School of Media and Communication excels in Guardian University Guide 2027

The University of Leeds’ School of Media & Communication has achieved outstanding results in two national university guides.

In the Guardian University Guide 2027, which ranks UK universities across a range of detailed performance indicators, including student retention, staff-to-student ratios, and graduate outcomes, the School placed in the top ten nationally for Journalism (3rd) and Media & Film Studies (8th). It is the only School nationally to appear in the top ten for these closely related subject categories.

The School of Media and Communication’s improved ranking in Journalism (up four places from 7th in 2025) reflects its broader success over many years and builds on a record of sustained excellence in teaching, student satisfaction, and graduate career prospects.

The Times UK University Rankings 2027 has the School in 7th for Communication and Media Studies, outperforming the University’s overall ranking of 22nd.

Layla Painter, Programme Leader for BA Journalism, said: “We are thrilled to see our programmes recognised among the very best in the country. Our focus has always been on equipping students with the critical thinking, rigorous reporting skills, and ethical and legal grounding needed to navigate and shape the modern media landscape.”

Shira Dvir-Gvirsman, Programme Lead for Film and Media Studies, said: “This is such a fantastic achievement and one that reflects the real strength of our learning community and the creative, critical mindset our students bring to their work every day. We are delighted to see that effort reflected in the Guardian’s and the Times’ national rankings.”

Professor Joanne Garde-Hansen, Head of School, added: “What a brilliant start to the academic year. These results are a testament to the hard work, creativity and dedication of our staff and students, who continue to set the standard for journalism, media and film studies education in the UK. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Founded in 1968 as the Centre for Television Research – making it one of the oldest and largest departments of its kind in Europe – the School of Media and Communication has built a global profile for its teaching and research across media and communication. It offers a broad range of Undergraduate, Masters, and Postgraduate Research courses.

Recent graduates have secured positions at companies including the BBC, Google, Sky, Reuters, and Associated Press.