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Read about the best UK universities for teaching quality, according to verified student reviews on StudentCrowd.

We are thrilled to announce the top 20 best universities in the UK for teaching and learning as experienced by students. Scroll down to see how strong teaching can improve the student experience by reading reviews left by students this year.

What is teaching excellence in universities and colleges?

High-quality teaching is what every student in the UK should expect. It is the core of the UK university experience. Students pay tuition fees to invest in their education, so they want to know they are getting excellent value for money. Most of a student's tuition fees contribute towards the learning and teaching environment. In education institutions, this includes the library, campus facilities, staff and study support. 

For a university’s teaching quality to be worthy of an award, students need to feel they are learning from experts, gaining new skills and feeling prepared for assignments. Creative delivery of course content, engaging resources and supplementary materials all contribute to a well-rounded learning experience for students.

Our Top 20 winners include Russell Group universities such as the University of Exeter (#8), but also other top-performing universities, such as Bangor University (#6) and Sheffield Hallam University (#9). This shows that students are receiving high-quality teaching across a range of universities in the UK.

How was this top 20 higher education league table created?

To calculate this league table, we analysed 24,041 authentic student reviews written on StudentCrowd between June 2021 and May 2023. When students review their course, they give it a rating out of 5 stars for ‘Teaching Quality’. We used this rating for every university in the UK to showcase the best 20 across all courses.

The StudentCrowd Awards 2023 is the only university ranking based 100% on verified students in the UK, using their ac.uk email address. Please note this includes international students who attend UK universities. 

Looking for last year's results?

Best Universities for Teaching Quality 2022 

Explore more top quality universities in our other league tables…

Read about our course content award and all of the StudentCrowd University Awards 2023 and FAQs for the awards here. 

 

Scroll down below to see the Top 20 Best Universities for Teaching Quality 2023!

Teaching Quality League Table 2023

 #1 
 

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The University of Sheffield

The campus is very nice and quiet. The teachers give good lectures and the students are very friendly. The knowledge I have learned makes me feel very useful

Overall rating
 
 
4.39/5

With courses led by subject experts and industry professionals, the University of Sheffield has an excellent reputation for teaching quality. Courses involve working with local communities and external organisations to enhance content and bring theory into real contexts. Also, students have mentioned in reviews how much they value the teaching facilities on campus.

 

 

 

 #2 
 

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University of St Andrews

Best decision I ever made - teaching here is great and very high quality

Overall rating
 
 
4.38/5

Teaching at the University of St Andrews is delivered by subject experts and experienced researching academics. Classes are delivered through interactive lectures, small group tutorials and laboratory work (for science-based subjects). All students have access to online resources for their course, including further reading and supporting material.

 

 

 

 #3 
 

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University of Liverpool

Love my course, incredibly interesting with great teaching from the brilliant staff.

Overall rating
 
 
4.36/5

Courses at the University of Liverpool are designed to be intellectually stimulating for students, ensuring they get the most out of their degree. The university adds value to content by developing essential career skills and connecting it to real-world examples. Students have 24/7 access to the library catalogue and e-resources so that they can continue learning off-campus.

 

 

 

 #4 
 

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University College London (UCL)

UCL is a high-ranking university and has a good reputation. I have learnt so many cutting-edge theories and techniques from it. I really enjoy the teaching and learning atmosphere here.

Overall rating
 
 
4.35/5

UCL aims to put research and enquiry at the heart of learning and teaching at the university. Students are enriched by digital learning opportunities and the excellent facilities used to deliver courses. UCL uses a 'Connected Curriculum' to enhance teaching. Through this, undergraduate students have the ability to enquire with active researchers and academics.

 

 

 

 #5 
 

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University of Warwick

The lecturers and staff are the highlight of this course, very good at their jobs and very easy to reach out to when confused about something. They are clearly very passionate about the subject content and make this degree a joy to study. My tutor has been very easy to talk to as well.

Overall rating
 
 
4.31/5

The University of Warwick aims to use digital resources and facilities to enhance learning and high-quality teaching. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning in class and use theory in practical contexts where possible. Lecturers provide consistent feedback and support for students throughout the semester, both in face-to-face tutorials and assignment grading.

 

 

 

 #6 
 

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Bangor University

Plenty of great and resourceful lecturers at this university. I feel very well supported in my studies

Overall rating
 
 
4.28/5

From the Environment Centre Wales to the Prince Madog research vessel, Bangor University has a range of facilities to enhance and influence teaching. The university also uses a virtual learning environment to create a rich learning experience for students. Content from lectures is available for students 24/7, allowing teaching to extend beyond the classroom.

 

 

 

 #7 
 

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Durham University

Faculty are highly resourceful and responsive. Style of teaching is world class.

Overall rating
 
 
4.28/5

Durham University has a globally-leading reputation for teaching. There are four subject faculties in business, arts, science and health. Teaching is delivered in a variety of ways depending on the subject. Science-based subjects include laboratory work and group projects, whereas business-related subjects are delivered in lectures and discussion groups.

 

 

 

 #8 
 

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University of Exeter

The course is great and the lecturers and lab staff are all friendly and experts in their fields.

Overall rating
 
 
4.27/5

As a Russell Group university, the University of Exeter is committed to delivering outstanding teaching influenced by research. The courses are designed to stimulate intellectual thinking, creativity and questioning. Students can enhance their degree by selecting modules from other schools, providing access to a range of teaching styles and approaches.

 

 

 

 #9 
 

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Sheffield Hallam University

Passionate lecturers with sometimes decades of experience in the industry. Always open to ideas and suggestions for what and how to teach. A few years ago they added an entire module to the course simply because students asked for it

Overall rating
 
 
4.25/5

All courses at Sheffield Hallam University are designed to encourage students to collaborate with one another and challenge them to think in new ways. Content is taught by industry experts and academics, who are passionate about their subject and keen to share their knowledge with others. Teaching is delivered through lectures, workshops, seminars and practical sessions.

 

 

 

 #10 
 

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Keele University

Outstanding quality of teaching. They have shown great resilience and commitment in providing quality standard of learning by adapting to remote access as per recent national guidelines due to the pandemic. Supportive and helpful staff made us feel like we are part of a community. My personal tutor and other lecturers have helped me achieve my goals and improve my academic and professional career.

Overall rating
 
 
4.24/5

Maintaining a high standard of teaching quality is important at Keele University. The university recently invested £45 million into its science teaching and research facilities, the largest investment in its history. This has transformed the way the undergraduate and postgraduate courses are delivered. In addition to timetabled lessons, students have access to a Student Experience and Support team, placed in each faculty.

 

 

 

 #11 
 

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Ulster University

Great course, plenty of opportunities, very diverse range of learning materials. Excellent teaching quality. Fun and interesting. Not your average business course. Great job prospects.

Overall rating
 
 
4.23/5

Ulster University is focused on delivering an inclusive and equitable quality education for all students. Teaching is influenced by the research completed within the unversity, and lecturers consistently use real-world examples to enhance content. Students also have the opportunity to give feedback on teaching so it can be improved and delivered effectively.

 

 

 

 #12 
 

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University of Portsmouth

The teachers on the course know what they are talking about and have great ways of teaching the content and all of the teachers are very caring treating us like fellow teachers

Overall rating
 
 
4.23/5

Over 31,000 students experience excellent teaching at the University of Portsmouth. Using specialist software in all courses, the university utilises technology in teaching to provide students with computer skills and to make it engaging. Courses use a combination of in-person sessions and independent study to teach but this varies depending on the module.

 

 

 

 #13 
 

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University of Glasgow

Great choice of texts and incredibly engaging teaching

Overall rating
 
 
4.23/5

The University of Glasgow's core purpose is to deliver an excellent university experience to all students. Teaching seeks to fulfil student potential, cultivating their confidence and academic skills. Lecturers work collaboratively with one another to make course content diverse and complementary across modules, so students receive a well-rounded education in their subject.

 

 

 

 #14 
 

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University of Birmingham

Such a fun course with lots of engaging lab practicals and lecturers who make learning enjoyable. Also tons of academic support offered through tutors and drop in hours.

Overall rating
 
 
4.22/5

Courses at the University of Birmingham are developed with learning skills and specific subject knowledge included in the curriculum. Students are swiftly transitioned into university learning, supported by teaching staff and encouraged to push themselves. Content is taught by lecturers and world-leading researchers in each subject area.

 

 

 

 #15 
 

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Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)

The course is amazing. The lecturers are great and very friendly. Most make the lectures fun and engaging

Overall rating
 
 
4.22/5

Liverpool John Moores University provides teaching with strong influences from industry. Every student is encouraged to undertake placements either as part of their degree or outside of term time. Course content uses real-world examples to enhance learning, with staff providing insights into employer expectations and career-building skills within classes.

 

 

 

 #16 
 

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University of Greenwich

This university provides an exceptional academic experience with knowledgeable professors and a diverse student body. The campus facilities and resources are top-notch, creating a vibrant and supportive community for students.

Overall rating
 
 
4.22/5

Degree courses at the University of Greenwich are structured with employability and vocational skills at the centre. Staff deliver content in a way that develops intellectual thinking and a critical approach to learning. Teaching includes bringing in external speakers to give lectures on their specialist subjects, allowing students to network and learn from current experts.

 

 

 

 #17 
 

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Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

The course is extremely interesting with amazing lecturers who explain everything they mean and don’t leave anything to the imagination.

Overall rating
 
 
4.21/5

Nottingham Trent University is continually investing in their teaching spaces and resources, establishing a strong learning environment for students. The university campus includes industry-standard facilities, which means staff can teach skills that prepare students for graduate employment. Course content also includes career-building skills such as communication and teamwork, which are essential for work.

 

 

 

 #18 
 

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King's College London (KCL)

Innovative teaching and a broad and diverse reading material

Overall rating
 
 
4.20/5

King's College London has been delivering research-enhanced teaching for almost 200 years. Course content encourages students to think analytically and globally. This includes working with industry partners to deliver high-quality teaching that enables students to apply what they learn to their work after graduation. KCL is an international student community and the teaching reflects this, cultivating a global problem-solving mindset in students.

 

 

 

 #19 
 

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University of Leicester

I enjoy the teaching. The teachers care about how you are doing.

Overall rating
 
 
4.19/5

Teaching at the University of Leicester is delivered with the aim of graduates being successful in their careers. Courses are delivered in a versatile and flexible manner, ensuring students are being taught in a variety of learning styles. Students also have access to teaching via the online learning environment, where lectures are recorded and stored for revision and later viewings.

 

 

 

 #20 
 

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University of Aberdeen

Great course with ability to study wide range of material. Teaching quality is second to none and in some regards better than higher ranking institutions.

Overall rating
 
 
4.19/5

Students at the University of Aberdeen develop techniques to communicate effectively about their subject and apply their knowledge to practical skills. Courses are taught by a range of professors, lecturers and teaching fellows, ensuring that students are influenced by the best in their field. On campus, high quality facilities support teaching and allow students to explore the practical nature of their subject.

 

 

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