University news

The University of Sussex has been ranked as the best in the world for development studies for the sixth year running, in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

The number one ranking is based on the assessment of the quality, impact and range of international development research and courses offered by the University’s School of Global Studies, the University of Sussex Business School, Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP), School of Media, Arts and Humanities, Centre for International Education (CIE), and the University’s partner the Institute of Development Studies (IDS).

The University has been number one for development studies for seven out of the past eight years.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof David Maguire, said:

“The unique relationship between the University of Sussex and IDS has established us as the world-leading centre for development studies.

“Our students and researchers continue to work around the world to address the major challenges of our time. ”

Prof Elizabeth Harrison, Head of the School of Global Studies, said:

“For Development Studies at Sussex to be recognised as number one in the world for six consecutive years is a fantastic achievement. It reflects our great teaching and research relationships, both across campus and between Sussex and its partners globally.  In the School of Global Studies this year we have continued to adapt and respond to, not only the continuing pandemic, but also the wider challenges confronting all who seek a fairer, safer, more sustainable and inclusive world.”

Prof Melissa Leach, Director of the Institute of Development Studies, said:

“During another year of the Covid-19 pandemic and multiple global challenges, I’m immensely proud of the expertise and dedication shown by our staff, students, and partners.  To be ranked number one in the world for the sixth-year running is testament to them and to our longstanding partnership with the University of Sussex. We will continue to adapt and innovate to build future leadership for development and remain at the forefront of research, learning and teaching for development studies globally.”

Sussex offers a range of degrees in development studies, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The School of Global Studies is home to the undergraduate development degrees, while more than 20 masters degrees are offered across campus. The University of Sussex Business School comprises world-leading researchers in development economics, sustainable development and related fields, including within the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU). IDS and Global Studies also each offer PhD programmes in Development Studies.

In the latest rankings, the University has achieved five subject entries in the global top 100. Sussex also has 10 subjects ranked in the UK top 20

The QS World Rankings assess each subject by academic and employer reputation, both via a survey, citations per paper and on the h-index which measures the productivity and impact of academic publications.

The full list of UK Top 20 subjects at the University are:

•             Anthropology (10=) [51-100]

•             Communications and Media Studies (15=)

•             Development Studies (1)

•             English Language & Literature (20) [84=]

•             Economics and Econometrics (15)

•             Geography (15=) [51-100]

•             History (20=)

•             Politics & International Studies (16=)

•             Psychology (19=)

•             Sociology (13) [78=]

•             Social Policy & Administration (11=) [51-100]

* () denotes UK ranking [] denotes world ranking

The University of Sussex is in its sixtieth year. On 16 August 1961, the University of Sussex received its Royal Charter. This was an historic moment, not just for Sussex, but for higher education in the UK. Sussex was the first of seven new universities established after the Second World War, which had the freedom to offer a new type of learning.

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