Strathclyde named UK University of the Year by Daily Mail

The University of Strathclyde has been named UK University of the Year in the third edition of the Daily Mail University Guide 2026.

The accolade builds on Strathclyde’s previous recognition in the newspaper’s inaugural rankings in 2023 when it was Scottish University of the Year, and runner-up in the UK University of Year category.

Strathclyde is placed joint-sixth in the Daily Mail’s ranking – its highest position to date in a university league table.

Dynamic institution

Alastair McCall, editor of the Daily Mail University Guide who formerly produced the Sunday Times Good University Guide, said:

Strathclyde is the embodiment of everything a 21st century university should be – student-focused but with an outstanding research pedigree; a place of ‘useful learning’ but one that takes great care of its students; a progressive and dynamic institution but one with a keen social conscience.

Students are lucky to be here – and they know it, as witnessed by the university’s excellent results in the 2025 National Student Survey. These have helped to propel Strathclyde to its highest ever ranking in our UK league table – in joint sixth place – with students strongly endorsing the quality of teaching, the university’s support structures and their wider student experience.

Most will go on to have successful careers, the foundations laid during their studies at Strathclyde. The university has turned out able and confident graduates into areas where there are national shortages for decades. Business and industry are routinely invited in to help shape the courses, many of which have integral work placements. It’s no wonder that Strathclyde graduates are so sought after.

The university is mindful of its ability to effect social change – to make success an option for all – admitting the highest number of students from the most deprived Scottish postcodes of any highly selective university. By a distance, it has more first-generation students than any other UK top 10 university.

Academics are working at the cutting edge of their subjects. Only Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and Bristol attract more research income per capita than Strathclyde, a measure of the esteem in which its academics are held, and the calibre of teaching students can expect to receive. 

Strathclyde was the standout candidate to be our UK University of the Year. Its success is no flash in the pan; it has been worked towards with a consistency of purpose for some time now and the university thoroughly deserves the recognition bestowed by our award.

Powerful endorsement

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said:

We are delighted to have been recognised as the Daily Mail’s UK University of the Year 2026. This is a powerful endorsement of the exceptional work and dedication of our staff and students. It also reflects the strength of our institutional strategy, our culture of innovation, and Strathclyde’s distinctive approach to delivering socio-economic impact.

Strathclyde was founded on the Enlightenment principle of ‘useful learning’. This means equipping our students with the skills and knowledge required for professional careers, deeply informed by world-class research focused on genuine societal needs and sector-leading links with industry.

This reflects the vision of our first Principal, Sir Sam Curran, who secured our Royal Charter in 1964 which established Strathclyde as the UK’s first technological university that also strives to make a positive difference to the world. This has continued to be the focus across the University. 

This is what drives our strong performance in entrepreneurial education, research inspired innovation, industry collaboration, and graduate employment, while our unique Strategic Alliance with the students’ union ensures our learners remain at the heart of our decision making.

As an international, technological and socially progressive university, firmly rooted in Glasgow, we are also committed to widening access; and 20 per cent of our students come from the 20 per cent most disadvantaged communities in Scotland, whilst we simultaneously maintain some of the highest entry requirements in the UK.

This is driven by a ‘whole university’ commitment to our authentic vision, mission and values that are underpinned by a clear and distinctive strategy; ‘useful learning’ in action.

The Daily Mail University Guide will be published in print in the Mail on Sunday on Sunday, September 7.