The University of Essex has just missed out on the top 10 in a new university guide ranking.
The Guardian have now revealed their guide for 2026, including 123 universities.
Essex was ranked 12th overall, up from the 2025 guide where they were ranked 23rd.
Despite missing out on the top 10, they did rank first for drama, as well as being ranked inside the top 10 for many other subjects.
They came in at third for anatomy and physiology, 6th for biology, nursing and mathematics and 10th for sports science.
In addition, Essex is in the UK top 10 for three social science subjects – criminology, economics and international relations, which are all 9th in the guide.
The overall ranking of 12th means Essex is ahead of many Russell Group universities and second in the East of England, only behind the University of Cambridge.
Vice-chancellor, professor Frances Bowen spoke to The Guardian about Essex's rise up the rankings.
She said: “This is such good news and so well-deserved by everyone who contributes to delivering our excellent education and fabulous student experience.
“Positive feedback from our students shows how much they value the support we offer, the sense of community we nurture, the global connections we provide, and how we help them towards the careers they aspire to.
“We are excited to be working closely with our Students’ Union to continue listening to students to build on our strengths and help Essex thrive in the coming years.”
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