The University of Reading has been named by the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 as the best place in the UK to study two major subjects.
Reading came top in Business, and in Architecture, Building and Planning, according to the 2026 edition of the Daily Mail University Guide.
This is the second year running the two subjects have claimed the top spot in the university guide, published on 14 August. The positions have been calculated using scores that combine measures of good job prospects, teaching excellence, student support and student experience in those subject areas.
Overall, the University of Reading was ranked at joint 45 from 128 universities in the UK.
Reading is ranked as the top university to study Business out of 85 UK universities that offer it as a subject, and the best for Architecture, Building and Planning from 43 UK institutions.
Other subject level success includes:
- English Language: 2 (out of 22)
- Education: 6 (out of 52)
- Linguistics: 6 (out of 27)
- Politics: 11 (out of 77)
- Biomedical Sciences: 14 (out of 56)
- Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies (Nat Sci): 14 (out of 36)
- Finance: 15 (out of 87)
- Art: 17 (out of 53)
- English Literature: 17 (out of 38)
- Marketing: 23 (out of 89)
- Psychology: 24 (out of 100)
- Economics: 25 (out of 81)
- Accounting: 34 (out of 95)
- Computer Science: 37 (out of 99)
Professor Peter Miskell, professor of business history and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading for student experience, said: “Studying business is a great choice for students as it provides key insights into commercial decision-making and teaches vital skills. Reading’s success in achieving top rankings in Business and Architecture, Building and Planning demonstrates our exceptional teaching quality and student experience across both these areas.
“This continued success, along with strong scores in a broad range of other subjects, reflects our dedication to providing graduates with the skills and knowledge that are valuable for life, while also being part of a university that has environmental sustainability at its core.”
Further information can be found on the University of Reading profile on the Daily Mail University Guide 2026.
