The prestigious guide, published annually by the Times and The Sunday Times, provides rankings for all UK universities using data published in the previous two months, and an overview of higher education in Britain. It includes profiles on 135 universities.
In first place for the UK is the London School of Economics and Political Science, but five Scottish universities earned spots in the Top 20. And we’ve looked at the data available to create a Scottish version of the league table.
Have a look through our photo gallery to see the Scottish version of the Good University Guide 2025 league table, ranking our 14 universities from best to worst.
9. Heriot-Watt University
Scotland Ranking - 8. National Ranking - 51. It was established in 1821 as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, the world's first mechanics' institute, and subsequently granted university status by royal charter in 1966. Heriot-Watt University is the eighth-oldest higher education institute in the UK. Photo: Third Party
10. Edinburgh Napier University
Scotland Ranking - 9. National Ranking - 59. Edinburgh Napier was the only Scottish university to be shortlisted for the 2022 Times Higher Education’s prestigious University of the Year award. Photo: Third Party
11. Robert Gordon University
Scotland Ranking - 10. National Ranking - 61. Named Scottish University of the Year in the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021, RGU says it places students at the heart of both the design and delivery of its teaching and learning. Photo: Third Party
12. University of Stirling
Scotland Ranking - 11. National Ranking - 63. Founded by royal charter in 1967, it is built within the walled Airthrey Castle estate. Photo: Third Party