Social Policy at Bristol in the top 20 in the world

6 April 2022

Social Policy programmes at the School for Policy Studies are among the very best in the world, according to the latest global rankings.

Social Policy programmes at the University of Bristol have been rated 18^th globally among Social Policy and Administration courses by the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

The QS rankings are the world’s most consulted higher education league table, with University Rankings by Subject based upon academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.

Professor Esther Dermott, Head of the School for Policy Studies, said: "This result is a pleasing recognition of the world-leading quality of our research, and highlights the high regard for our work by peers across the globe."

In total, 38 subjects on offer at the University feature in the latest QS league tables released on 6^th April.

Of the 1,543 universities surveyed worldwide, 26 subjects at Bristol are in the top 100, while nine are featured in the top 50 with Social Policy receiving the highest ranking of the University.

Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of Bristol, said: “Here at Bristol, we strive to give our students access to some of the world’s best teaching by providing a diverse, research-rich education.

“It is hugely rewarding that many of our courses have once again been named among the best in the world. This is testament to the excellence of our schools and faculties, as well as our innovative approach to education.

“After what has been a difficult few years, every member of staff should be proud of this fantastic achievement and I thank them for their sustained hard work.”

The QS World University Rankings by Subject uses five data sources to assess each University’s standing: a survey of academics, a survey of employers, research impact (based on research citations per paper), the ‘H-index’, which measures the productivity of published works, and international research network – a new indicator for this year’s rankings, which looks at research conducted with global partners.

Last June, the QS World Rankings placed Bristol as the 10th best University in the United Kingdom, the 17th best in Europe and the 62nd best in the world.

Further information

Please note, the QS World Subject Rankings use different, often broader, subject headings to the University of Bristol and other institutions. For example, 'Social Policy and Administration' as opposed to Social Policy.