York Achieves 5th Place in Drama, Dance, and Cinematics, Strengthening Its Reputation in Creative Education

Complete University Guide 2026 Highlights University of York’s Academic Distinction

The University of York has further reinforced its status as a premier institution for Drama, Dance, and Cinematics, securing 5th place in the UK in the latest Complete University Guide league tables for 2026. This notable achievement underscores the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and reaffirms its position as a hub for creative education.

The School of Arts and Creative Technologies, which oversees these disciplines, has been commended for its outstanding performance. Professor Tom Cantrell, Head of School, expressed his pleasure at the ranking, emphasising that it serves as a testament to the School’s dedication to innovative teaching, pioneering research, and dynamic creative practice. Furthermore, he highlighted that this recognition reflects the collaborative strength within the School and its unwavering commitment to fostering creativity in its diverse forms.

In the 2026 Complete University Guide, the University of York attained 12th place in the UK and ranked 8th among Russell Group universities, reinforcing its continued influence in higher education. The Guide, which evaluates 130 institutions nationwide, serves as a vital benchmark for assessing institutional performance. A total of fifteen subjects at York were placed within the UK’s top 10, reflecting the university’s academic breadth and strength. These include Archaeology (6th), Biological Sciences (7th), Chemistry (6th), and Drama, Dance, and Cinematics (5th). Additionally, English (6th), French (4th), History, and Philosophy both featured in the top 10, alongside History of Art, Architecture and Design (7th), Iberian Languages (6th), Linguistics (5th), Marketing (7th), Psychology (5th), Social Policy (8th), and Social Work (9th). Moreover, four additional subjects were ranked within the UK’s top 20, further highlighting the university’s academic distinction.

Published annually, the Complete University Guide ranks UK universities across 74 subject areas, assessing them based on various key performance indicators. These include entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, graduate prospects, completion rates, student-staff ratios, and investment in academic services and facilities. The rankings are derived from data provided by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the National Student Survey, and the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

York’s School of Arts and Creative Technologies is recognised for excellence in drama, dance, and cinematics. University of York's academic excellence across disciplines and leadership in creativity, innovation, and research are affirmed by these rankings. This recognition indicates high-quality education and a supportive learning environment for prospective students, positioning York among the UK’s most prestigious and forward-thinking institutions.

Editor’s Note

The University of York's high ranking in the Complete University Guide, including 5th in the UK for Drama, Dance, and Cinematics, demonstrates its commitment to academic excellence and student success. This achievement results from strategic investments in teaching, research, and creative practice, driven by the School of Arts and Creative Technologies' collaborative and innovative environment, positioning York as a leader in creative education. This recognition is more than just a prestigious ranking; it directly benefits students by enhancing the university’s reputation, increasing employment opportunities, and attracting leading educators and researchers. Prospective students can confidently choose York, knowing they will be part of a thriving academic community that prioritises innovation, engagement, and excellence.

According to Skoobuzz, York’s continued rise among top institutions is a testament to its forward-thinking approach to education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for competitive careers in their respective fields.