The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) has been ranked first in the world for development studies in the QS University Rankings by Subject, together with the University of Sussex.
Our degrees are delivered in partnership with the University of Sussex who support and accredit our teaching and learning programmes.
The QS University Rankings put Sussex top, above Harvard and Oxford. Sussex has now been best in the world for development studies for four out of the past five years.
The ranking reflects the quality, impact and range of international development research and courses offered across the Sussex campus – in the Institute of Development Studies, and the University’s School of Global Studies, Science Policy Research Unit, and Centre for International Education.
Melissa Leach, Director, Institute of Development Studies, said: “The Institute of Development Studies is at the forefront of research, learning and teaching for development studies globally. To be ranked number one in the world is testament to our unique partnership with the University of Sussex and our staff and students who are united in their commitment to help solve real-world challenges such as disease, climate change and conflict.”
Elizabeth Harrison, Head of the School of Global Studies, University of Sussex, said: “It’s fantastic that the exceptional work in development studies carried out at both Sussex and IDS has been recognised for the fourth year running. Our concern for global inequalities and social justice is reflected in our wide range of courses for both undergraduates and postgraduates, and in our world-class research.”
Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Sussex, said: “With so many pressing global challenges needing solutions and expertise, I am hugely proud that Sussex has been named again the best university in the world for development studies.
“Our extensive research and education in this field can now truly be described as peerless.”
IDS offers nine master’s degrees, three of which are offered jointly with the University of Sussex, and a PhD by Research.
Students and researchers at IDS come from all over the globe and are united in their commitment to help solve real-world problems such as disease, climate change and conflict.
Our degrees are taught by some of the world’s leading development experts, many of whom are active in the field as researchers and practitioners and who bring this valuable experience of applied research into the classroom.
Graduates have gone on to take up senior positions in global organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations, and in leading civil society organisations, as well as become Ministers and officials in national governments across the world. For example, in 2018, alum Carlos Alvarado Quesada was elected as President of Costa Rica.
Notes to Editor
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a global research and learning organisation for equitable and sustainable change. We believe passionately that cutting-edge research, knowledge and mutual learning are crucial in shaping the transformations needed to reduce inequalities, accelerate sustainability and build more inclusive and secure societies. In line with our engaged excellence approach, we are committed to collaborating closely with local civil society, governments, international NGOs, citizens, donors, researchers and many others to realise this positive change.
IDS is ranked first in the world for development studies by the QS University Rankings, together with the University of Sussex. We are also ranked best international development policy think tank.
See ids.ac.uk for more information.