The University of Sussex continues its ascent of the UK's university league tables, with its highest ever ranking in the Guardian, published today (Tuesday 17 May).

The University has risen to 11^th place (up four from 15^th position in 2010) in the highly influential Guardian University Guide for 2012, placing it among the elite institutions including Cambridge and Oxford, as well as making Sussex the highest-performing university in the south-east outside London.

The University secured high-ranking positions across all subject areas.

Eight subjects are listed in the Guardian's top ten subject lists:

• American Studies, 6^th
• Anatomy and Physiology, 6^th
• Physics, 7^th
• Biosciences, 8^th
• English, 8^th
• Media and Film, 8^th
• Computer Sciences, 9^th
• Mechanical Engineering, 10^th

A further 11 subjects are listed among the top 20:

• Chemistry, 11^th
• Maths, 11^th
• Sociology, 11^th
• Anthropology, 13^th
• Social Work, 13^th
• Psychology, 14^th
• History/Art History, 16^th
• Brighton and Sussex Medical School (jointly run with University of Brighton), 18^th
• Philosophy, 18^th
• Geography and Environmental Studies, 19^th
• Drama, 20^th

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, says: "It is gratifying to see our ambitions for Sussex converted into this latest - and highest ever - Guardian ranking, particularly as this has been achieved during challenging times for us all in the higher education sector.

"Our efforts to add real quality to the student experience are reflected in this ranking, which places emphasis on student satisfaction, but I believe we can - and will - continue to improve across the board in terms of research excellence, financial support for students, graduate employment prospects and quality of facilities."

View the full league table and subject rankings

The University was placed recently at 19^th in the Independent Complete University Guide and is currently listed at 21^st place in The Times' Good University Guide and 8^th in the UK in the THE World University Rankings.