Facts and figures

Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

Awards and accolades

We are a Five Star Plus institution in the International QS Stars Scheme 2023 – one of only 20 worldwide, with individual five-star ratings for areas such as research, teaching, internationalisation, facilities, employability, innovation, and inclusiveness.

We have performed strongly in the major UK league tables for many years, regularly ranking as a top ten institution.

  • 6th in the Complete University Guide 2025 – our ninth consecutive year in the top ten
  • 10th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
  • 10th in the Guardian University Guide 2025

Student experience

Loughborough University is well known for offering a life-changing experience, both academically and socially. We deliver innovative programmes that span a broad range of disciplines, from sport and exercise science to engineering, business and the arts. We also equip our students for every aspect of their life and career, by supporting them to gain vital experience and skills.

  • Awarded Gold overall, and for student experience and student outcomes - Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
  • Top 3 for student experience - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
  • Top ten for students’ union and clubs and societies – StudentCrowd Awards 2024

Placements and employability

Our strong connections to industry provide students with access to placements, expertise and industry-connected projects. Employers are impressed by the energy, enthusiasm and competitiveness that Loughborough graduates demonstrate.

  • All our undergraduate courses offer a year-long work placement or overseas study.
  • Over 1,940 students went on year-long placements with more than 1,251 companies worldwide (2023/24)
  • Ranked 2nd for job prospects – StudentCrowd Awards 2024

Research and innovation

Our outstanding research is generating globally important work that is driven by society’s need for solutions to real-life issues, making it not only cutting-edge, but relevant too.

  • Over 90% of the University’s research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’ - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
  • Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes in recognition of its excellence and innovation within the sector.
  • Our research community is made up of over 2,300 students, academics and support staff (December 2023).
  • We have 17 Centres for Excellence, which are our flagship expert centres within our Schools, that are recognised for quality and impact.
  • We are home to one of the biggest science parks in the UK, LUSEP, which has over 90 start-ups, growing businesses, global brands and sports organisations. 

Sport

Our reputation for sporting excellence, which spans performance, facilities, expertise and working partnerships, confirms our position as the number one university for sport.

  • Best university in the world for sports-related subjects - QS World University Rankings 2024 (eighth consecutive year)
  • University of the Year for Sport - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and the Daily Mail University Guide 2025
  • Unbeaten British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) champions for 43 years running (2024)
  • Home to one of the largest multi-sport communities of Para athletes within a higher education institution in the UK.

Campus and facilities

Our Loughborough campus is 523 acres – which equates to 8,368 tennis courts or approximately 348 football pitches. This glorious asset offers great facilities for students, staff and visitors for every aspect of campus life, combined with plenty of open spaces and gardens.

  • 1st for university facilities - Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
  • Ranked 2nd for campus and facilities – StudentCrowd Awards 2024
  • £350 million invested in the estate over the last ten years (October 2023)
  • Held the Green Flag Award since 2018, meaning our vibrant campus is one of the nation’s best green spaces.
  • The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities.
  • Our Students' Union is one of the very best in the country. Run by Loughborough students for Loughborough students, the organisation offers hundreds of opportunities to get involved in different activities, opportunities and access support.

Sustainability

The University is committed to acting in a socially responsible way that maximises its positive impact and minimises its negative impact on society. This is reflected in the University’s strategy Creating Better Futures. Together, which makes a commitment to reducing the impact of climate change and achieving net zero through our teaching, research, innovation, partnerships and operations.

  • Entered the top-100 universities in the world for sustainability, rising to 64th place out of 1,403 institutions – QS World University Rankings 2024
  • Ranked 1st in Europe and 7th globally for advancing decent work and economic growth against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 – Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024
  • Over 75% of our campus waste has been recycled annually over the last 8 years (2016 – 2024)

More facts and figures about the University can be found in the Financial Statements and the facts and figures section of our main website.