The University, in partnership with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), has been ranked first in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. It is the eighth consecutive year that Sussex has taken the top spot for the subject area. In total, the University has five subjects ranked within the global top 100.

The Development Studies ranking reflects our international reputation for excellence as well as the strength of teaching and research relationships between Sussex, IDS and partners across the globe, in a subject focused on addressing urgent global issues. Development Studies teaching and research is delivered across academic schools at Sussex, including the Schools of Global Studies, Education and Social Work, Media, Arts and Humanities, and the University of Sussex Business School, as well as in partnership with IDS.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil says: “Sussex has had a profoundly global orientation since our earliest days and this is reflected in our consistently high performance in Development Studies, in close partnership with IDS. To be recognised as the best in the world for the eighth year in a row is testament to our dedicated and talented academic staff and the vibrancy and strength of our relationships with research partners. Our research and teaching, and our amazing alumni community who are working in international development practice in every part of the world, are contributing, year in, year out, to the creation of more equitable and sustainable futures for the people of the whole planet.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Michael Luck says: “I am delighted that Sussex and IDS have again achieved the number one slot for Development Studies. Congratulations to all who have contributed to such an outstanding result. Through the work that we are all doing across the University, we continue to demonstrate the breadth and depth of our excellence in education and research, and the achievements of our students and staff.“

Elsewhere in the rankings, Sociology moved up to 42^nd in the world, while Politics moved into the top 100. In total, the University had two subjects in the top 50 and a further three inside the top 100.

The full list of top 100 subjects at the University are:

• Development Studies (1)
• Sociology (42)
• Politics (51-100)
• Geography (51-100)
• English Language & Literature (98=)

The QS World University Rankings by Subject ranks the world’s top universities in individual subject areas, covering 55 disciplines as of 2024. The rankings are published annually and take a combination of academic and employer reputation surveys, citations per faculty and H-index (another citations metric). This year, almost 5,000 institutions were analysed for reputation and research output across 149 locations and the University had 19 subjects ranked.

To find out more, please visit: https://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings