News article

The University of Sussex, in partnership with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), has today (Wednesday 10 April) been ranked first in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. It is the eighth consecutive year that the University has taken the top spot for the subject area. 

The ranking reflects the University’s international reputation for excellence as well as the strength of teaching and research relationships between Sussex, IDS and partners across the globe.  

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil says: “It is a huge achievement for Sussex to have been once again ranked first in the world for Development Studies, alongside our partners at the Institute of Development Studies. To be recognised for the eighth year in a row is testament to our dedicated and talented academic staff and of our international research partners. 

“At Sussex, we are deeply committed to making a positive contribution to the whole world through both our research and education. Nowhere is that more visible than in Development Studies, where our staff, students and alumni community are working on understanding and tackling urgent global challenges and inequalities. 

“The ranking also reflects our profoundly international outlook – which Sussex has had since its founding years - and which we continue to celebrate and extend.” 

Development Studies addresses some of the most pressing issues facing humanity from inequality to sustainability and security. Teaching and research at Sussex and IDS, which shares the University’s campus, are closely integrated with researchers bringing theory and evidence to their teaching, offering students first-hand experience of real world problems, while engaging with governments, policymakers, businesses, NGOs, social movements, and communities. 

Professor Geert De Neve, Head of the School of Global Studies, says: “I am truly delighted to see that we have once again maintained our first-in-the-world place for Development Studies in the 2024 QS rankings.  This position affirms the world-leading research conducted by our staff and students across campus, and the collaborative ways in which we pursue knowledge to tackle the major global development challenges of our times. Most importantly, it is fantastic to see our work towards a more just and sustainable world rewarded in this way.”  

Development Studies teaching and research is delivered across academic schools at Sussex, including the Schools of Global Studies, Education and Social Work, Media, Arts and Humanities and the University of Sussex Business School, as well as in partnership with IDS.  

Professor Melissa Leach, Director of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), says: “It is an incredible achievement for IDS to be ranked first for Development Studies for the eighth year in a row, in partnership with the University of Sussex. It is a testament to our high impact research and unique teaching offer, where students from around the world learn collaboratively from engaged scholars and our global network of research partners at the forefront of international development. 

“As we face an extraordinary time of challenge and change, from climate change to conflict, we will keep working with our staff, students, alumni and research partners to build the skills and knowledge needed to help create more equitable and sustainable futures.” 

In total, the University had 19 subjects included in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, performing strongly in social sciences as Sociology moved up to 42nd in the world, and Politics moved into the top 100. The University had two subjects in the top 50 and a further three inside the top 100.  

The full list of top 100 subjects at the University are:  

The QS World University Rankings by Subject ranks the world’s top universities in individual subject areas, covering 55 disciplines as of 2024. This year, almost 5,000 institutions were analysed for reputation and research output in 96 locations around the world. This year, the University of Sussex had 19 subjects ranked.  

To find out more, please visit: https://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings