University of Brighton climbs student-voted national rankings

The Uni Compare rankings are based on feedback from over 24,000 student reviews collected throughout the year from current students and graduates of 300 universities, giving a true picture of what students really think about UK and Ireland universities.

Reviewers rate their university across several key criteria including accommodation, course content, employment, and student social life and are also asked if they would recommend their university to a friend.

A group of students on Brighton Palace Pier on a sunny day

The University of Brighton saw notable improvements across key areas of the student experience:

• Top 100 universities overall: Climbing 30 places to an overall position of 32.

• Top 10 for student life: Ranking 9th in the UK, up 18 places from last year for social life outside studies, including societies, sports clubs, local bars and leisure activities.

• Top accommodation: Climbing 29 places to reach 33rd position overall.

• Student recommendation: 94% of students said they would recommend the University of Brighton.

The University also saw significant rises among the top 100 universities for Course Quality, reflecting student reviews of lecturers and course modules plus the quality of ongoing support from course academics and staff; and Employment, rating how universities help students to get ready for life after graduation including placement years, industry connections and career support. In this category, alumni also share how soon they found employment after graduation and the support they received after leaving.

This latest recognition follows another student-voted success at the 2026 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), where the Brighton Boost programme received a Bronze award for supporting students through the cost-of-living crisis.

Students in Elm house brighton university

Brighton Boost provides eligible students with a package of funding and support worth up to £1,000 to assist with study, accommodation, and travel costs. The initiative is a key part of the University’s commitment to equity and inclusion, aiming to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from succeeding in Brighton.

Jo Stuart, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at the University of Brighton, said:

"There is no higher ranking than one coming directly from our students. To see such a significant rise voted for by the very people who live the Brighton experience every day, is hugely rewarding. Hearing that they value our approach to career preparation, social life, and accommodation is the best feedback we could ask for.

“And when you combine this result with our recent national award for the Brighton Boost programme, it tells a very clear story of a thriving community, and confirms the quality of our teaching, the support we provide, and the unforgettable student life that makes Brighton so unique."

For prospective students planning to join the University in September 2026, Brighton Boost support remains open for those who make the University their firm choice before 30 June 2026 and for students in Clearing.