Agricultural college Harper Adams University offers the best student experience in the country, according to the latest Times Higher Education survey.
Just over four years after gaining full university status, the specialist agricultural institution has beaten off competition from more than 120 other universities.
It won high praise from students for its quality of teaching, campus facilities and strong community atmosphere.
Over 15,000 students were questioned about their university experience across 22 criteria including teaching, accommodation, facilities and social aspects. Loughborough University, last year’s winner, is second thanks to its exceptional sporting facilities and extracurricular activities.
"It is notable that our league table is topped by a specialist institution with among the best track records for industry links and employability," said John Gill, editor of the Times Higher Education.
"Our survey tracks student attitudes across 22 criteria, but there’s no doubt that students put enormous stock on their future career prospects in this era of high tuition fees."
Innovation in farming
David Llewellyn, vice-chancellor Harper Adams University, said the college encourages students to think about driving innovation in UK farming.
"For instance, we are exploring how drones and robots might be used further in agriculture.
"One project in particular is looking at how we might grow a crop of barley without a human setting foot on the ground.
"We believe that for our students to achieve their full potential, they need to understand the changing nature of food production from our research activities."
Universities Minister Jo Johnson said: "The fact that a relatively new and specialist university has topped the survey proves that offering students more choice really works.
"We know that too many students are dissatisfied with the quality of their courses, with only 37 per cent thinking their courses are value for money. Our reforms will rightly place teaching at the forefront and put student interests at the heart of regulation."
