University jumps seven places in prestigious world rankings

The QS World University Rankings 2021 has placed the University of Southampton 90th among global universities – a rise of seven places.

This achievement cements the University among the world’s top 100 institutions and demonstrates the scale of the global impact Southampton has through its world-class teaching and research. Last year the University was placed 97th.

The QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings features 1,001 institutions in its published list and is based on performance indicators focused on excellence in research and teaching, as well as global reputation amongst fellow academics and employers.

This year Southampton scored particularly well for its academic reputation, as well as in the categories of ‘International Students’ and ‘International Faculty’ (academic staff) which measure and reflect how attractive the University is to students and staff from outside of the UK.

Professor Mark Spearing, Vice President, Research and Enterprise at the University of Southampton comments: “It is extremely encouraging to see our University making upward strides in these global rankings, to put us firmly within the top 100 institutions in the world. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff that we have risen in four of the six measures used by QS to rank universities worldwide.”

Professor Jane Falkingham, Vice President, International (interim) at the University of Southampton and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences says: “We strive to provide a world-class education to excellent students drawn from across globe and I was particularly pleased to see the improvement in our ranking related to international students. We are committed to ensuring all students maximise their potential during their time at Southampton and take pride in educating tomorrow’s global citizens and leaders.”

Earlier this week, Southampton recorded its highest ever placing in the annual Centre for World University Rankings, rising six places to 119 this year out of 2,000 global institutions listed. The University was also ranked 17th overall out of 130 universities listed in the 2021 Complete University Guide .

In March, Southampton was confirmed as having four subjects in the global top 50 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020 .