The Guardian University Guide 2026 names London Met the best in the UK for the progress our students make, while also celebrating excellent results across several courses.
Date: 15 September 2025
London Metropolitan University has been ranked first in the UK for the difference it makes to students’ lives, according to the Guardian University Guide 2026, published on Saturday.
The Guardian’s value added score looks at how well students perform in their degrees compared to what would be expected from their entry grades. With a score of 8 out of 10, London Met is ranked joint first in the UK with Goldsmiths, University of London.
Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan University, said:
"League tables never tell the whole story, but they can shine a light on the areas where universities make a real difference. I am incredibly proud that the Guardian has recognised London Met as first in the UK for value added. It is a powerful reflection of how we support students from all walks of life to succeed, and the talent and hard work of our staff who support them every step of the way.
"It is equally encouraging to see so many of our courses placed among the best in the country, from Interior Design and Film Production to Psychology, Criminology and Architecture. These results are a tribute to the dedication of our staff and the ambition of our students."
Transforming lives through education
London Met has a long tradition of serving a diverse student community and championing widening participation. Many of its students are the first in their family to attend university, come from underrepresented groups, or balance study with work and caring responsibilities. Achieving the top rating for value added demonstrates the transformational impact of London Met’s teaching, support and inclusive community.
London Met has been ranked in the UK top 50 for:
- Interior design (2nd)
- Film production and photography (2nd)
- Fashion and textiles (16th)
- Psychology (20th)
- Nutrition and food science (21st)
- Graphic design (22nd)
- Criminology (25th)
- International relations (28th)
- Architecture (35th)
- Sociology and social policy (35th)
- Fine art (37th)
- Animation and game design (40th)
- Hospitality, event management and tourism (45th)
In addition, courses such as Biomedical Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Sports Science, Computer Science and Marketing were ranked in the top half of the national tables.
Building on progress
The recognition comes as London Met continues to invest in its estate and student experience, including the redevelopment of the Holloway campus and the opening of renewed facilities in Shoreditch.
It also reinforces the University’s mission as a university deeply embedded in its communities, giving opportunities to those who might otherwise be excluded, and showing that with the right support, talent and determination, students can achieve at the very highest level.
In the overall national table, London Met has moved up four places to 89th.
