Release Date 14 June 2012

The University of Reading features among the top 25 universities in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2013 published today (14 June 2012).

The University of Reading was ranked 24th in one of the most authoritative and widely respected guides to universities in the UK, a jump of nine places from 2011.

Subject areas in which Reading fared particularly well in the new Guide include town and country planning and landscape (4th), land and property management (2nd) and agriculture (2nd). Reading was also rated in the respective top tens for archaeology (7th), art and design (7th), building (4th), food science (5th) and law (9th).

A key element of The Times ranking is graduate prospects. This year's league table is based on data from 2010 graduates. Both the University's employability data from 2010 and, more recently 2011 graduates, shows that employability for Reading graduates is at its highest point for a decade, with almost 70% of Reading graduates in graduate jobs or further study and 92% in employment, further study or volunteer-related positions. All undergraduates at Reading have access to opportunities for placements to further enhance employability.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "The University of Reading continues to rank among the leading research-intensive universities in the UK. It is pleasing to feature so strongly in all this year's league tables, including The Times, however league tables only offer a snapshot into the strengths of a University such as Reading by attempting to reflect factors such as the quality of the student experience, research quality and employability.

"Prospective students should gauge which university is right for them by visiting their short list of universities, meet current students, view the facilities and talk to the staff that will be teaching them. Students who are successful in gaining a place at the University of Reading can expect a stretching and challenging academic experience, top-class facilities and good prospects."

The University is hosting an Open Day on Friday 22 June. Thousands of prospective students will be visiting the main campus to find out more about the University's academic offering and excellent facilities. The Open Day offers a chance to meet the University's excellent teaching staff, many of whom are undertaking research in related fields as well as look around the University's facilities, including the high-quality student accommodation and teaching facilities located within the award-winning 130 hectare Whiteknights parkland campus.

The Times Good University Guide is the fourth UK league table of the year to be published. The University of Reading has risen in all the league tables published in 2012 to date and is also now ranked 25th  in The Guardian, 32nd in the Complete University Guide and 12th in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey.

More information about the University of Reading's Open Day on 22 June >>>

ENDS

Further information from the University of Reading press office on 0118 378 7115/7391

Notes to editors:

The Times Good University Guide 2013 ranks 116 UK universities according to eight criteria, including student satisfaction, research quality, graduate job prospects and degree results.

Full details can be found at www.thetimes.co.uk/gug (subscription required) and in a print supplement in The Times today (June 14).