We are No. 1 world ranking
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) delivers world-class research, learning and teaching that transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally.
Best in the world for development studies
The QS University Rankings 2025 ranked IDS, together with the University of Sussex, first in the world for development studies for the ninth year running. The rankings once again put Sussex top, above Harvard and Oxford. Sussex has now been number one for development studies for the last nine years. The result reflects the quality, impact and range of international development research and courses offered across the Sussex campus that includes IDS’ research and teaching programmes.