London School of Economics named best UK university for first time by the Times and Sunday Times

It’s the first time the social sciences powerhouse has topped the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, beating the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.

LSE has also been awarded The Times and The Sunday Times’ University of the Year 2025 having moved up to first place from fourth last year.

Its overall win is due to improved results in graduate prospects, student satisfaction and teaching quality. 

It comes third nationally for its research, continuation rate and the proportion of students achieving a first or 2:1. 

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Professor Larry Kramer, president and vice chancellor of the London School of Economics and Political Science said:  “This award is a tribute to LSE’s outstanding faculty and students, and the global community. 

“As someone still relatively new to LSE, I can genuinely say it is a university unlike any other. LSE’s combination of world-leading academics and motivated students, dedication to the social sciences, and international focus, while still being firmly rooted in London, makes it a very special place.”

The second best rated London university on the list is Imperial College London, which comes in sixth place nationally.

University College London (UCL), which was named as University of the Year last year, came in seventh place nationally and was ranked as the third best university in the capital.

Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, said:  “The best universities — whether they were founded in the 15th century or 2005 — are local and global powerhouses of intellectual thought and creativity, from the arts to science, that can power economic regeneration and lead the way to a better life. But what and where to study — and how to pay for it — has never been tougher. This is where our comprehensive guide can help. 

“This year we have tweaked our methodology to keep up with contemporary concerns around climate change and careers and have added in a sustainability metric, teaming up with People & Planet, and boosted the weighting of graduate prospects.  

 “London is one of the most extraordinary cities in which to study in the world. There are 23 universities to choose from who are leading the way in so many subjects from art to robotics and everything in between.  

 “The higher education sector is facing unprecedented challenges from debates on free speech to financial stability, but it is important to remember the force for good that going to university can be. See how the universities compare subject by subject, a guide on campus life, and what scholarships and bursaries may be on offer online.”