As the new academic year begins, The Times and The Sunday Times releases its annual ranking of top UK universities; the Good University Guide – and Hartpury receives an extra special accolade in the 2026 edition.
This is the Gloucestershire agricultural, sport, business, science and animal institute's fifth appearance in the league table and it's climbed 15 places in the past year.
Now sitting at 101 in the overall national ranking, Hartpury University is named Specialist University of the Year, beating runner up, Arts Bournemouth University.
This year's other awards include Modern University of the Year, Medical School of the Year, University of the Year for Sustainability, University of the Year for Teaching Quality, and more.
To compile the guide, The Times and The Sunday Times team analyses 2023 to 2024 data for entry standards; firsts and 2:1s; continuation rate; and student to staff ratios, as well as research reputation; campus facilities; scholarships and bursaries available; and nightlife – with all the information gathered to create detailed online profiles for the 133 universities featured.
Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, said: 'Competition to get a place at our top-ranked institutions continues to grow, leaving some lower-tariff universities with recruitment challenges.
'It is exciting to see universities across the UK working to deliver extraordinary medical and technical breakthroughs, lead economic regeneration and inspire.'
Professor Andy Collop, vice-chancellor of Hartpury University, said: 'Being named Specialist University of the Year 2026 is an extraordinary achievement for our whole community.
'The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide is one of the most respected and influential publications in higher education, so to be recognised in this way is particularly meaningful. It recognises not just where we are now, but also the exciting direction in which we are heading.
'I am incredibly proud of our staff, governors, students, alumni and partners who have all played a role in this success.'
Deputy vice-chancellor of Hartpury University, Rosie Scott-Ward, added: 'For prospective students and their families, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide is a trusted source when making life-changing decisions about where to study.
'It reinforces the distinct advantages of studying here, where world-class facilities and specialist expertise combine to create a truly unparalleled student experience.
'Going to university is an investment – not just financially, but also personally, and this award demonstrates the value of specialist universities in providing a real return on that investment.'
The full guide can be viewed online at thetimes.com/uk-university-rankings.
