Fewer British universities ranked among best under 50 years old

In total, three made it into an annual league table of the best 50 universities under 50 years old.

Last year, seven UK universities made it into the list.

But three of those that dropped out this year – Warwick, Lancaster and Essex – have now been established for more than 50 years, meaning they are too old to be included.

The fourth, Aston University, just made it into the list last year at number 49, but has fallen out of the rankings this year.

The three UK institutions which made it into this year’s list are Bath in 11th place up from 12th last year, Loughborough at 16, up from 19th and Brunel in 48th position, down from 42nd.

The QS Top 50 under 50 ranks institutions according to their position in the QS World University Rankings, which look factors including academic and employer reputation, research, student to staff ratios and international students. Taking the top spot was the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), which was established in 1991.

Australia had eight universities in the list, more than any other country.

QS head of research Ben Sowter, said: “The dynamic nature of this ranking makes it an interesting comparison with our global and regional rankings. By focusing on the performance of these younger institutions alone, the list aims to spot the up-and-coming higher education powerhouses in the global arena.”

He added: “The list currently has four 1965 foundations, six from 1966, and one from 1967. It’s likely that these changes will continue to drive the QS Top 50 Under 50 for at least two more years as 10 of the 50 vanish. Whilst Asian institutions may dominate the top of the list today, Australia’s many young institutions may close the gap shortly.”

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