This accolade was given in The Guardian’s 2026 University Guide, which was published on Saturday, September 13.
AUB also achieved its highest-ever position in the guide, ranking 60th overall, a significant leap from 100th place last year.
This makes AUB one of the top three highest risers for 2026.
Vice-chancellor and chief executive officer at AUB, Lisa Mann, said: “We’re thrilled to be the ranked as the top art and design specialist university outside of London by The Guardian.
“Achieving our highest ranking, and being among the top three highest risers, in The Guardian’s 2026 University Guide is a fantastic result for the University.”
AUB’s rise in the rankings comes after it was named the top specialist university in the South West and in the top five in the region overall, by The Complete University Guide 2026.
These independent university league tables and rankings, including The Guardian’s and The Complete University Guide, aim to provide prospective university students with key information for their research by ranking the UK’s best universities.
They evaluate factors such as teaching quality, student satisfaction, class sizes, and the percentage of graduates securing graduate-level jobs or further education within 15 months of completing their degree.
Ms Mann added: “These guides and league tables are vital for prospective students when they’re deciding where and what to study, and in a challenging and competitive market, it will make a big difference to the University.
“The results reflect the our unwavering commitment to excellence in creative education.
“It’s an incredible accomplishment in just one year, and to achieve our highest ever ranking position too, it is something we’re all very proud of.”
