In what is regarded as the ultimate guide to higher education institutions, that is five places higher than it was the previous year.

Ulster University has dropped five spots from last year to 45th place.

The London School of Economics and Political Science surpassed last year's top institution, St Andrews, to claim the top rank for the first time in the guide's 31-year history.

University of the Arts London won the title of Specialist University of the Year, while Northumbria University was awarded Modern University of the Year.