Bradford ranked top for first-generation and ethnic minority students

The University of Bradford has been ranked top in England and Wales for its number of first-generation and black and ethnic minority background students, according to the Times and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

Bradford moved up 25 places in the guide’s overall rankings to 86 out of 130 institutions.

A total of 73.5% of Bradford entrants are the first in their family to go to university, according to the annual guide.  

It is also first for students from black and ethnic minority backgrounds (85.5%).  

Bradford’s Radiography programme is 10th nationally, while its Physiotherapy is 11th in the prestigious guide.   

Bradford is ranked second in West Yorkshire for Graduate Prospects, the proportion of students in highly skilled jobs or postgraduate study 15 months after finishing their degree, with a score of 77.9% and ranked 50th nationally. 

The Times guide comes days after Bradford’s Paramedic Science programme was ranked third nationally, while its Chemical Engineering was fifth in the Guardian University Guide 2026.  

Paul Watson, Provost and Director of Student Experience and Teaching Excellence at the University of Bradford, said: “Climbing from 111 to 86 in the Times and the Sunday Times Good University Guide and from 81 to 69 in the Guardian league table, is clear evidence that our strategy is working.  

“By putting students first, providing opportunities, and driving forward world-class research, we are delivering on our commitment to excellence. And being ranked number one in the HEPI Student Mobility Index for the fourth year in a row highlights our national leadership in social mobility and student success.” 

How the Times rankings work? 

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide ranks UK institutions through eight categories to compile its annual league table (published this year on September 19), including satisfaction with teaching quality, the student experience, research quality, degree continuation rates, entry standards (UCAS points) and graduate employment prospects. The People and Planet ranking monitors university’s sustainability. It is features a social inclusion ranking.  

The Guide 2026 used 2023-24 data for entry standards, first-class and 2:1 degrees, and continuation rates, the latest available data.  

Bradford’s other Times Guide scores  

•    89.8% for continuation, meaning it has excellent rates of first year students continuing into their second year.  

•    81% for teaching quality. 

•    79.5% of University of Bradford students scored a First or 2:1 grade for their degree, a 41st place ranking in the list.  

•    Bradford is ranked 35th for social inclusion. 

•    Bradford is also ranked as the 10th highest University in the North and North East of England. 

•    Bradford’s overall score was 499.  

Clearing call  

Clearing 2025 runs until October 13, offering prospective students the chance to secure a place at University. Prospective students may include those taking all Level 3 qualifications (this year or last), or mature students who want to return to education.  

The University of Bradford is offering a range of services this year, including its Clearing Community Pass, which features webinars, a dedicated phone line and SMS and email updates.   

Its call-lines – 08081 969129 – and self-apply form are now open. The self-apply link is also available on the Clearing website. 

Ranking success

 •   In August, The University of Bradford was named as University of the Year for Social Inclusion by the Daily Mail University Guide 2026.
•    Bradford was ranked 511 in the world and 47 in UK by QS World University Rankings 2026, released in June.
•    Ranked first on the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Social Mobility Index in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.