The QS ranking is based on surveying academic staff that declare a speciality in the subject area, and employers who recruit graduates that specialise in the discipline. It also takes into account research output and impact, with both citations and paper output measured over a five-year period.  

Sports-related research has always been at the heart of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and is a key part of the University’s strategy. The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Sports Technology Institute a²Ô»å Institute for Sport Business are all renowned for the fundamental and applied research they undertake in this field.  

This marks the eighth year in a row that º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has secured the best in the world title, being the recipient ever since it was launched by QS in 2017.  

Speaking about º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s continued success, Professor Jo Maher, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport, said: “º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is world-renowned for its sporting ecosystem, and the teaching and research of sports disciplines is at the very heart of this.  

“We are so proud that our work in this field is recognised and valued by the international academic community, and it is great to see that the talent of our world-leading academic colleagues has been acknowledged for eight consecutive years by QS.”

Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, added: “Being named the best in the world for sport-related subjects for the eighth consecutive year is a monumental achievement for º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. 

“This unparalleled streak not only highlights the University's unwavering commitment to excellence in sports education and research, but also further cements its position as a global leader in the field. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the faculty, staff, and students, as well as industry partners and sports champions and mentors, who have contributed to maintaining such high standards of education and innovation in sports.” 

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has been ranked in the QS global top 100 in seven other subject areas:   

• Library and Information Management (22) – reflecting work undertaken in the Schools of Social Sciences and Humanities a²Ô»å Business and Economics
• Art and Design (32) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Design and Creative Arts
• Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing (=73) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering a²Ô»å Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
• Architecture and the Built Environment (51-100) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering 
• Communication & Media Studies (51-100) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities
• Anatomy and Physiology (51-100) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences and the School of Science
• Petroleum Engineering (51-100) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering a²Ô»å Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

The full QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 tables can be found here. Further information about º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s success in the QS rankings can be found here.