The prestigious guide 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. We’ve looked at the data available to create a Scottish version of the league table, which you can see by scrolling through our photo gallery.
In top spot for the UK is the London School of Economics and Political Science, but no fewer than five Scottish universities have claimed places in the Top 20.
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.”
Scroll through our picture gallery to see Scottish version of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 league table, ranking the country’s 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