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Fifteen subjects at the University of Exeter are now positioned in the world’s top 100

Success for Exeter subjects in influential league rankings

Subjects from across all disciplines at the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the very best in the world, according to the latest influential global league table.  

Fifteen subjects are now positioned in the world’s top 100 – with seven in the top 50 – in the latest QS World University Subject Rankings, published on Wednesday April 6th, 2022.  

The highest ranked subject is Mining Engineering which is placed 11th in the world – and 1st in the UK, while the University’s sports-related subjects (16th) retains their place in the top 20. 

Elsewhere Geography (25th), Classics and Ancient History (42nd), History (44th), Archaeology (49th) and Environmental Sciences (50th) all feature in the elite Top 50 grouping.  

Other notable entries include English Language & Literature, Theology, Psychology, Geology, Earth & Marine Sciences, Geophysics, Hospitality & Leisure Management, and Politics & International Studies, which all feature within the global Top 100.   

The University also has at least one top 100 subject in each of the ‘Subject Areas’ that map onto the majority of its Colleges - Life and Environmental SciencesEngineering, Mathematics and Physical SciencesThe Business SchoolHumanities; and Social Sciences and International Studies.  

The College of Humanities has the highest overall ranking, at 94th globally, while the Life Sciences and Medicine also made significant progress, rising 115 places compared to the previous year and into the top 200.

Professor Jo Gill, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the College of Humanities at the University of Exeter said: “Our top 100 position confirms that Exeter is one of the leading​universities in the world ​for high quality, original, impactful and creative research and teaching in the arts and humanities. Our strong showing in this year's global subject rankings is both recognition and endorsement of the ​expertise and commitment of academics, students and professional staff across the College.” 

Professor Tim Quine, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of Exeter said: “These latest rankings reflect the continued progress made by all disciplines across the University, and are a testament to leading research and outstanding teaching working in harmony to co-create new knowledge and support success for all our students and colleagues. We are delighted by the strength of the performance, which provides a strong platform for the realisation of our new Strategy 2030 and its commitment to creating a sustainable, healthy and socially-just future for all.  

Professor Mark Goodwin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) added: “These rankings also reflect our commitment to working with universities across the world, bringing international teams of leading academics together to address some of the most pressing issues of our time, and provide inspiring teaching and research communities for our students to ensure they have the skills and expertise they need for their future careers."    

Professor Neil Gow, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Impact) said: “The QS rankings include analysis that takes into account the reputation of our extraordinary academics as educators and in terms of their impactful and highly cited research publications. Our university brings together a community and some of the best education and research in the world and I am delighted to see the strength of this flourishing ecosystem represented in the QS World rankings.” 

To compile the rankings, QS analysed almost 15 million papers, producing almost 96 million citations. In total, 1,543 institutions were ranked across the 51 subjects and five subject areas. 

Date: 6 April 2022