Institution is ‘focused on excellence’

St Andrews University believes its rise from fifth to third place in the guide is due to its high scores for teaching quality and student satisfaction with the quality of its academic programmes.

It is currently UK University of the Year for teaching quality.

Welcoming the news, principal Professor Sally Mapstone said: “This alltime high is a great endorsement of what St Andrews stands for.

“Our values are those of a small, Scottish, and highly international university.

“We are outward looking, inclusive and focused on excellence.

“We see teaching quality and research excellence as commensurate, and we provide them in an environment that is beautiful, friendly and enriching.”

Dundee University was also celebrating its new position of 29th, having climbed 20 places since 2015.

“There are many factors driving our rise in the Complete University Guide, including the fact we are one of the most research intensive universities of comparable size in the UK, our internationally renowned student experience and our excellent record in employability,” said Professor Sir Pete Downes, principal and vice-chancellor of the university.

Dundee University has climbed 20 places since 2015.