Abertay top Scottish modern university for student satisfaction for third consecutive year by Complete University Guide

Abertay University has been ranked the top modern university in Scotland for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide (CUG) 2027, marking the third year in a row it has held the position. 

The University also placed 18th in the UK for overall student satisfaction, out of more than 130 universities across the country. 

The CUG rankings assess universities across the UK using a range of measures, including student satisfaction, research quality, graduate prospects and facilities investment. 

The latest ranking continues Abertay’s strong record in national measures of student experience. The University also secured the top Scottish modern position for student satisfaction in the 2025 and 2026 guides, making this the third consecutive year it has led in this area. 

Student satisfaction reflects how students rate their overall university experience, including teaching quality, academic support and day-to-day life on campus. 

The University’s approach includes small class sizes, practical learning and strong industry links, giving students opportunities to develop relevant skills and experience during their studies.  

Ongoing investment in teaching facilities, specialist labs and student support services continues to strengthen the learning environment and the support available to students. 

Professor Liz Bacon, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, said: 

Being recognised as the top Scottish modern university for student satisfaction for a third consecutive year is a significant result for Abertay. It reflects the sustained work taking place across the University to support students throughout their time with us. At Abertay, we place students at the heart of everything we do, from the way we teach to how we support wellbeing and career development. It is encouraging to see that commitment reflected consistently in the rankings.

There was further success at subject level, with Abertay’s Food Science, Sport and Exercise Science, Mental Health Nursing and Biomedical Science ranked top in Scotland for student satisfaction.  

On the graduate prospects measure, Mental Health, Nursing, Law and Biomedical Science also ranked top in Scotland. 

The Complete University Guide’s annual league tables help prospective students make informed choices about their next steps, including those applying later in the cycle or considering Clearing. 

The main league table is based on ten measures: entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, academic services spend, facilities spend, continuation, student-staff ratio, graduate prospects – outcomes, and graduate prospects – on track.