The Department of Physics at the University of Oxford has been ranked first in the UK for Physics & Astronomy in the Complete University Guide 2027, achieving a perfect overall score.
The Complete University Guide is an independent annual ranking of UK universities across more than 70 subject areas. Its methodology draws on a range of measures including entry standards, research quality, student satisfaction, graduate prospects and continuation rates.
The Department of Physics achieved a perfect overall score of 100 across the table, which covers 46 institutions offering Physics & Astronomy courses, and recorded its highest graduate prospects score – 96% – placing it first in that measure.
Having placed second for three years running, Oxford has now topped the Physics & Astronomy table for the first time.
‘Although one shouldn’t read too much into academic league tables, it is pleasing that our achievements in education and research have been recognised in this way, and it is a credit to everyone who works in the department.’ commented Head of Department, Professor Andrew Boothroyd.
The Complete University Guide 2027 subject rankings were published on 2 June 2026.