Manchester Met named Modern University of the Year 2026

Manchester Metropolitan has been named Modern University of the Year 2026 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide – one of the most prestigious honours in UK higher education.  

The Guide has also ranked the University 38th overall, demonstrating its exceptional progress and performance in areas such as teaching quality, student satisfaction, research, graduate outcomes, and overall student experience.   

This award is a landmark moment and comes at a time of remarkable momentum. In July, Manchester Met celebrated its best-ever National Student Survey (NSS) results, with 85.8% of students reporting overall positivity about their University experience.   

Success has also been echoed across several 2026 national league tables, reflecting the University’s continued rise. Just last week, it was ranked 33rd in the Guardian University Guide for the first time, marking its highest-ever position.  

Jason Lock

Commenting on the achievement, Professor Malcolm Press CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan, said: “Being named Modern University of the Year 2025 is a tremendous achievement and a fantastic recognition of the dedication, creativity, and hard work of colleagues across Manchester Met. It reflects the progress we’ve made in teaching, research, and the student experience, as well as the impact of our career pathways that enable colleagues to excel in education, practice, and innovation. This award is a milestone we can all be proud of and a testament to what we can achieve together as a University community.” 

This recognition builds on a series of national accolades. In August, the University was shortlisted for University of the Year by the Daily Mail, in recognition of its rising reputation, outstanding teaching, and commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students.  

Alongside these achievements, it proudly holds Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold status, the highest possible rating, recognising consistently outstanding teaching, learning, and student outcomes.  

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “It is great to see Manchester Metropolitan University named ‘Modern University of the Year 2026’, a thoroughly deserved achievement. Manchester Met has gone from strength to strength in recent years and has been vital to our economic success, providing innovation and skill at the heart of our global city region.

“We’re proud that Manchester Met is the leading provider of degree apprenticeships in the UK, driving social mobility alongside delivering world-class research and fostering collaboration.

“We will continue to support the University on this journey as it inspires young people across the city region.”