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University scores a ‘hat trick’ in Student Satisfaction, Research Intensity and Facilities Spend
Abertay University has been ranked the top Scottish Modern university for student satisfaction, research intensity and facilities investment by the Complete University Guide (CUG) 2026.
Published today (Tuesday 10 June 2025), the annual rankings evaluate universities across the UK using various performance indicators, including student satisfaction, research quality, graduate prospects, and others.
The rankings show that the university achieved an 81% student satisfaction score, building on a strong performance in last year’s National Student Survey (NSS), where it was also ranked as the top Scottish Modern university for student satisfaction. Nationally, Abertay ranked 12th out of 130 universities on this measure in the CUG 2026.
In research, Abertay received a score of 64% in the Research Intensity metric, demonstrating a strong emphasis on research performance.
Additionally, Abertay ranked first among Scottish modern universities for facilities expenditure, reflecting recent investments in campus infrastructure. Notable developments include the refurbishment of the ground floor of the Library, the addition of the Competitive Games Lab and Wacom Cintiq Lab to Abertay’s National Centre for Excellence in Computer Games Education, a new Interpersonal Skills Lab for mental health nursing and counselling students, and the introduction of a new Wellbeing Clinic.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Liz Bacon, said:
We are pleased to see such positive results in these important rankings, which reflect the hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence shown by colleagues across the University. Being recognised once again as the top Scottish modern university for student satisfaction demonstrates our ongoing focus on providing a strong student experience, while our investment in research and facilities highlights Abertay’s ongoing growth as a dynamic and high-quality institution. This excellent performance is testament to the quality of our academic and professional services staff and an ongoing strategic commitment to invest in the future of Abertay.
At subject level, Abertay’s Mental Health Nursing programmes were ranked top in the UK for student satisfaction. Forensic Sciences ranked in the UK top five, while Food Science, and Computer Arts and Games both placed within the top 40 nationwide. Additionally, programmes in Food Science, Forensic Science, Sociology, Sports Science, Civil Engineering, Nursing, and Psychology were ranked top for student satisfaction among all Scottish universities.
Abertay was also ranked the top Scottish modern university for research quality in Computer Arts and Games – a ranking that follows on from the recent launch of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab, which is driving forward research and innovation in the fields of virtual production and filmmaking.
Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, said:
This year, we’ve seen considerable movement in the subject tables, underlining their importance as a resource for students who know what they want to study, but are still weighing up where to apply. Whether making early choices or preparing for Clearing, our university and subject league tables, along with regional insights, are here to help students navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives.
The Complete University Guide’s annual league tables assist prospective students in making informed decisions about their futures, including those considering late applications or exploring Clearing options.
The main league table evaluates universities across ten key measures: entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, academic services spend, facilities expenditure, continuation rates, student-staff ratio, graduate prospects – outcomes, and graduate prospects – on track. This year’s rankings encompass 130 UK institutions.
