16 Aug 07

Oxford University remains at the top of The Times Good University Guide for the sixth consecutive year, with Cambridge in second place and Imperial College taking the third spot. However, the margin between Oxford and Cambridge is the smallest since 1993, when the universities tied for first place.

The Times Good University Guide 2008 ranks 113 UK universities according to eight criteria, including student satisfaction, research quality and degree results. According to the guide, Oxford comes out on top on three criteria: completion rate for undergraduate students; the expenditure per student on facilities such as library and IT, careers, sport, health and counselling; and the percentage of students achieving a first or upper second class degree in 2004/5.For the first time, the online guide allows students to compare the strengths and weaknesses of different institutions in the eight criteria that make up the final score.

The Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Hood, said: 'I congratulate staff and students across the University whose individual achievements have collectively led to Oxford's premier position in this table for the sixth year in succession. It is a testimony to the wide range of expertise and quality of resources in teaching and research across an exceptionally broad front in our academic divisions and colleges.

'I hope that this result will encourage more bright students, whatever their background, who want to aim for the top as undergraduates or postgraduates, to consider applying to Oxford.'