The Institute of Development Studies (IDS), in partnership with the University of Sussex, has today (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 Sussex has taken the top spot for the subject area.
The ranking reflects IDS and the University of Sussex’s international reputation for excellence as well as the strength of teaching and research relationships between Sussex, IDS and partners across the globe.
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.”
IDS provides the opportunity to learn collaboratively with researchers and activists at the forefront of international development.
Development Studies teaching and research on the Sussex campus, where IDS is based, is delivered across academic schools at the University 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 Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor, University of Sussex, 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.”
Professor Geert De Neve, Head of the School of Global Studies, University of Sussex, 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.”
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 across 96 locations. This year, the University of Sussex had 19 subjects ranked.
To find out more, visit: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
