Lancaster University is ranked as best in the North West in Times Good University Guide

Lancaster University is the number one university in the Northwest, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

It took the top spot in the same year it took overall gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

This year, it was also ranked 12th best institution nationally in the guide.

It is working on one of the largest labs to focus on digital threats and cybersecurity in the region. 

Both Edge Hill University and the University of Central Lancashire claimed spots in the North West top 10 with seventh and 10th respectively.

Edge Hill University ranked joint 84th nationally and the University of Central Lancashire is 96th.

Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, said: “The best universities — whether they were founded in the 15th century or 2005 — are local and global powerhouses of intellectual thought and creativity, from the arts to science, that can power economic regeneration and lead the way to a better life.

"But what and where to study — and how to pay for it — has never been tougher. This is where our comprehensive guide can help. 

“This year we have tweaked our methodology to keep up with contemporary concerns around climate change and careers and have added in a sustainability metric, teaming up with People & Planet, and boosted the weighting of graduate prospects.  

“The higher education sector is facing unprecedented challenges from debates on free speech to financial stability, but it is important to remember the force for good that going to university can be. See how the universities compare subject by subject, a guide on campus life, and what scholarships and bursaries may be on offer online.” 

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 provides the definitive rankings for UK universities and the most comprehensive overview of higher education in Britain, making use of the latest data.

It features everything you need to know about applying to university and detailed online profiles for 134 universities covering research reputation to campus facilities, scholarships and bursaries, and nightlife. 

A fully searchable website with 70 subject tables, full interactive tables and additional features goes online here.