Following another outstanding year of university sport, it’s time to highlight the top 10 UK Sport Universities of the 2024/25 BUCS Season.
Every year, more than 140 universities from across the UK go head-to-head in pursuit of being crowned the most successful sporting university in the country.
From traditional sporting powerhouses to fast-rising challengers, universities of all types demonstrate their commitment to athletic excellence throughout the UK university sport season.
From September to July, student-athletes compete in leagues and knockout competitions in 52 sports, earning points for their university with every match, race, or event, all contributing towards their final position in the overall BUCS standings.
As the 2024/25 season comes to an end, we break down the top ten universities in this year’s BUCS points leaderboard — a ranking that recognises consistent performance and achievement across university sport.
What are BUCS Points?
Individuals and teams that compete in BUCS competitions throughout the season can earn points for their University. Points are awarded for performances in leagues, cups, and tournaments.
These points feed into an overall table, creating a national sport ranking for higher education institutions in the UK.
What are BUCS Points?
Individuals and teams that compete in BUCS competitions throughout the season can earn points for their University. Points are awarded for performances in leagues, cups, and tournaments.
These points feed into an overall table, creating a national sport ranking for higher education institutions in the UK.
Top Ten Universities of 2024/25 Ranked by BUCS Points
From the Surfing Championships in September to the Cricket finals in July, and every competition in between, the 2024–25 BUCS calendar has been a true celebration of university sport.
Here are this year’s top ten BUCS performing universities.
| Rank | Institution | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loughborough University | 9872 |
| 2 | University of Nottingham | 8808 |
| 3 | Durham University | 5350.7 |
| 4 | University of Exeter | 5186.5 |
| 5 | University of Edinburgh | 4500.83 |
| 6 | University of Birmingham | 4264.25 |
| 7 | University of Bath | 3882.5 |
| 8 | Newcastle University | 3588.5 |
| 9 | Nottingham Trent University | 3442 |
| 10 | University of Bristol | 3010.5 |
Loughborough University finishes at the top of the BUCS points table for the 44th year running.
With an outstanding total of 9,872 points, the African Violet extended their winning streak at the summit of the BUCS rankings, comfortably retaining the title of BUCS Overall Champions.
This year’s total surpasses their previous record-breaking tally, underlining Loughborough’s continued commitment to excellence across a wide range of sports, including Athletics, Football, Rugby Union, Swimming, and Basketball.
While the composition of the top 10 remains the same as the previous season, the shifts within the rankings and the narrowing point gaps demonstrate just how competitive the 2024/25 season has been.
Nottingham once again claimed second place with an impressive total of 8,808 points — an improvement of over 300 points from last year — bolstered by standout performances in Hockey and Tennis.
Durham University maintained their spot on the podium, finishing third with 5,350.7 points, while Exeter continued their strong run of form by holding onto fourth place with 5,186.5.
Edinburgh and Birmingham also retained their top 10 status, rounding out the top six with 4,500.83 and 4,264.25 points respectively.
This season saw the University of Bath climb back up to seventh place, narrowly edging out Newcastle University, who finished eighth with 3,588.5 points after a successful year that included strong campaigns from their Rugby Union and Futsal squads.
Nottingham Trent, whose standout year previously saw them break into the top seven, now occupy ninth place with a solid 3,442 points, while Bristol completes the top ten with a total of 3,010.5.
With less than 400 points separating sixth from ninth, the competition has never been tighter. Every fixture, medal, and result continues to play a decisive role in shaping the BUCS landscape.
As performances continue to rise year on year, the achievements of student-athletes across the UK highlight the extraordinary standard and growing intensity of university sport.
Your BUCS Journey Starts Here
While the table highlights the top-performing sporting universities overall, more than 100 other institutions across the UK excel in specific sports and demonstrate their own unique strengths.
This is where we can help! Our wide network of partner universities ensures that we can cater to various skill levels and provide opportunities for students to thrive and grow in their chosen sport.
If you are looking to play football, badminton, cricket, table tennis, or any of the 52 available BUCS sports whilst studying at a UK university, we have the resources, network, and know-how to match you with the right institution for your athletic and educational aspirations.
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