THE University of Bradford has jumped up the national university rankings by 15 places in just one year, according to a league table published today.

The university was one of just a handful to rise by more than 10 places in TheCompleteUniversityGuide co.uk table for 2016.

It now stands at joint 62nd out of 126 universities, rising above regional rivals Hull, at 64, and Sheffield Hallam, 72.

Last year the university was ranked 77th, which was in turn a rise of six places from the previous year's placing of 83rd.

Nationally, 11 universities fell ten places or more, including Leeds Beckett, which dropped 12 places to 114th.

The top three remained unchanged, with the University of Cambridge retaining first place, the University of Oxford still second and the London School of Economics and Political Science third.

York was the highest ranked university in Yorkshire in 17th. The University of Leeds has narrowed the gap, climbing from 23th last year to enter the Top 20 in 19th place. The University of Sheffield, third in the region, slipped one place nationally to 27th.

The guide is based on ten measures: student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, entry standards, student: staff ratio, spending on academic services, spending on student facilities, good honours degrees achieved, graduate prospects and completion.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, Shirley Congdon, said: “I am pleased to see that the university has risen 15 places in the latest Complete University Guide.

“Our continuing rise in the guide reflects the changes and improvements that Bradford is making, in partnership with our students, to support all our students to reach their potential. We continue to enhance the student experience and are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and entrepreneurship. Our teaching and research addresses 21st century issues and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to make a difference in the world.”

Dr Bernard Kingston, principal author of TheCompleteUniversityGuide.co.uk, said: “The league tables, taken with the rankings for specific subjects, offer would-be students an accurate and independent guide to the UK university system.

“They should not be used in isolation but alongside all the other advice and information in the guide. Its tables are recognised for their stability and consistency, and this year once again demonstrates this.”