Solent: University of Southampton rises in global university ranking

The University of Southampton has risen 13 places to 81st in the 2015 QS World University Rankings.

The QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings are one of only a few internationally-recognised indicators of excellence in teaching, research, citations of research, industry and academic reputation and the international mix of students and staff.

Data linked to the QS rankings indicate that Southampton’s rise is due to improvements in staff:student ratio and the University’s increased reputation among fellow academics and employers around the world. 

Vice-chancellor Professor Don Nutbeam expressed his delight at the rise in Southampton’s global standing: “This ranking confirms the University of Southampton’s position among the world’s top 100 universities and provides evidence of our status as a truly global institution.

“We have shown consistent and continual improvement in all of the national and international University league tables.  This improvement of 13 places in the QS rankings demonstrates recognition of our excellence in education and research by our peers and employers around the world. It is due reward for the excellent work of all our staff and students.”

In specific subject areas, QS has rated Southampton 90th globally for engineering & technology and 95th for natural sciences. 

Among UK universities in the table, Southampton is ranked 17th overall and features eighth in the  subject rankings for engineering & technology and ninth for natural sciences.

Southampton recently performed well in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, placing it in the top 150 of universities overall – its joint highest position in this particular table. Earlier this year, the University consolidated its position among the top 15 UK institutions rising to 14th overall in both the current Complete University Guide and Guardian University Guide.