A NATIONAL ranking of universities has seen most of the county’s higher education institutions improve on their position last year.

Both the University of Winchester and the University of Southampton moved up The Compete University Guide rankings for the coming year – with the latter securing a top 20 place.

However, Southampton Solent University saw their position drop a place nearer the foot of the table.

A spokesman for the university said they were disappointed with their position and didn’t feel it reflected the progress the university was making.

The Complete University Guide is an independent guide which is aimed at helping prospective students to research degree courses based on academic subject, bursaries and scholarships offered, graduate employment rates and starting salaries.

It also provides transport information, an overview of facilities and teaching standards to help students chose the university that is most suited to their needs.

According to the guide the University of Southampton scored highly across the board, faring particularly well in the areas of research assessment and graduate prospects to be ranked 16th, a four-place improvement on last year.

A spokesman said: “Our position in this ranking is a great achievement, but we are not complacent and continue to strive to provide the very best education and student experience at Southampton.”

The University of Winchester moved up 10 places in the guide and is now ranked 59 out of 123 UK universities.

Professor Elizabeth Stuart, deputy vice-chancellor at the university, said: “It is a credit to our staff who work so hard to ensure all of our students enjoy a high-quality and rounded university experience.”

Southampton Solent University fell from 113 in 2014 to 114 for the coming year, according to the guide.

A spokesman said: “We are disappointed not to increase our position in the league table.

We feel there is a growing disconnect between the tables and the real and improving position of the University, as evidenced by a number of independent external endorsements.”

Portsmouth University moved up five places to 63 in the guide.