In the newly published Guardian University Guide 2012, Imperial College’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering achieved the top grading in the UK for the discipline. At subject level Imperial achieved top 5 positions for Earth Sciences, Computer Science and IT, and in Engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Materials and Mineral, Chemical, and Civil, which was rated number one in the UK. Explaining the methodology behind the table, the Guardian's Jessica Shepherd wrote:  'Universities are ranked according to how much they spend per student; their student/staff ratio; the career prospects of their graduates; what grades applicants need; a value-added score that compares the academic achievements of first-years and their final degree results; and how content final-year students are with their courses, based on the annual National Student Survey'.

Full results and subject-specific tables are available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/series/university-guide-2012-subjects