School of Media & Communication shines in 2026 university rankings
The results build on the School’s strong performance in the Complete University Guide, in which Leeds ranked 8th in the UK for Communication & Media Studies.
The School of Media & Communication at the University of Leeds has achieved outstanding results in the 2026 Guardian University Guide, placing in the top 10 for both Media & Film Studies (7th) and Journalism (7th). It is the only School nationally to appear in the top ten for these closely related subject categories.
In addition, the School secured 4th place in The Times’ UK University Rankings 2026 for Communication & Media Studies, reinforcing its consistent strength across national league tables and building on the School’s strong performance in the Complete University Guide, in which Leeds ranked 8th in the UK for Communication & Media Studies.
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, from journalism and popular culture to digital media, political communication, and the screen industries.
Professor Joanne Garde-Hansen, Head of School, said: “To reach the top five in the Times’ rankings, and to be in the top ten for both Media & Film Studies and Journalism in the Guardian’s rankings, is a fantastic achievement and shows the breadth and depth of our expertise across all aspects of media and communication. A huge thank you to our staff, students and alumni, who each play a part in building our community.”
Professor Andrew Thorpe, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, added: “These results are testament to the hard work, innovative practice and tireless commitment to improvement that characterise our excellent colleagues in the School of Media & Communication. They reflect not just quality teaching and research but the School’s capacity to think outside the box, engage students and respond to the challenges of media in our changing world.”
The Guardian rankings assess departments across a range of metrics, including student satisfaction, staff numbers, spending and career prospects.
The University of Leeds placed 37th overall in this year’s Guardian University Guide.
