University excellence recognised in Guardian League Tables

The latest 2008 Guardian University League Tables have seen The University of Northampton race ahead of its regional higher education competitors in a number of teaching areas, with particular honours going to Business, Engineering and Computing. Coming in at 92 on the latest Guardian list The University of Northampton was placed ahead of numerous other competing universities within its core student recruitment areas, including Derby, Bedfordshire, De Montfort and Wolverhampton.

The Northampton Business School (NBS) is now ranked 72 from 109 business schools. NBS also ranked fourth equal in the UK for ‘value added,’ emphasising excellent improvements in learning and advancement for students.

The University’s Engineering division within its School of Applied Sciences was ranked sixth out of 30 with a Guardian score of 75.6 (out of 100). It also received 10 out of 10 for job prospects, a better figure than any other university listed in the General Engineering category. Also within Applied Sciences the University’s Computing division came in joint first for value added and joint third for teaching in the Guardian table.

The Guardian listing for The University of Northampton also noted the institution’s substantial investments in campus facilities and an ongoing £80 million plan for future improvements through to 2015. Frank Burdett, Pro Vice Chancellor at The University of Northampton, commented: “We are delighted with the detail found in many aspects of the survey, which highlights areas of significant improvement.

“In particular the results in Business, Engineering and Computing are testament to our good employer links through our partnership scheme and the University’s approach to widening participation. Both are key aspects of the University’s mission. We will continue to work hard to improve all areas of the University’s performance.”