In the overall rankings, Swansea University is now ranked at 45, just three places behind Cardiff University.

'Above average'

The guide, which is produced by the independent company Intelligent Metrix, ranks universities according to: spending per student; the student/staff ratio; graduate career prospects; what grades applicants need to get a place; a value-added score that compares students’ entry qualifications with their final degree results; and how satisfied final-year students are with their courses, based on results from the annual National Student Survey (NSS).

The overall Guardian league table is accompanied by subject rankings, showing how universities perform across 54 areas of study.

Subjects where Swansea is in the UK top 20 (* indicates subjects ranked within the UK top 10):

• American Studies*
• Computer Science*
• Criminology
• Engineering*
• Engineering – Materials and Minerals*
• Mathematics
• Medicine*
• Nursing and Midwifery
• Social Policy and Administration*
• Social Work
• Sports Science

The Guide also shows that Swansea performs above average for career prospects, and is ranked in the UK top 20 for course satisfaction. A unique measure within the Guardian University Guide is the value added metric, which scores students’ individual degree results with their entry qualifications, to show how effective the teaching is; in this metric Swansea University is top in Wales. Swansea University is also top in Wales for career prospects.

'Continued success'

These new ranking follow a series of recent accolades for the University, which include: climbing to 44^th in the Complete University Guide, with Medicine ranked 3rd in the UK alongside Oxford (1st) and Cambridge (2nd); becoming the top university in Wales in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017 league table – as well as winning the inaugural Welsh University of the Year title; and being shortlisted in six categories in the 2017 Whatuni? Student Choice Awards, including University of the Year for the fifth consecutive year.

Earlier this year, Swansea’s Engineering disciplines continued to be ranked among the world’s elite by higher education data specialists QS in the World University Rankings by Subject 2017. Civil and Structural Engineering, and Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering retained their top 200 ranking, whilst Chemical Engineering joined the world’s top 300. Mathematics was again ranked in the global league tables, and was joined by three other subjects – Law, Medicine, and Physics.

Professor Hilary Lappin-Scott, Senior Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and External Recognition), said: “I’m pleased to see that the Guide lists us among the leading universities on such a wide range of subjects, and it is wonderful to see that Swansea is now narrowing the gap with Cardiff to just three places. This is a clear indication that Wales has two top-class universities similarly ranked in terms of quality and excellence.

“Our continued success in this table and other UK and international league tables is evidence of our improved performance and rapidly growing reputation of providing top quality teaching, research, student satisfaction and excellent career prospects”.

• More on the University Guide, and details of its methodology.
• Download the tables.