For the seventh consecutive year, the University of Sussex together with the Institute of Development Studies has been ranked as the best in the world for Development Studies, in the QS World University Rankings.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject are compiled annually to help prospective students identify the leading universities in a particular subject. Research citations, along with the results of major global surveys of employers and academics, are used to rank universities.
Our degrees are delivered in partnership with the University of Sussex which supports and accredits our teaching and learning programmes.
Professor Melissa Leach, Director of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) says:
“To be ranked first for Development Studies for the seventh year is a fantastic achievement and it is a credit to our unique research and teaching relationships between Sussex, IDS, our staff, students, alumni and partners around the world.
“As we face rapid change and urgent complex global challenges we will keep working collaboratively to build the skills and knowledge needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally.”
Professor Sasha Roseneil, the University of Sussex’s Vice-Chancellor, says:
“For Development Studies once again to be ranked number one in the world is a huge achievement. Sussex is radically global in orientation, and has pioneered interdisciplinarity since our foundation, and we strive to make a positive contribution to the world through our research and education. All of these are core to our expertise in Development Studies. It is fantastic to support the next generation as students learn to understand and identify ways to tackle the inequalities and injustices, and societal and environmental challenges that face communities around the world. This recognition is a credit to our dedicated and innovative academic staff, as well as our research partners around the world.
“To also have a wide range of other subjects ranked highly both in the UK and internationally is a great accomplishment. It is a sign of our sustained effort to grow as a leading research institution and further establish our international standing.”
Development Studies addresses some of the most pressing issues facing humanity. From inequality to sustainability and security, students of Development Studies learn how to tackle these problems.
Professor Elizabeth Harrison, Head of the School of Global Studies says:
“The fact that we have been ranked as number one in the world for seven consecutive years is wonderful recognition of our continued commitment to excellent teaching and research for a fairer, safer, more sustainable and inclusive world. We don’t necessarily have all of the answers, but we will keep asking the difficult questions in ways that are both challenging and collaborative.”
The number one ranking is based on the assessment of the quality, impact and range of international development research and courses offered by the Institute of Development Studies and the University of Sussex’s School of Global Studies, the University of Sussex Business School, Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP), School of Media, Arts and Humanities and Centre for International Education (CIE).