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.

13. Abertay University
Scotland Ranking - 12. National Ranking - 74. Abertay University, formerly the University of Abertay Dundee, is a public university in the city of Dundee. Photo: Third Party

14. Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Scotland Ranking - 13. National Ranking - 105=. Founded in 1875, Queen Margaret University has always been driven by the highest ideals and purposes, focusing on contributing in practical ways to improving people’s lives and serving the community. Photo: Third Party

15. University of the West of Scotland
Scotland Ranking - 14. National Ranking - 121. UWS is a truly international university, with origins dating back to 1897. Photo: Third Party


