University of Leeds Rankings Overview

The University of Leeds consistently ranks among the top institutions in the UK and globally, reflecting its commitment to research excellence, teaching quality, and student experience. Established in 1904, Leeds has built a strong reputation across various disciplines, from sciences and engineering to humanities and social sciences. Rankings are compiled by independent organizations using metrics like academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, international faculty and students, and student-to-staff ratios. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of Leeds' performance in key ranking systems, highlighting its strengths and trends over recent years.

Global University Rankings

Internationally, the University of Leeds is recognized as a leading research-intensive university. It features prominently in major global rankings, which evaluate institutions based on a broad range of indicators. Below is a summary of its positions in the most influential global assessments.

QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings, produced by Quacquarelli Symonds, is one of the most widely referenced global lists. It emphasizes academic and employer reputation, alongside citations per faculty and international diversity. In the 2024 edition, the University of Leeds achieved a position of 82nd worldwide, marking an improvement from 91st in 2023. This upward trend underscores Leeds' growing international impact.

• Academic Reputation: Leeds scores highly, with 98.7 out of 100, placing it in the top 100 globally for this metric.
• Employer Reputation: Ranked 75th, reflecting strong graduate employability.
• Research Citations: At 96.2/100, Leeds excels in research output and influence.
• International Faculty Ratio: 89.4/100, highlighting its diverse academic community.

Over the past decade, Leeds has climbed steadily in QS rankings, from 93rd in 2015 to its current position, driven by investments in research facilities and global partnerships.

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings

THE rankings focus on teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry income. In the 2024 THE World University Rankings, Leeds is placed 129th globally, up from 131st in 2023. Within the UK, it ranks 20th, demonstrating its competitive standing among Russell Group universities.

Metric	Score (2024)	Global Rank
Teaching	35.4	Top 150
Research Environment	42.8	Top 120
Research Quality	65.2	Top 100
International Outlook	78.9	Top 80
Industry	52.1	Top 200

Leeds' strong performance in research quality is particularly notable, bolstered by its involvement in high-impact projects like the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics and collaborations with global institutions.

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU/Shanghai Rankings)

The ARWU, often called the Shanghai Rankings, prioritizes research output, Nobel Prizes, and highly cited researchers. Leeds ranks in the 201-300 band for 2023, consistent with recent years. While it doesn't crack the top 200, its position reflects solid research productivity in fields like chemistry and physics.

• Strengths include alumni and staff winning prestigious awards, contributing to its score.
• Leeds performs well in subject-specific ARWU lists, such as top 100 for environmental science and engineering.

These global rankings position Leeds as a top-tier university, attracting over 38,000 students from more than 170 countries, fostering a vibrant international community.

UK National University Rankings

Within the United Kingdom, Leeds competes fiercely with other elite institutions. National rankings provide insights tailored to the British higher education landscape, considering factors like entry standards, student satisfaction, and graduate outcomes.

Complete University Guide

The Complete University Guide, published annually, ranks UK universities based on 10 performance indicators including teaching quality and research assessment. For 2024, Leeds is ranked 23rd in the UK, up from 27th in 2023. This improvement is attributed to enhanced student support services and research funding.

Key highlights:

• Student Satisfaction: 82% overall, above the national average.
• Research Quality: Rated as world-leading in 85% of submissions to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
• Graduate Prospects: 95% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months.

The Guardian University Guide

The Guardian Guide emphasizes value-added factors, such as progression from entry standards to graduate outcomes. In 2024, Leeds ranks 18th overall in the UK, excelling in categories like international student experience and sustainable development.

Category	UK Rank (2024)	Score
Overall Ranking	18	84/100
Student Satisfaction	25	80%
Graduate Career Prospects	15	92%
Contextual Admissions	10	High access for underrepresented groups

Leeds' focus on inclusivity, with initiatives like the Leeds for Life program, boosts its scores in value-added metrics.

National Student Survey (NSS) and Other Metrics

In the 2023 NSS, Leeds scored 78.5% for overall student satisfaction, ranking it in the top 30 UK universities. It particularly shines in learning resources (85%) and academic support (82%), thanks to modern facilities like the Brotherton Library and state-of-the-art labs.

Additionally, in the REF 2021, 95% of Leeds' research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent, placing it 13th in the UK for research power. This REF performance directly influences national rankings, affirming Leeds' status as a powerhouse in innovation.

Subject-Specific Rankings

Leeds demonstrates exceptional strength in numerous disciplines, often ranking in the global top 100. Subject rankings highlight its specialized expertise, making it a preferred choice for targeted programs.

Top-Performing Subjects in QS Subject Rankings 2023

• Archaeology: 17th globally – Renowned for its dig sites and museum collections.
• Sports-Related Subjects: 19th – Supported by world-class facilities at the Leeds Beckett partnership.
• English Language and Literature: 51-100 – Strong in creative writing and linguistics.
• Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering: 51-100 – Backed by industry ties with companies like Rolls-Royce.
• Law: 72nd – Noted for human rights and international law programs.

THE Subject Rankings 2023 Highlights

In THE's by-subject evaluations:

• Business and Economics: 101-125 globally, with the Leeds University Business School ranked top 100.
• Life Sciences: 126-150, excelling in biological sciences and medicine.
• Physical Sciences: 101-125, strong in chemistry (top 100) and earth sciences.
• Social Sciences: 76-100, particularly in education and politics.

Leeds' interdisciplinary approach, such as the Institute of Communication Studies, enhances its subject rankings. For instance, in nursing, it ranks 14th in the UK per the Complete University Guide, reflecting practical training at its clinical simulation centers.

Emerging Strengths

Recent investments have propelled Leeds in sustainability and data science. In the QS Sustainability Rankings 2024, it places top 150 globally, driven by green campus initiatives and research on climate change. Similarly, computer science ranks 101-150 in THE, with growth in AI and cybersecurity.

Trends and Factors Influencing Rankings

Leeds' rankings have shown consistent improvement over the last five years, rising in QS from 100th in 2020 to 82nd in 2024. This trajectory is fueled by several key factors:

1. Research Investment: With over £100 million annually in funding, Leeds supports groundbreaking work, including COVID-19 vaccine development contributions.
2. Student Experience: Modern accommodations, over 300 societies, and career services contribute to high satisfaction scores.
3. Internationalization: 25% international students and partnerships with 400+ universities worldwide enhance diversity metrics.
4. Sustainability and Innovation: As a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education, Leeds integrates ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors into its strategy.
5. Employability Focus: Programs like the Leeds Alumni Network connect graduates to opportunities, with average starting salaries around £28,000.

Challenges remain, such as competition from Oxbridge and London-based universities, but Leeds counters this through targeted scholarships and widening participation efforts, ensuring accessibility for diverse applicants.

In summary, the University of Leeds' rankings affirm its position as a dynamic, world-class institution. Whether pursuing undergraduate studies in arts or postgraduate research in engineering, students benefit from its high-caliber education and supportive environment. For the latest updates, prospective students should consult official sources, as rankings evolve annually.

Note: All ranking data is based on the most recent available publications as of 2024. Positions may vary slightly with new releases.