Oxford tops UK univ list for 6th consecutive yr

London, Aug.16: A Times Good University Guide has revealed that Oxford is still the best university in the United Kingdom, though the varsity league gap between it and Cambridge has been further reduced, and is said to be the narrowest since league tables were first published 14 years ago.

According to The Times, Oxford remains at the top of the table for the sixth consecutive year, but the margin between the two academic institutions has closed to only five points out of a total possible score of 1,000, the closest it has been since 1993, when they tied.

Oxford's grip on the top spot has been facilitated by higher spending on library and computing facilities and a higher proportion of students awarded at least a 2:1 degree.

Apart from Oxford and Cambridge, the other universities in the top five list include Scotland's St. Andrews and Edinburgh University.

King's College London is ranked No.10, Exeter University at No. 17 and City University at No.40.

Only half the Russell Group of 20 research-intensive universities feature in the Top 20.

Three universities from the rival 1994 group - a competing group of universities - achieved Top Ten positions, and nine were placed within the Top 20.

The Times Good University Guide, the nation's leading guide to higher education, ranks 113 UK universities according to eight criteria, including student satisfaction, research quality and degree results.

A full version of the guide is published today to coincide with the start of the clearing process for admission this year.

ANI>