Keele University's Rankings Overview

Keele University, located in Staffordshire, UK, has established itself as a respected institution known for its innovative teaching, research excellence, and campus-based learning environment. Rankings play a crucial role in evaluating universities, considering factors such as academic reputation, student satisfaction, research output, employability, and international outlook. This overview provides a comprehensive look at Keele University's performance across national and international ranking systems, subject-specific achievements, and other notable recognitions. Data is drawn from recent publications (primarily 2023-2024), highlighting Keele's strengths in health sciences, social sciences, and sustainability.

National UK Rankings

In the UK, Keele University consistently ranks in the top 50-60 institutions, reflecting its commitment to student-centered education and research impact. Below is a breakdown of key national rankings:

• Complete University Guide 2024: Keele ranks 56th overall out of 130 UK universities. This guide assesses entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate prospects. Keele scores highly in student satisfaction (85%) and graduate employability (92%), placing it in the top 30 for these metrics.
• The Guardian University Guide 2024: Positioned at 51st, Keele excels in teaching quality (4th in the UK) and value-added score (indicating strong progression for students from diverse backgrounds). The guide emphasizes Keele's supportive learning environment, with 90% of students recommending the university.
• The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024: Keele achieves 61st place, praised for its research intensity and international student diversity. It ranks in the top 20 for medicine and pharmacy subjects.
• NSS (National Student Survey) 2023: Keele scores 81% overall satisfaction, above the national average of 77%, particularly strong in learning resources and academic support.

These rankings underscore Keele's appeal to domestic students, with a focus on holistic development and career preparation.

International Rankings

On the global stage, Keele University is recognized for its research contributions and international collaborations. While not in the elite top 100, it holds steady positions in the 600-1000 range, demonstrating growth in global visibility.

Ranking System	2024 Position	Key Strengths	Score Highlights
QS World University Rankings	901-950	Academic reputation and employer reputation	International faculty ratio: 25/100; Citations per faculty: 60/100
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings	601-800	Research quality and industry income	Teaching: 35.5/100; Research: 42.8/100; International outlook: 68.2/100
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2023	601-700	Research output in natural sciences and medicine	Highly cited researchers: Top 1% in health sciences
US News Best Global Universities 2024	647	Global research reputation	Overall score: 58.9/100; Publications: 1,200+ per year

Keele's international rankings have improved steadily over the past five years, with a 10-15% rise in citation impact and international student enrollment (now over 20% of the student body). The university's partnerships with institutions in Europe, Asia, and North America bolster its global standing.

Subject-Specific Rankings

Keele University shines in several disciplines, particularly those aligned with its School of Medicine and interdisciplinary programs. Subject rankings highlight specialized excellence, often placing Keele in the UK top 20-30.

Health and Medicine

Keele's medical school is a flagship program, integrated with the NHS for practical training.

• QS Subject Rankings 2023: Medicine - 301-350 globally; UK top 25.
• THE Subject Rankings 2024: Clinical and Health - 401-500, with strengths in nursing (UK 15th) and pharmacy (UK 10th).
• Complete University Guide 2024: Medicine ranks 23rd in UK, scoring 95% for student satisfaction.

The university's Human Anatomy Resource Centre and simulation facilities contribute to high employability rates (98% for medicine graduates within six months).

Social Sciences and Humanities

Keele is renowned for its politics, international relations, and sociology programs.

• Guardian 2024: Politics 14th in UK; Sociology 22nd.
• QS 2023: Social Policy and Administration 151-200 globally.
• Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021: 85% of social sciences research rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

STEM and Natural Sciences

In sciences, Keele emphasizes sustainability and environmental studies.

• THE 2024: Physical Sciences 501-600 globally; Life Sciences 401-500.
• Complete University Guide 2024: Environmental Science 19th in UK; Biomedical Sciences 28th.
• QS Sustainability Rankings 2024: 601-650 globally, recognizing Keele's carbon-neutral campus initiatives.

These subject rankings attract students seeking specialized, research-informed education. Keele's interdisciplinary approach, such as combining health with social sciences, enhances its appeal.

Employability and Student Experience Rankings

Beyond academic metrics, Keele excels in preparing students for the workforce and providing a positive campus experience.

• Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022: 92% of Keele graduates in graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months, above the UK average of 88%. Top sectors include healthcare (25%), education (15%), and public services (12%).
• QS Employability Rankings 2022: 301-500 globally, with strong alumni outcomes in the UK NHS and international NGOs.
• Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023: Keele won for Best Campus University and Students' Union of the Year, reflecting its 600-acre campus with lakes, woods, and modern facilities.
• Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey: Ranks in UK top 40 for accommodation, social life, and support services.

Keele's Careers and Employability Service offers personalized coaching, internships, and global opportunities, contributing to its high ranking in value for money (top 20 in Guardian 2024).

Research and Innovation Rankings

Research is a cornerstone of Keele's mission, with significant funding from UKRI and EU sources.

• REF 2021: 78% of research rated world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*), placing Keele in the top 50 UK universities for research power. Strengths include allied health professions (100% 4*/3*) and history (90% 4*/3*).
• THE Research Quality 2024: Scores 42.8/100, with impact in sustainable development and mental health research.
• European Research Ranking (CWUR) 2023: Top 300 in Europe for research performance.

Keele's research centers, such as the Keele Institute for Innovation and Implementation in Health, drive real-world applications, enhancing its innovation rankings.

Sustainability and Inclusivity Rankings

Keele is committed to ethical practices and diversity.

• QS Sustainability 2024: 601-650, top 50 in UK for environmental impact and community engagement.
• People & Planet University League 2023: 28th in UK, first-class rating for environmental policies and ethical investment.
• Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023: 501-600 for UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Stonewall Diversity Champion: Top 100 UK employers for LGBTQ+ inclusivity; Athena SWAN awards for gender equality in STEM.

These rankings highlight Keele's role as a forward-thinking institution addressing global challenges.

Conclusion

Keele University's rankings reflect a balanced profile: strong nationally for teaching and student experience, competitive internationally for research and employability, and exemplary in niche subjects like medicine and sustainability. With ongoing investments in facilities and scholarships, Keele continues to rise, offering excellent value for students worldwide. Prospective applicants should consider these metrics alongside personal fit, as rankings evolve annually based on methodology changes.

For the most current data, visit official sources like the university's website or ranking providers. Keele's rankings affirm its status as a vibrant, impactful choice for higher education.