metrics

Liverpool Hope ranks highly in sustainability: 22nd in the Green Gown Awards 2023 for carbon reduction, with a net-zero pledge by 2030. The People & Planet University League Table places it 45th, praising eco-friendly campuses.

For international students, it ranks top 50 in the QS Best Student Cities for affordability and safety in Liverpool.

Summary of Liverpool Hope's Ranking Position

Liverpool Hope University embodies a balanced profile: mid-tier nationally (60-80th range), emerging internationally (800-1200 band), and elite in subjects like Education (top 20 UK). Its rankings reflect a student-first approach, with satisfaction and employability as hallmarks. For prospective students, these metrics suggest a nurturing environment ideal for personal growth. As the university expands research and global ties, future rankings are poised for upward mobility. Always cross-reference with official sources, as methodologies evolve annually.