Liverpool John Moores University

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has established a strong reputation for academic excellence, employability, and student satisfaction, as reflected in its impressive national and global rankings. These achievements highlight the university’s commitment to delivering high-quality education, impactful research, and outstanding student outcomes.

In the UK, LJMU continues to rise across major league tables. It is currently ranked 42nd in The Guardian University Guide 2026, 61st in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, and 76th in the Complete University Guide 2026. Notably, LJMU was also named University of the Year for Teaching Quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, underlining its excellence in delivering a high-standard learning experience.

The university performs particularly well in subject-specific rankings, securing Top 20 positions in key disciplines such as Health Professions, International Relations, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Accounting and Finance, Interior Design, Social Work, Construction, Surveying and Planning, and Paramedic Science. These rankings demonstrate LJMU’s strength in career-focused and professionally relevant programmes.

LJMU’s focus on employability is further recognised nationally. It is ranked 2nd in the UK for career prospects and placed within the UK Top 20 overall in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025. This aligns with strong graduate outcomes, with 95% of students in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).

Globally, LJMU is ranked #851–900 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 501–600 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. It also holds the 16th position worldwide in QS rankings for Sports-related subjects, reinforcing its international leadership in this field. In sustainability, LJMU is ranked 739th in the QS Sustainability Rankings, reflecting its commitment to responsible and future-focused education.

The university’s research impact is equally significant. Over 97.1% of its research is rated as internationally recognised or higher (REF 2021). LJMU is also ranked within the top 300–400 institutions globally and 60th in the UK in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which assess contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Student satisfaction and campus experience are further highlighted in the Uni Compare Top 100 University Rankings 2026, where LJMU is ranked 2nd in the UK for the second consecutive year. The university also achieved Top 10 positions for Accommodation (2nd), Student Life (3rd), Employability (6th), and Course Quality (7th), with the highest overall score in North West England.

Additionally, LJMU is ranked #533 in Best Global Universities, reinforcing its growing global presence. Collectively, these rankings confirm LJMU as a competitive, student-focused institution with a strong emphasis on quality, employability, and global impact.

Student life at LJMU is dynamic, inclusive, and deeply connected to the city of Liverpool. As a “university of the city,” LJMU offers a modern campus experience alongside one of the UK’s most vibrant and student-friendly urban environments. From academic spaces to social opportunities, students benefit from a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

LJMU’s two main campuses provide modern, welcoming spaces designed for learning, collaboration, and innovation. The City Campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including specialist simulators and practical laboratories, making it ideal for students in engineering, technology, health, and science. The Mount Pleasant Campus blends historic architecture with cutting-edge resources, offering artists’ studios, multimedia labs, crime scene simulation spaces, and industry-leading law and business clinics.

At the centre of student life is Copperas Hill, a newly developed site linking both campuses. This area houses the Student Life Building and Sports Building, where students can access a wide range of services, from wellbeing support to career advice. It is also home to the Liverpool John Moores Students' Union (JMSU), which plays a vital role in student engagement.

JMSU offers over 200 societies and more than 40 sports teams competing in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). Whether students are interested in academic, cultural, faith-based, or social groups, there is something for everyone. Being part of a society enhances personal development, builds leadership skills, and improves employability, while also helping students form lasting friendships.

Sport and wellbeing are further supported through LJMU MOVE, a programme that brings together all physical activity and wellbeing services. Students can participate in competitive sports, casual games, or specialised clubs, creating a healthy and active university experience.

Student life at LJMU extends beyond academics. The university organises Freshers’ Week activities, including fairs, social events, and entertainment, helping students settle in and build connections early. Throughout the year, JMSU hosts a wide range of events, from open-air cinemas to themed social gatherings.

Students can also explore unique leisure experiences across the city, such as mini-golf, gaming arcades, watersports, and interactive entertainment venues. These activities contribute to a well-rounded student lifestyle, combining study with recreation.

Liverpool offers an exceptional student experience, combining affordability with cultural richness. Ranked among the Top 5 UK student cities (Student Crowd, 2024) and named the Best city for food in the UK (Time Out, 2025), it provides excellent value and variety for students. The city also boasts the third-highest graduate retention rate in the UK (Think Orion, 2025), highlighting strong employment opportunities after graduation.

The city centre, including Liverpool ONE and Bold Street, offers extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options within walking distance of LJMU campuses. Students can enjoy a diverse food scene, from international cuisines to local favourites, as well as vibrant nightlife and social spaces.

Liverpool is one of the UK’s leading cultural hubs, home to the largest number of museums and galleries outside London. Students can explore world-class institutions such as the Walker Art Gallery, Tate Liverpool, and the Museum of Liverpool, many with free entry. The city’s cultural calendar is packed with festivals, including the Liverpool Irish Festival, Africa Oyé, and the Liverpool Biennial, offering year-round entertainment.

As the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool has a globally recognised music scene, with live performances hosted at major venues across the city. In 2023, the city further strengthened its cultural status by hosting the Eurovision Song Contest.

Liverpool is well-connected, making travel easy for students. With Merseyrail services, Liverpool Lime Street Station, and international flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, students can quickly access major UK cities. Destinations such as Manchester, Birmingham, and even London are within convenient reach, allowing students to explore beyond their studies.

Student life at LJMU combines high-quality campus facilities with the energy of a world-class city. From academic support and social opportunities to cultural experiences and career prospects, students benefit from a comprehensive and engaging university journey—making LJMU and Liverpool an ideal choice for a fulfilling student life.

Finding the right place to live is a key part of the student experience, and LJMU ensures a smooth and supportive transition into university life. Every new student is guaranteed city centre accommodation, offering the opportunity to live in the heart of Liverpool, a vibrant and welcoming world city.

LJMU provides high-quality, modern accommodation designed to meet the needs of today’s students. Most options are in purpose-built halls, large blocks of flats that combine comfort, security, and a strong sense of community. These halls are located close to teaching buildings, libraries, and key university facilities, ensuring convenience for daily student life.

For postgraduate and mature students, the university allocates a number of full flats each year, offering greater independence while still benefiting from university-managed accommodation. LJMU also works closely with its accommodation partners to ensure that halls are accessible and inclusive, with continuously improving facilities for students with disabilities.

Students can choose between LJMU-approved accommodation and private student accommodation, giving flexibility based on preferences and circumstances.

LJMU-approved residences are strategically located across the city, providing easy access to both the City Campus and Mount Pleasant Campus.

City Campus options include Ablett House, Atlantic Point, Byrom Point, and Glassworks. These residences are within walking distance of teaching buildings and the City Campus Library, offering en-suite rooms with modern facilities and small double beds in most cases. Atlantic Point alone offers over 900 en-suite rooms, making it one of the largest student residences.

Mount Pleasant Campus options include Agnes Jones House, Grenville Street, and Hardman House. These locations are ideal for students studying arts, humanities, and social sciences, with close proximity to campus buildings. Agnes Jones House provides over 300 rooms with shared lounge and kitchen spaces, encouraging a sociable living environment.

Central locations suitable for both campuses include Albert Court, Copperas House, and Grand Central. Grand Central, located next to Lime Street Station, is one of the largest residences with over 1,200 rooms, including en-suite and studio options. Copperas House sits at the heart of student life, close to the Student Life and sports buildings.

Across all residences, students benefit from en-suite living, shared communal areas, and a safe, supportive environment tailored to academic and social needs.

Students who prefer alternative arrangements or are moving with dependants can explore private accommodation in Liverpool. The university supports this through Liverpool Student Homes, an official accreditation service that ensures landlords and agents meet strict quality standards. Students also have access to free, confidential advice from housing advisors, helping them make informed decisions.