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Best Universities for Course Content

Looking for the most recent results? Check out the 2022 winners here

Who wouldn’t want to be taught by engaging, enthusiastic lecturers, with bang up-to-date course content? Our top 20 Best Universities for Course Content is the place to start looking to find out which institutions are best in their class for course content! 

How are the Top 20 worked out?

We’ve created the StudentCrowd’s Best Universities for Course Content top 20 award winners to help make your searching easy! We have crunched the data of 19,323 students’ university reviews to find out directly from students which universities offer the best course content in 2021.

What are the most important things to look for in university course content?

There are a number of things to keep an eye out for to find out which is the best course for you. Do your research to find out the mix of types of teaching at each university. Most courses are a blend of lectures, seminars and lab based sessions. Online teaching has been particularly under the spotlight this year. Do your research to see what sort of online learning platforms are available and how much of your course will be delivered online. 

It's not all about taught content though so keep your eye on class sizes: are you always taught in large lecture cohorts or is there the opportunity to learn in smaller seminars where you can explore course content in more depth? 

Assessment, assessment, assessment

However, possibly more important than teaching types are methods of assessment. Look out for creative types of assessment that are linked to real-life skills. For example, business reports, presentations and assessments that utilise different types of technology or software packages. Courses that are overly exam based aren’t necessarily developing those all-important employability skills. Look out for those universities who offer dedicated study skills sessions like Keele University’s (#5), who also make use of flipped classrooms to help develop self-directed study skills. 

Look beyond the lectures

Many courses now offer placement opportunities, business challenges and live case studies to help develop enhanced employability skills. Check out Loughborough University's (#15) placement provision to see what sort of support you can expect to help secure a placement.  

Why not research study abroad opportunities to broaden your horizons even further?

World leading experts

Many universities have their own particular specialism, like Harper Adams’ (#2) focus on agriculture and land based courses. You can guarantee you will be taught by some of the lead figures in the field and that content is fresh and current. 

Some universities also embed specialisms across all of their courses, such as the University of Sheffield’s (#7) focus on education for sustainable development which has been included in all of their courses. 

Of course, the best way to find out about a particular course or uni is to read current student and graduate university reviews. StudentCrowd has got you covered.

Find out about the rest of StudentCrowd’s Best University Awards 2021 here.

Published: 29th July 2021

 #1 

University of Cambridge

"Interesting course, encouraged to learn whatever interests you and lots of people more than happy to give up their time to explain things."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.68/5

Degree courses at Cambridge are taught by leaders in their field who are able to bring up-to-date research into the classroom. Smaller group teaching encourages students to come to sessions prepared to engage in debate and discussion, and gives them a chance to voice their thoughts and opinions. Cambridge offers over 65 undergraduate subjects and more than 300 postgraduate level taught and research courses.

 

 

 #2 

Harper Adams University

"Course content is delivered well and there is a range of modules leading to different jobs in the food industry."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.60/5

Harper Adams University has a distinguished record of higher education in the field of agriculture and land-based courses. It offers more than 47 undergraduate courses, over 33 postgraduate courses, and numerous short-term courses taught by skilled and knowledgeable tutors. The courses are highly practical and prepare students for future opportunities.

 

 

 #3 
 

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Keele University

 "Fantastic campus and scenery with great teaching and support for you to reach your potential and graduate with the grade you aspire to attain"

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.52/5

Keele University offers a range of undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, foundation years, as well as CPD and apprenticeships., Keele students have the opportunity to build their knowledge and enhance their career prospects: study abroad, learn a foreign language, take a work placement, enhance a degree through Global Challenge Pathways, volunteer, or access careers support to explore internships and job opportunities. Their students have highly recommended their curriculum.

 

 

 #4 
 

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University of Warwick

"I loved my course, it was challenging and stimulating and every single lecturer was passionate about their material, and it was obvious."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.51/5

Warwick’s immersive learning style sees students take a lead in their own learning and development. With over 200 undergraduate courses and 250 plus postgraduate courses, students have reported positive learning experiences with friendly and experienced teaching staff. Specialist tutors work closely with students to resolve problems or questions with regards to specific areas, and guest lecturers help ensure course content is exciting and engaging.

 

 

 #5 

University of Liverpool

"The University of Liverpool offers the best in research, teaching, and possible future employability."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.49/5

222 undergraduate, 30 postgraduate and nearly 100 PhD/doctorate courses are taught by experienced and passionate staff at the University of Liverpool. StudentCrowd reviewers have praised the “well-structured” online teaching, as Liverpool shifts to a blended approach to learning, incorporating in-person and digital teaching.

 

 

 #6 

Imperial College London

"The course is of outstanding quality - would highly recommend"

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.48/5

Imperial College London offers courses in the fields of science, engineering, medicine and business. It has well-structured and detailed undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and students can choose a module from other disciplines. Additionally, they provide workshops and tutorials to assist students in learning.

 

 

 #7 

The University of Sheffield

"Lots of hands on experience, especially good because we have the peak district on the door step!"

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.47/5

Courses at the University of Sheffield are well organised, there is excellent content and the job prospects are exciting. Students have also appreciated that there is space given within the teaching programs to seek feedback and reflection in order to provide the best suitable teaching methods for students.

 

 

 #8 
 

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Swansea University

"Very happy with the course and course modules, lots of contact hours so fewer hours of home study which suits me better"

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.46/5

Swansea University is known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, having an enviable waterfront location. It is a research-led university that has been awarded a Gold in the TEF, and students have praised the variety of modules available. It offers excellent courses with practical experience and is equipped with top-notch facilities in the classrooms and the library.

 

 

 #9 

University of East Anglia

"The course is absolutely wonderful! I have learnt so much more amazing content and I have found myself loving the subject more than ever!"

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.46/5

UEA offers 285 undergraduate courses and even more postgraduate courses spanning a huge range of subjects and specialisms. With 130 dedicated teaching, seminar, and lecture spaces, UEA directs a dedicated teaching strategy aimed towards the enhancement of learning opportunities that's earned Gold certification from the Teaching Excellence Framework. Course content is augmented by guest lecturers and the opportunity to spend a year in industry or studying abroad.

 

 

#10

University of Nottingham

"Great school! During the COVID-19, school give student lots of support and the online classes arrangements are very nice. An exciting year for study!"

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.44/5

Opportunities abound at Nottingham, with options to study abroad or spend a year in industry, and with acclaimed guest lecturers enhancing course content and delivery across over 800 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Student feedback is highlighted as a crucial component in the future development of the university, demonstrating its commitment to placing its students’ teaching and learning first.

 

 

#11
 

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University of Glasgow

"Teaching staff are all professional and helpful, always get a high level of information from lectures. All of the course content is really interesting and there's lecturers who make it fun which is always good"

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.43/5

Students at the University of Glasgow are taught interesting and contemporary curricula, delivered in a variety of ways, from lectures to small group tutorials. Glasgow is currently undergoing a major re-development of its campus, meaning students will have access to a brand new learning hub to facilitate their learning.

 

 

#12
 

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University of Exeter

"High quality teaching provided by stuff with a strong academic background , intellectually stimulating courseworks and nice facilities are amongst the few from the many things I appreciate here."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.43/5

Spanning 6 academic colleges and 40 subject areas, courses at Exeter are taught to a Gold standard (TEF) by knowledgeable and experienced lecturers. Exeter’s international academic recognition allows students to consider a wide range of national and international placements to complement varied and exciting module content.

 

 

#13

University of St Andrews

"A fantastic university, with wonderful lecturers who go above and beyond to teach you very interesting content."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.42/5

Students at St Andrews experience Gold standard teaching (TEF) on well-organised degree programmes, with flexibility to pursue the areas they’re most interested in. St Andrews delivers relatively small class sizes, directed towards a more personal teaching experience, and uses creative teaching methods, such as delivering mini-conferences to inspire future research.

 

 

#14
 

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University of Bath

"The course content is so diverse and is building a basic layer of knowledge to allow me to progress into second and third year."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.42/5

The University of Bath has excellent teaching quality and course content in the fields of engineering, humanities, management, science and social sciences. Students report that lecturers are knowledgeable and engaging, and particularly recommend the detailed and thought-provoking nature of the degree programmes. 

 

 

#15

Loughborough University

"Flexibility to choose modules in second and third year with varied and interesting topics available to study. Opportunity to switch to a placement or year abroad sandwich course..."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.41/5

Loughborough University delivers academic excellence in a wide array of disciplines, from sport and exercise science to engineering, business, and the arts, with a solid course structure and relevant course materials. It has 150 study exchange partners throughout Europe, allowing students to spend time studying abroad.

 

 

#16

Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

"great course content really interesting and flexible for you to pick what to research further etc."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.39/5

Nottingham Trent University is particularly known as one of the UK’s most renowned creative universities, with a focus on equipping students with industrial skills that prepare them for the workplace. It has a friendly teaching and learning environment with 8 academic schools, a well-organised curriculum, a flexible timetable and excellent course content. NTU's faculty experts deliver interesting content to students.

 

 

#17

Robert Gordon University

"It's a great course, the staff are really good and helpful. The material and subjects are very diverse, it offers a lot of possibilities and it's a highly concurrent degree."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.38/5

RGU is noted by students for their excellent placement opportunities and the way in which their courses help equip students for employment opportunities after graduation. It is renowned for its high quality of education and teaching experience and was rated Gold in the National Teaching Excellence Framework. 

 

 

#18
 

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Newcastle University

"Really enjoying my course and the content that I am being taught it is helping me to make decisions surrounding my future"

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.35/5

Newcastle University has a well-structured curriculum and excellent course content that equips students with practical skills which set them up for life and work in their chosen field. Newcastle has 3 faculties and over 2,400 faculty experts who deliver engaging content, with face-to-face or online options available for every course.

 

 

#19

Glasgow Caledonian University

"Course content is very interesting and displays all the opportunities that can be taken on with an Applied Psychology degree. It also highlights that a lot of commitment is required for a job in a specialised field."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.35/5

Glasgow Caledonian University emphasises the employability of its prospective graduates with its up-to-date curriculum that is relevant for career preparation. It has high retention and degree completion rates, and the award-winning Sir Alex Ferguson library. It has a history of offering excellent courses across three Academic Schools – Health and Life Sciences; Engineering, Computing and the Built Environment; and the Glasgow School for Business and Society. Their students are exposed to technological learning and e-learning, and they have highly rated the way their content has been taught. The University also has a campus in London and a number of strategic global partnerships.

 

 

#20

Norwich University of the Arts

"A really great course that allows you to explore many areas of graphic design. There are many resources to use..."

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
 
4.33/5

NUA has over 28 exciting courses that allow students to explore subjects in a way that gives them the skills needed for careers in the creative industry. Just over 2,500 students are taught a wide range of skills and techniques. There are over 90 helpful faculty staff who are experts in their field and do a lot to help students in their studies.

 

 

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