The best universities for Engineering (non-specific)
A student-opinion league table using only what recent undergraduates said in the National Student Survey—not research reputation, entry grades or staff ratios.
The University of Sheffield, followed by The University of Lancaster and University of Strathclyde make up the leading three for Engineering (non-specific) in our 2026 student-view ranking.
Unlike a conventional university guide, this list makes one narrow comparison: how positively recent students described their course experience. The score gives equal influence to the 26 questions shared across all three NSS files and averages 2025 with 2026 wherever both are published. Because this subject has 41 current providers, the analysis below compares the leading five with the whole provider field.
Why The University of Sheffield leads—and where the next four stand out
This comparison uses all 41 current providers, not only universities. It identifies the NSS questions where each leading university is furthest above the subject peer average.
The University of Sheffield
It holds the same position as in the previous 2024+2025 table. It is position 1 when every current provider is included.
- Student voiceStudent feedback is acted on
84.3% positive—23.0 percentage points above the 61.3% all-provider peer average.
- Student voiceStudent opinions are valued
95.2% positive—20.8 percentage points above the 74.5% all-provider peer average.
The University of Lancaster
Where it stands out: Course is well organised is 94.4%, which is 27.8 points above the 66.6% average across the rest of the provider field.
It is position 2 when all 41 providers are included. It is new to the current table because it has eligible 2026 data but no comparable prior position.
University of Strathclyde
Where it stands out: Students' union represents academic interests is 88.4%, which is 18.6 points above the 69.8% average across the rest of the provider field.
It is position 3 when all 41 providers are included. It has fallen 1 place from 2 in the previous table.
The University of Liverpool
Where it stands out: Clear marking criteria is 94.1%, which is 21.7 points above the 72.4% average across the rest of the provider field.
It is position 4 when all 41 providers are included. It has fallen 1 place from 3 in the previous table.
Liverpool John Moores University
Where it stands out: Feedback helps improvement is 86.2%, which is 21.6 points above the 64.6% average across the rest of the provider field.
It is position 8 when all 41 providers are included. It has fallen 1 place from 4 in the previous table.
“Above average” compares each provider with every other current provider in this subject. It describes relative NSS strength, not course content, admissions or graduate outcomes.
Top 10 for Engineering (non-specific)
Current positions use the 2025+2026 window. Previous positions use 2024+2025; “New” means no eligible prior comparison.
| Current pos.2025+2026 table | Previous pos.2024+2025 table | Change | University | Score | Current score data | Questions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12024–2025 average | — | The University of Sheffield2025–2026 average | 91.85% | 2025–2026 average | 26 / 26 | |
| 2 | —Not ranked | New | The University of Lancaster2026 only | 90.35% | 2026 only | 26 / 26 | |
| 3 | 22024–2025 average | ↓ 1 | University of Strathclyde2025–2026 average | 88.22% | 2025–2026 average | 26 / 26 | |
| 4 | 32024–2025 average | ↓ 1 | The University of Liverpool2025–2026 average | 87.76% | 2025–2026 average | 26 / 26 | |
| 5 | 42024–2025 average | ↓ 1 | Liverpool John Moores University2025–2026 average | 86.28% | 2025–2026 average | 26 / 26 | |
| 6 | 62024–2025 average | — | University of Bristol2025–2026 average | 85.90% | 2025–2026 average | 26 / 26 | |
| 7 | 102024–2025 average | ↑ 3 | Queen Mary University of London2025–2026 average | 84.50% | 2025–2026 average | 26 / 26 | |
| 8 | 82024–2025 average | — | The University of Warwick2025–2026 average | 84.43% | 2025–2026 average | 26 / 26 | |
| 9 | 122024–2025 average | ↑ 3 | The University of Essex2025–2026 average | 83.92% | 2025–2026 average | 26 / 26 | |
| 10 | 152024–2025 average | ↑ 5 | University of Ulster2025–2026 average | 82.50% | 2025–2026 average | 26 / 26 |
Universities are shown by default. The site-wide switch can include every current NSS provider in this live top ten.
See the complete Engineering (non-specific) ranking →One source. One clear point of view.
The National Student Survey asks final-year undergraduates about teaching, learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, support, organisation, resources, student voice, their students’ union and wellbeing information.
We do not add research output, selectivity, institutional spending, staff ratios or graduate salary data. Those measures may be useful elsewhere, but they cannot change what former students said about studying this subject.
Read the complete methodology →About this Engineering (non-specific) ranking
What leads the Engineering (non-specific) ranking in 2026?
The University of Sheffield is first among universities, with an NSS-based score of 91.85%. The result reflects student opinion across the common questions, not a prediction of which institution will suit every applicant.
Why average two NSS years?
Averaging 2025 and 2026 makes the result less sensitive to one unusual cohort. A provider must have published 2026 data to enter the current table; a 2026-only entrant is included and labelled “New”.
Where can I see every university?
The full Engineering (non-specific) ranking contains every eligible university or, when the provider switch is enabled, every eligible NSS provider.