2019’s World University Rankings, published by Times Higher Education earlier today, revealed that both the University of Leeds and the UK in general had slipped in the ratings.
The THE World University Rankings judges the performance of 980 universities across 79 countries. The United Kingdom claimed both top spots, with Oxford University coming in first and Cambridge coming in second. Imperial College London claimed 9th place, making a total of 3 UK universities in the top 10.
However, 77 of the UK’s 98 entrants either remained in the same spot or dropped ranking. Of the UK’s 29 universities placing in the top 200, 21 universities either dropped rank or remained the same.
The US, with 172, had the most higher education institutions listed. Japan surpassed the UK to take second place, listing 103 institutions, compared to the UK’s 98.
“[UK Universities] must be free to attract and retain the very best international talent and international students post-Brexit”
Speaking about Brexit’s potential influence on the UK’s rankings, THE’s Editorial Director Phil Baty said: “[UK Universities] must be free to attract and retain the very best international talent and international students post-Brexit, and they must be protected from cuts – the flow of research funding and academic talent mustn’t be impacted.”
Similarly, THE Rankings Editor Ellie Bothwell commented: “Universities in the UK, and Europe as a whole, will lose out if pan-European mobility and research collaborations are restricted as a result of Brexit”.
The University of Leeds ranked 153rd, dropping 14 places from 2018’s rank of 139th.
A spokesperson from the University of Leeds said: “This ranking is one of many across the sector – for example, we were named a world top 100 university in the most recent QS global rankings and in the top 50 most international universities by Times Higher Education. In a year which saw Leeds achieve the joint highest scores among the Russell Group in the National Student Survey for student satisfaction and teaching, we continue to work to provide the highest standards of education and experience for all students, be they from the UK or overseas. This global focus also applies to our research, where we are pushing to increase international partnerships and collaborations.”
The full results can be viewed here: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2019/world-ranking
Megan Cummings
Image: [TimesHigherEducation.com]