Six years running at the top of the Guardian university guide

The University was ranked first overall in the table, which assesses 118 UK universities on areas such as the career prospects of graduates, entry tariffs and the ratio of students to staff. The Guardian's guide is designed for first-time students, and concentrates on teaching and the experience of students at each institution. The results of the National Student Survey are used to rank universities in two of the seven areas considered by the guide, and the verdicts of final year undergraduates on the quality of teaching and feedback are included in the table. In its profile of the University, the guide characterised Oxford as being 'at the forefront of research and teaching..and with tip-top facilities.' Oxford's generous bursary schemes and its museums, libraries and other facilities were also highlighted. This is the third university league table this year to put the University at the top overall, and Oxford is first in 15 of its individual subject tables, including medicine, maths, modern languages, law, politics, economics and English. Professor Andrew Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: 'I am very pleased we are once again top in the Guardian's University Guide. To be recognised as the best university in this guide for six years in a row is no small feat, and reflects the continuing high standard of excellence achieved by staff and students across the University.'