What are the most reliable UK university ranking tables? 

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There are several reputable university ranking tables for UK universities, each with its own methodology and focus. Some of the most reliable and widely recognized university ranking tables include:

• QS World University Rankings: The QS rankings provide a comprehensive list of top universities globally. They evaluate universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, international diversity and more. QS also provides specialised rankings for various subjects/courses.
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: THE ranks universities based on factors like teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income. It's considered one of the most influential ranking systems. Similar to QS, THE also offers subject-specific rankings.
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): Also known as the Shanghai Rankings, this system primarily focuses on research output and quality, including factors like Nobel Prizes and research publications.
• Complete University Guide: This ranking table takes into account various aspects such as student satisfaction, research quality, graduate prospects and entry standards. It offers subject-specific rankings as well.
• Guardian University Guide: The Guardian's rankings emphasise student satisfaction, teaching quality and student-to-staff ratio. It also provides subject-specific rankings.

It's important to note that while these ranking tables can provide valuable information, they should not be the sole determinant in choosing a university. Different rankings use different methodologies and what matters most is finding a university that aligns with your academic and personal goals. It's recommended to consider a variety of factors, including course offerings, location, campus culture and available resources, when making your decision.