Overview of Oxford Brookes University Rankings

Oxford Brookes University, located in the historic city of Oxford, has established itself as a respected institution in the UK higher education landscape. Known for its innovative teaching, strong industry links, and focus on employability, the university consistently performs well in various ranking systems. These rankings evaluate factors such as teaching quality, research output, student satisfaction, and graduate prospects. Below, we explore the key ranking details, drawing from reputable sources like The Guardian University Guide, The Complete University Guide, Times Higher Education (THE), and QS World University Rankings. This structured overview highlights Oxford Brookes' strengths and provides insights into its performance across different metrics.

National UK Rankings

In the UK, university rankings are crucial for prospective students, as they reflect performance in areas like entry standards, student satisfaction, and research quality. Oxford Brookes University has shown steady improvement in national tables over the past decade, often ranking in the top 50-60 out of over 130 institutions.

The Guardian University Guide

The Guardian University Guide emphasizes value-added factors, such as how well universities support students from diverse backgrounds. Oxford Brookes has been praised for its inclusive approach and practical learning.

• 2023 Ranking: 45th out of 121 UK universities.
• 2022 Ranking: 48th.
• 2021 Ranking: 42nd, marking a significant rise.
• Key Strengths: Ranked 1st for value-added score in 2023, indicating excellent support for student progression regardless of entry qualifications.

This guide also scores subjects individually. For instance, Oxford Brookes excels in hospitality, leisure, recreation, and tourism, ranking 3rd in 2023.

The Complete University Guide

This guide, formerly known as The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, assesses universities on nine measures including graduate prospects and research intensity.

Year	Overall Rank	Student Satisfaction Rank	Graduate Prospects Rank
2024	56th	52nd	48th
2023	58th	55th	50th
2022	60th	49th	52nd

Oxford Brookes scores highly in research quality (around 70/100 in recent years) and maintains strong graduate prospects, with over 90% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating.

National Student Survey (NSS) Integration

The NSS feeds into many national rankings, measuring student satisfaction. In 2023, Oxford Brookes achieved an overall satisfaction score of 80%, above the sector average of 77%. Specific highlights include top scores in learning resources and academic support.

International Rankings

On the global stage, Oxford Brookes is recognized for its international outlook and partnerships, though as a teaching-focused university, it ranks modestly compared to ancient institutions like the University of Oxford. International rankings consider broader metrics like citations, international faculty, and employer reputation.

QS World University Rankings

QS evaluates over 1,500 institutions worldwide. Oxford Brookes entered the rankings in recent years, reflecting its growing global profile.

• 2024 Ranking: 601-650 band globally; 51-75 in Europe for employability.
• 2023 Ranking: 601-650 band.
• Strengths: High scores in international student ratio (over 20% of students are international) and employer reputation, boosted by programs like the MBA from Oxford Brookes Business School.

In the QS Sustainability Rankings 2024, Oxford Brookes placed in the 301-400 band, commended for its environmental initiatives and sustainable campus practices.

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings

THE rankings, which use 18 performance indicators, position Oxford Brookes as a solid mid-tier global university.

Year	Global Rank	UK Rank	Teaching Score
2024	601-800	51-75	32.5/100
2023	601-800	54th	31.8/100
2022	601-800	56th	30.2/100

The university shines in the international outlook pillar, scoring 70.4/100 in 2024, thanks to diverse student body and global exchange programs.

Other Global Metrics

In the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2023, Oxford Brookes is not yet ranked in the top 1000, as ARWU heavily weights research output and Nobel prizes—areas where research-intensive universities dominate. However, the university is climbing in impact-focused rankings like the THE Impact Rankings, placing 301-400 in 2023 for contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in quality education and decent work and economic growth.

Subject-Specific Rankings

Oxford Brookes excels in vocational and applied subjects, making it a top choice for career-oriented degrees. Subject rankings reveal its niche strengths.

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

• Art and Design: 151-200 globally.
Architecture and Built Environment: 201-240 globally, with the School of Architecture renowned for its RIBA-accredited programs.
• Business and Management: 301-350 globally.
• Engineering - Civil and Structural: 251-300 globally.

In the UK-focused Complete University Guide 2024, Oxford Brookes ranks:

1. 1st for Town Planning (out of 40 universities).
2. 5th for Hotel Management.
3. 10th for Architecture.
4. 15th for Real Estate.

Guardian Subject Rankings 2023

The Guardian highlights practical skills and employability in subjects. Oxford Brookes secured top 10 positions in several areas:

• 1st for Social Work, due to high student satisfaction and placement opportunities.
• 4th for Publishing, leveraging Oxford's literary heritage.
• 7th for Physiotherapy, with strong clinical partnerships.
• Top 20 for Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine.

These rankings underscore the university's emphasis on work-integrated learning, with many programs including mandatory placements or sandwich years.

Research and Innovation Rankings

While not a research powerhouse like the Russell Group universities, Oxford Brookes has invested in targeted research areas, particularly in health, technology, and sustainability. In the UK's Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 96% of its research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

• REF 2021 Overall: 58th in the UK for research power.
• Key Areas:
  • Allied Health Professions: 100% world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • Social Work and Social Policy: 85% rated 3* or 4* (internationally excellent to world-leading).
  • General Engineering: Strong impact scores for real-world applications.

The university's research is often collaborative, with partnerships including the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. In innovation terms, Oxford Brookes ranks highly in knowledge transfer, supporting spin-out companies and contributing to Oxford's 'Silicon Fen' ecosystem.

In the THE Research Quality metric, it scores around 25/100 globally, but this improves in subject-specific assessments, such as QS's top 200 for hospitality and tourism management research.

Student Experience and Satisfaction

Student life at Oxford Brookes is vibrant, with modern facilities like the John Henry Brookes Building and access to Oxford's cultural scene. Satisfaction surveys consistently rate it above average.

• NSS 2023: 82% overall satisfaction; top 20% for organization and management.
• Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023: Shortlisted for Best University Experience; won for Career Prospects.
• Key Factors: Diverse accommodation options, over 100 sports clubs, and strong mental health support.

The university's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its Athena SWAN awards and high rankings for social mobility in the UK's Social Mobility Index (top 30% in 2023).

Employability and Graduate Outcomes

Employability is a cornerstone of Oxford Brookes' reputation. The university's 2023 Graduate Outcomes survey shows 95% of graduates in work or study 15 months post-graduation, with average starting salaries around £27,000.

• QS Employability Rankings 2022: 301-500 globally; top 50 in the UK.
• Complete University Guide 2024: 48th for graduate prospects.
• High-Performing Sectors: Graduates in business, health, and creative industries often secure roles at top employers like the NHS, BBC, and KPMG.

Programs like the Professional Placement Year enhance CVs, with 70% of participants receiving job offers from placement employers.

Summary of Oxford Brookes' Ranking Position

Oxford Brookes University holds a respectable position in both national and international rankings, particularly shining in applied subjects, student satisfaction, and employability. While it may not compete with elite research universities, its focus on practical, career-ready education makes it an attractive option for students seeking real-world impact. Prospective students should consider subject-specific rankings alongside overall positions to find the best fit. As the university continues to invest in sustainability and digital innovation, its rankings are poised for further improvement.