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Get facts and figures on universities, colleges and courses

Before making a final decision on your application, it’s worth checking universities, colleges and courses from independent and unbiased sources. Two ways you can do this is through the Unistats website and reports from the Quality Assurance Agency.

Comparing courses: Unistats

The best course for one student might not necessarily be the best for another as people have different priorities. But you can use the Unistats website to compare facts and figures on institutions and courses. You’ll find information on:

  • course completion
  • student achievement
  • graduate employment
  • student population (which includes the percentages of mature, part-time and overseas students)
  • students’ qualifications on entry

You’ll also find details of students’ views on teaching quality, academic support and more from the UK National Student Survey. There aren’t any official university or college league tables, though many newspapers produce their own, unofficial tables.

Checking course quality

Academic standards across the UK are moderated by the Quality Assurance Agency for higher education (QAA). This means that whichever university or college you study at and whichever course you take, the 'threshold level' to reach a particular standard, a first or 2:1 degree, for example, will be comparable.

Universities and colleges are responsible for the standards and quality of the courses they offer. This is internal quality assurance. However, the QAA also checks to see how well institutions uphold these standards by providing external quality assurance. The QAA produces reviews and reports which highlight areas of good practice and make recommendations for action. It also provides guidance on the reliability of the information on standards and quality published by each university or college.

Course accreditation from professional bodies

Some professions approve or accredit related courses. If you're looking to pursue a career in a particular area, check your course is one of those approved by the relevant professional body. Every institution should be able to give you this information.

Other sources of information on universities, colleges and courses

Choosing where to go and what to study is an important decision, so it’s worth getting together as much information as you can.