University of Bedfordshire Rankings 2025–26: Global Standing, Subject Strengths

The University of Bedfordshire is an ambitious and inclusive UK public university, steadily gaining recognition for its commitment to student success, focused education, and widening access to higher education. With a strong emphasis on practical learning, employability, and industry engagement, Bedfordshire continues to attract students from around the world because of its supportive environment and diverse academic offerings. 

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, the University of Bedfordshire is ranked within the 1001–1200 band, maintaining its position on the global stage. Nationally, it features in key UK university rankings, such as the Guardian University Guide 2025 (ranked 122) and the Complete University Guide 2026 (ranked 130), highlighting its performance in areas like student satisfaction, teaching quality, and graduate employability. These rankings reflect Bedfordshire’s ongoing efforts to enhance academic standards, expand research opportunities, and increase its international outlook. 

For students seeking an accessible and practical education grounded in real-world skills, the University of Bedfordshire offers a compelling choice one that balances academic rigor with a strong focus on career outcomes and community impact. 

How is the University of Bedfordshire ranked in 2025–26? 

The university’s rankings from 2024 to 2026 show a generally stable performance with slight variations across different ranking bodies. According to THE World University Ranking, it consistently remains in the 1001–1200 band for 2024 and 2025, with 2026 results still pending. The Guardian ranking holds steady at 122 for both 2024 and 2025, reflecting consistent UK recognition, while the Complete University Guide reveals a modest decline from 126 in 2024 to 130 projected in 2026.  

Overall, the university maintains a stable position internationally and nationally, though the slight downward trend in one UK guide suggests areas for potential improvement. 

Below is a list of some of its ranking positions held under key ranking bodies: 

Overall, the university maintains a relatively stable global and UK presence according to THE and Guardian rankings. However, the Complete University Guide suggests a gradual decline in ranking. Monitoring future rankings, especially for 2026, will be crucial to assess whether these trends continue or reverse. 

Unsure how to start your journey to study at the University of Bedfordshire? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad's expert advisors for the admission process, eligibility, tuition, and scholarships. 

Now, let's see how the University of Bedfordshire performs in course-wise rankings. 

What are the University of Bedfordshire’s top-ranked subjects in 2025–26? 

In the 2026 Complete University Guide, the University of Bedfordshire demonstrates notable strengths across several academic subjects. Biological Sciences leads the way, ranked 75th in the UK, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in the life sciences and its strong graduate outcomes. Art & Design also performs well, securing the 82nd spot nationally, reflecting Bedfordshire’s creative strengths and hands-on teaching approach. In the field of business, Accounting & Finance is ranked 102nd, while Business & Management Studies sits at 119th, showcasing the university’s broad offerings in professional and career-focused disciplines. These rankings highlight Bedfordshire’s commitment to delivering accessible, skills-driven education across both academic and vocational subject areas.  

Here’s an overview of University of Bedfordshire’s subject ranking trends in the Complete University Guide (CUG) for recent years: 

• MBA (Business & Management Studies): Bedfordshire’s business programs show steady performance, with rankings moving 118 → 121 → 119, reflecting consistent teaching quality and strong regional industry links. MBA and business students benefit from practical learning, career-focused support, and affordable management education. 
• Accounting & Finance: Rankings have remained stable (101 → 98 → 102), offering finance-focused students reliable teaching, foundational knowledge, and good employability prospects. 
• Art & Design: Bedfordshire improved slightly (84 → 84 → 82), providing creative students with strong project-based learning, portfolio development, and industry exposure. 
• Biological Sciences: The subject shows a clear upward trend (86 → 83 → 75), highlighting enhanced research output, lab facilities, and career readiness for life sciences students. 

How does Bedfordshire University compare with similar UK-based universities? 

The University of Bedfordshire sits within the group of UK universities often classified as post-1992 institutions (sometimes called "new universities"), which focus on practical, career-oriented education, often with strong regional ties. Let’s see how it stacks up against comparable universities in terms of rankings. 

National Rankings (2025–2026) 

• University of Chester (74th): Ranks higher overall, with strong academic results, especially in education and health disciplines. 
• University of Northampton (119th): Slightly ahead in rankings, known for its modern campus and focus on social innovation. 
• University of Bedfordshire (130th): While ranked lowest here, it excels in student experience, diversity, and employability-driven teaching offering excellent value, especially for students seeking support and career-focused education. 

How is the University of Bedfordshire Performing in Student Satisfaction? 

According to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025, the University of Bedfordshire has achieved top-tier rankings in the East of England for student satisfaction: 

Key Results: 

• 1st in the region for Learning Opportunities 
• 2nd for Assessment & Feedback and Student Voice 
• 3rd for Teaching on My Course 

The university saw improved scores in 26 out of 27 survey questions, reflecting four consecutive years of progress. Notably, Bedfordshire outperformed national averages in key areas: 

• +1.2% above sector average in Teaching on My Course 
• +1.8% in Learning Opportunities 
• +3.3% in Assessment & Feedback 
• +5.1% year-on-year growth in Academic Support 

These results demonstrate the university’s commitment to enhancing teaching quality, listening to student feedback, and providing strong academic support. 

Conclusion: Why the University of Bedfordshire Stands Out? 

It ranked 1st in the East of England for Learning Opportunities and placed in the top three regionally for Teaching Quality, Assessment & Feedback, and Student Voice in the 2025 National Student Survey, reflecting a strong commitment to the student experience. 

 While the university is ranked 130th in the Complete University Guide 2026 and placed within the mid-tier range in The Guardian University Guide, its graduates enjoy strong employability outcomes, with over 90% employed or in further study within six months. Bedfordshire’s dedication to environmental responsibility is equally notable, having been ranked 1st in the UK in the People & Planet University Green League 2024/25 and recognized by The Guardian for its ambitious sustainability and ethical initiatives. 

 Together with an inclusive and supportive learning environment and a focus on practical, career-ready education, the University of Bedfordshire offers a well-rounded, future-ready experience that prepares students to succeed both during and after their studies.