Exeter subjects fly high in QS World University Rankings

Geography and English Language and Literature appear in the Top 50 worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings published on Wednesday 26 February 2014.

In total, Exeter features in the world’s Top 200 institutions in 15 of the 30 subjects listed in the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Building on the success of last year, Geography has strengthened its Top 50 position rising from 48 to 21. English Language and Literature has joined this elite grouping for the first time ranking at 43, making it the third time in the last four years that English has improved its standing.

Other notable entries include Psychology, Earth and Marine Sciences and Politics and International Studies which are ranked in the Top 100; Modern Languages, Economics & Econometrics, History, Agriculture & Forestry and Education are ranked in the 100-150 range; and Sociology, Engineering, Biological Sciences, Accounting & Finance and Environmental Sciences appear in the 150 – 200 range.

Professor Dan Charman, Dean of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, said:“I am delighted that the excellent work being carried out within our departments has been recognised in the 2014 World Subject Rankings.

“Geography’s new ranking of 21^st in the world reflects the way in which our world-leading academics engage with key research questions on the international stage to tackle global issues and shape the future.

 “We are committed to pursuing world class research and teaching that has a positive impact globally and tackles the challenges of the 21st Century. These latest rankings showing a rise in our profile and achievements are testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone within our College at our campuses in both Cornwall and Exeter.”

Professor Nick Kaye, Dean of the College of Humanities, said that humanities subjects and English in particular have consistently made impressive progress in their global standing:“The rapid rise of our disciplines in the world university rankings is testament to the outstanding quality of the research and teaching of our academic staff. This international recognition will help create new opportunities for us as we continue to build our collaborations with leading universities across the world.”

3,002 universities were evaluated for this, the third edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, and 689 institutions ranked in total. 130 million citation attributions were analysed and verified and 10,639 programmes researched.