Where Brighton and Sussex universities rank in good university guide

One is in the bottom ten nationally.

In overall national ranking, the University of Sussex fell from 47th to 50th, while the University of Brighton rose by 18 places from 116th to 98th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide this year.

But many students at both universities are not happy with their experience.

Sussex recorded 69.6 per cent for student experience in 2022 - although this was up by almost two per cent on last year’s figure of 67.7 per cent.

Brighton is in the bottom ten nationally for student experience, with a figure of 64.8 per cent, and has a “way to go” to improve on this.

Sussex University ranks 92nd for student experience, while Brighton University ranks 125th out of the 135 universities in the rankings.

Sussex University students enjoying graduation in July. Picture by Stuart Robinson (Image: Stuart Robinson)

Zoe Thomas, principal author of the Good University Guide, said: “Sussex University’s overall ranking is a shame because it does really well on most of the academic measures.

“It should be doing better than this really but what drags it down are low rates of student satisfaction. It ranks really low for that.

“Sussex University has been a top 20 university in the past. As its student satisfaction improves, we should see it go up.

“The completion rate is one of its best features. Last year it was our university of the year for student retention.”

Sussex University's campus in Falmer (Image: Newsquest)

Brighton University was praised for its new Moulsecoomb campus in Lewes Road, as well as Brighton and Sussex Medical School which it runs in partnership with Sussex University.

Brighton is also in the top 60 for graduate outcomes for the last two years.

Zoe said: “The University of Brighton had quite a bad year last year and has risen back to where it has been before.

“Brighton has improved on teaching quality in the student satisfaction survey. However, in the student experience part they are in the bottom ten nationally which is a surprise if you think how wonderful Brighton is as a city.

Brighton University's winter graduation in February 2019. Picture from Simon Dack (Image: Simon Dack)

“Students haven’t been happy with their wider experience, that’s possibly a pandemic-related thing and could improve.”

The academic league table is made up of eight indicators including student satisfaction with teaching quality and their wider student experience, research quality, graduate prospects, entrance qualifications held by new students, degree results achieved, student/staff ratios, and degree completion rates. 

A Sussex University spokeswoman said: “We have been investing to improve the experience of our students, including the launch of a new £28 million Student Centre where students can find information, advice, and guidance on financial, housing and welfare issues, as well as adding additional quiet study space.

“Improving our students’ experience is our top priority, and we are confident that we have the right plans in place to ensure students at Sussex have the most enriching university experience possible.”

A University of Brighton spokesman said: “We are very pleased that the dedication and hard work of our staff and students has been reflected in these latest results.

Staff at both universities went on strike in February (Image: Newsquest)

“The improvements we have seen across a range of areas demonstrate that the plans we have in place are delivering, but there is always more we can do.

“As in previous years, we will be using these results and sharing good practice to drive further improvements across the university and make sure our students receive the best possible experience.”

The full Good University Guide 2023 can be found on The Times' website.