UCL ranked eighth best university globally for second year running

The university secured eighth position for the second year in a row, rising from tenth place in 2021 – putting it in the top one per cent of institutions included in the rankings.

QS is the world’s most-consulted international rankings, now including 1,422 universities - 124 more than in 2022 - making this year the publication's largest ever edition.

To compile the rankings, QS uses eight indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, faculty-to-student ratio, international faculty ratio and international student ratio. Two metrics new for this year include employment outcomes and international research network, which reflects the ability of universities to establish sustainable research partnerships with other higher education institutions.

On five of the metrics, UCL scored 98.6/100 or higher, with scores of 100 for international students and international research network – standing at second globally for this latter indicator.

Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement), said: “It’s great that UCL continues to be recognised as one of the world’s top 10 universities. I'd like to extend my congratulations to UCL’s entire community, whose hard work and commitment together makes us what we are.

“It’s particularly gratifying to see the strength of our global engagement recognised; across the world we have built diverse research and innovation partnerships with other universities, commercial partners, community organisations and many others. While metrics alone cannot be the sole measure of a university and our impact, it is very rewarding to see UCL maintain its strong position.”

UCL President & Provost, Dr Michael Spence, said: “The dedication and commitment of UCL’s staff and students are reflected in these brilliant results. To be ranked in the top eight universities in the world for the second year running is a remarkable achievement, and to be second in the world on a new metric - international research network – highlights UCL’s particular strength as a fantastic global partner.”

This year’s top ten spots are taken by universities in the UK, US and ETH Zurich in Switzerland. Massachusetts Institute of Technology retained its number one position for the tenth year running.

In April, UCL was named by QS as one of the world’s top universities for the study of 43 subjects, with nine ranked in the global top ten.

IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society maintained its position as first in the world for Education for the ninth year in a row, whilst both the Bartlett, UCL Faculty of the Built Environment, and UCL Archaeology retained places in the global top three for Architecture and Built Environment and Archaeology respectively.

Links

• 2023 QS World University rankings
• UCL subjects jump up world university rankings
• 2023 Complete University Guide rankings