The University of Exeter has been ranked 17th in this year's Times Good University Guide out of more than 100 higher education institutions in the UK.

Plymouth University ranks at number 60, while the inclusion of Bristol University and Bath University (ranked as 8th and 11th respectively) further highlights the strong performance of academic institutions in the South West region.

Exeter scores particularly highly for student satisfaction, completion rates, and for students achieving good honours degrees of 2:1s or firsts. High entry standards and a strong research performance further support Exeter's top 20 position.

According to the Times' profile: "Exeter is one of Britain's most popular universities in terms of first-choice applications, not only in its traditional strong suit, the arts, but increasingly in the sciences and social sciences".

Exeter's courses in sports science. history, business, drama, economics, education, engineering, physics, geology, German, Spanish, mathematics, politics and psychology all appear in their respective subject top 20 league tables in the Times.

Exeter has always been a popular choice for university students. While it performs well academically and continues to achieve sporting excellence, its regional location is also an attraction, perhaps in part thanks to its green campus and close proximity to some of the best beaches in the country.

English literature, drama, law, psychology and history are among the most heavily subscribed courses in their fields.

The university seems to have bounced back from the national criticism it received after closing down the Chemistry and Music departments two years ago to rationalise funding.

According to the Sunday Times, the University of Exeter is a place of "vitality and optimism" and "is able to choose from the brightest students".