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Why study at IDS

Development Studies QS Ranking for Universities

IDS degrees are delivered in partnership with the University of Sussex who support and accredit our teaching and learning programmes. See how we both perform in league tables, development studies rankings and impact evaluations.

Two students working together at a desktop computer in a bright study space, with a circular graphic reading “QS World Rankings 2026 – No. 1 Development Studies” displayed in the corner.
Two IDS students working together

World rankings

Best in the world for development studies: The QS University Rankings 2026 ranked IDS, together with the University of Sussex, first in the world for development studies for the tenth year running. The rankings once again put Sussex top, above Harvard and Oxford. 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.