The University of Sussex, 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 2025 for the ninth consecutive year. The consistent number one ranking for Development Studies reflects the strength of the teaching and research relationship between Sussex and IDS, and with partners around the globe. 

The rankings, released today, Wednesday 12 March, also revealed five other top 100 positions for Sussex. Sociology moved up to equal 39^th in the world, and Anthropology moved into the top 100. English Language and Literature, Geography and Politics all maintained their top 100 rank. There are six further subjects in the top 200: History, Philosophy, Communication and Media Studies, Economics and Econometrics, Social Policy and Administration, and Psychology. 

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil says: “It is wonderful recognition for Sussex, alongside our partners at the Institute of Development Studies, to be ranked first in the world for Development Studies for the ninth year in succession. This achievement speaks to the excellent teaching and research relationships we have built between our two institutions, alongside the knowledge and dedication of our academic staff, and the quality of our international research parnerships. It also places us as one of only 24 universities around the world with a QS No. 1 subject ranking.

“I am delighted that we have six subjects in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject and would like to congratulate all colleagues involved in developing and delivering these courses, academic and professional services alike, for their success in this important ranking.”

Professor Peter Taylor, Director of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), says: “For IDS to be ranked first in the world for Development Studies for the ninth year in a row, in partnership with the University of Sussex, is an outstanding achievement. I am incredibly proud of our high impact research and the unique and collaborative learning experience we offer to our talented students, who come to study with IDS from across the globe.  

“Now more than ever, we need the next generation to take up Development Studies, to build the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to be at the forefront of tackling critical issues from the climate crisis to inequalities and social justice.” 

Professor Geert De Neve, Head of the School of Global Studies, says: “Collaboration and world-leading research are at the heart of how we deliver Development Studies jointly with IDS, and I am really pleased to see the success of this approach once again being recognised in the QS rankings. The major global development challenges of our times are being discussed, researched and taught here on campus as together we work towards a more just and sustainable world.” 

About the rankings

In total, the University had 23 subjects included in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with Sociology moving up to equal 39^th in the world, and Anthropology moving into the top 100. The University had two subjects in the top 50, a further four inside the top 100, and six in the 101-200 rankings.  

The full list of top 200 subjects at the University are:  

• Development Studies (1)  
• Sociology (39=)  
• Anthropology (51-100)
• Geography (51-100) 
• English Language & Literature (79=) 
• Politics (90)  
• History (101-150)
• Psychology (101-150)
• Philosophy (101-150)
• Social Policy and Administration (101-150)
• Economics and Econometrics (174)
• Communication and Media Studies (151-200)

The QS World University Rankings by Subject ranks the world’s top universities in individual subject areas, covering 55 disciplines. This year, over 5,200 institutions from around the world were analysed for reputation and research output.

To find out more, please visit the QS Top Universities website.