Imperial College London surpasses Oxford and Cambridge to secure the second spot in the QS World University Rankings, behind MIT.

UK universities face challenges in research impact and international competition, with only 20 out of 90 British universities improving in the rankings.

Imperial's rise is attributed to its exceptional research performance, strong employability scores, and commitment to sustainability.

The rankings indicate a shift in global higher education dynamics, with China, Australia, and the US leading in research influence.

Despite challenges, British universities like Imperial continue to strive for excellence amid international competition and limited resources.