Harper Adams shines as a top performer in Complete University Guide 2027

Posted 2 June

Harper Adams has been ranked as a top three Modern University, top three in the West Midlands - and as a top 40 institution overall - in newly-released national league tables 

The Complete University Guide, whose latest edition was published this morning, ranks 130 higher education institutions across the UK. 

The Guide places Harper Adams first in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Agriculture and Forestry courses, with a top five placing in the subject overall.  

Graduate employment

The publishers noted the University’s work in ensuring strong graduate employment for students across its full subject suite – which includes all aspects of agri-food production, plus animal health, behaviour and welfare routes, business management, food science, engineering, environmental science, land and property management and more.   

Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan said: “We’re delighted to be named as one of the top modern universities, as well as rising in the ranks overall. 

“As Shropshire’s University, with bases in both central Telford and Edgmond, we’re also very pleased to be recognised among the West Midlands’ top institutions. 

“We’ve maintained our keen focus on making sure our students get the jobs they want – and by helping them secure roles in their chosen careers, we’re driving forward both our region’s and our country’s key sectors.” 

In the most recent Graduate Outcomes survey, which measures how many students are in work or further study 15 months after finishing their studies, 99 per cent of students and 98.7 per cent of full-time undergraduates were either working or studying. 

Professor Sloan added: “We’ve recently announced a partnership with the School of Coding in Birmingham to offer a Digital Business Management Degree, and are preparing to make courses available under the Government’s Lifelong Learning Entitlement – which aims to equip a wider range of students than ever before with the skills they need to succeed.”

Investment

In further successes in this year’s Complete University Guide figures, Harper Adams was ranked the second highest University in the UK for investment in facilities. 

Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, said: “Our methodology draws on a range of trusted, independent measures that reflect what students care most about - teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes. 

"This year’s rankings show that the opportunity to attend a prestigious university has never been more accessible.  

“Students who might previously have ruled out certain universities should look again. The right university is not always the one with the highest entry requirements; it is the one that is the best fit for you, your ambitions and your future." 

Simon Emmett, Chief Executive Officer, IDP UK, said: "What stands out in this year's data is the breadth of opportunity across UK higher education. The fact that more universities in the top 40 are welcoming a wider range of students, while maintaining strong graduate outcomes, is a genuine positive for prospective applicants.”