The Sunday Times UK publishes yearly research by HarperCollins, in ranking the British universities based on a number of criteria, which is part of their Good University Guide publication.

Some of the criteria include research quality, student satisfaction, student to staff ratio, facilities and services, entry requirements and standard, percentage of completion, honors rate and graduate prospect.

In the latest, 2009 university guide, Oxford has again proven itself as the number one university based on the overall score for seven consecutive years, with its closest rival, Cambridge trails in second place.

The top 10 ranking is as the following:

1. Oxford University

Oxford is the oldest university in the United Kingdom with its history dating back to the 12th century. It is also considered the world’s earliest English-medium tertiary institution. Oxford is synonym with academic excellence and to date has produced countless of prominent politicians, scientists and Nobel prize winners. Oxford was recently named as the third best university in the UK for the medical field by The Guardian.

2. Cambridge University

Cambridge is another respected university, with its early establishment linked well to Oxford’s scholars. In many aspects, Cambridge is considered the best college in the UK but always loses out to its rival Oxford when it comes to overall marks. Together with Oxford, the two are jointly known as the famous Oxbridge. A string of British royal family members including Prince Charles, Prince William of Edinburgh, Prince Henry of Gloucester and King George VI received their education here.

3. Imperial College

Imperial College (Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine) is a premier tertiary institution providing education in engineering, science and medicine. In 2006, the college opened up the Tanaka Business School, which grew to become a popular business school within a short period of time. Located in South Kensington of London, the college faculties are located close to historical buildings such as the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Royal College of Music.

4. London School of Economics (LSE)

The London School of Economics or more popularly known as LSE belongs to the University of London clan, and is widely touted as one of the best places for teaching and education. It was founded in 1895 as a unique single faculty institution, and remains as one until today, making it the only university in Britain which has such practice. The school offers Masters, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Ars, LLB and LLM programs.

5. St. Andrew’s University

Founded in the 15th century, St. Andrew is the first and oldest university in Scotland, and is the third oldest overall in the United Kingdom. Between the year of 2006 and 2007, the university was populated by close to 7,000 students, of which about 70% of them were undergraduates, and the rest were post graduates. The university is located right next to the city, providing easy access for the students to the metropolitan life.

6. Warwick University

Located in West Midlands, England, Warwick University was established by the British government to give more education access to the public. In the early 2000, Warwick played an important role in training doctors in the United Kingdom. Additionally, it is considered as the first university establishing link with the business community. The university is presently in the planning to expand its campus to give way for added facilities and allow more students to enroll in.

7. University College London (UCL)

With more than 25,000 students and staff, University College London or UCL is considered one of the biggest tertiary institutions in Britain. Like LSE (London School of Economics), UCL also belongs to the University of London constitution. Interestingly enough, when first established in 1826, it took its first name as London University. UCL operates through different set of building scattered around in town, with the bulk of them concentrated in the Bloomsbury, Central London.

8. Durham University

Durham University is one of the few universities claiming itself as the third oldest institution in UK after Oxford and Cambridge. While the matter is still subject for debate, suffice to say that Durham’s history stretches back more than 600 years ago, which is long enough. The whole university is made up of more than 15 colleges, each of which providing their own faculty and accommodation, similar to practice in Oxford and Cambridge.

9. University of York

University of York was established in the 1960s, even though its planning has began even before the turn of the 19th century. It has since expanded into having more than 30 faculties and departments. The school is made up of 8 different colleges catering for different subjects and academic fields. York is now in the process of expanding its campus facilities and upon completion, more students are expected to enroll in the university for the next 5 years.

10. Bristol University

Bristol University is one of the popular tertiary institutions in the UK and often receives the highest number of applications for admission every year. It is also considered the largest private employer in the city. At one time, Bristol can house more than 20,000 students every year, spanning across a wide range of academic courses including engineering, chemistry, science, music, philosophy, art, sociology, geography, politics, business and education.