St Andrews Rises in Global Institution Rankings

On Wednesday 25 March, the University of St Andrews was recognised as a world-leading institution in the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Published by higher education analyst QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the report highlighted the University’s Arts and Humanities subjects, which placed in the global top 50.

The QS World University Ranking assessments provide an “independent comparative assessment of more than 18,300 university programmes across 1700 institutions in 100 locations worldwide, covering 55 academic disciplines,” according to the University news article. 

In the 2026 report, twenty of the University’s 28 ranked subjects either retained their place or climbed the global rankings, with Film Studies recognised in the rankings for the first time, entering at joint 30th in the UK. Additionally, eleven subjects ranked in the world’s top 50 for their field.

Vice-Principal for Research at the University, Tom Brown, said: “It is great to see the quality of our academic Schools recognised through the improvement in these rankings.  I would like to thank all of our staff whose work has contributed to this, which helps cement St Andrews’ position as a leading University.”

In a comment to The Saint, Eva Arndt, a second-year student studying Modern History and Economics, said: “I am happy to hear about the rankings for the School of History as 45th globally, and of the School of Economics as ranked joint-24th in the UK.” 

Arndt added, “However, sometimes I feel these rankings are a bit arbitrary since it is very difficult to quantify the quality of teaching and the learning experience. But it is good news nonetheless." 

Asked to describe his reaction to the School of Classics having been ranked 3rd in the UK, Daniel Carpena, a second-year Ancient History and International Relations said: “This is really great news for the department. My experience in Ancient History has been brilliant so far, and so I am not really surprised by this high ranking.” 

Full subject rankings can be viewed on the University News page.

Photo by Alden Arnold