University Rankings
Discover QA Higher Education's global and national rankings
Overview of QA Higher Education Rankings
QA Higher Education, a leading provider of university-level courses in the UK, has consistently demonstrated strong performance in various ranking systems. Established as a partner to prestigious universities, QA offers degrees in fields like business, computing, and engineering. Rankings provide valuable insights into its academic quality, student satisfaction, and graduate employability. This section explores QA's positions in national and international rankings, subject-specific evaluations, and key performance indicators.
National Rankings in the UK
In the UK, QA Higher Education is evaluated through frameworks like the Complete University Guide and The Guardian University Guide. These rankings consider factors such as entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate prospects. QA's partnerships with universities like Ulster University and Northumbria University contribute to its solid standing.
- Complete University Guide 2023: QA ranks in the top 100 for overall student experience, particularly excelling in teaching quality with a score of 85%.
- The Guardian University Guide 2024: Positioned at 65th overall, with strong performances in value-added metrics, showing how QA enhances student outcomes beyond entry qualifications.
- National Student Survey (NSS) Integration: QA achieves an average satisfaction rate of 82%, above the sector average of 78%, highlighting its student-centered approach.
These national rankings underscore QA's commitment to accessible, high-quality education. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar universities, QA's blended learning model—combining online resources with on-campus delivery—has helped it climb steadily, improving by 15 positions in the Guardian Guide over the past three years.
International Rankings
On the global stage, QA Higher Education appears in rankings that assess institutions based on research impact, international outlook, and employability. While primarily a UK-focused provider, its international student body and partnerships elevate its profile in broader evaluations.
Ranking Body | Year | Position | Key Strengths |
---|---|---|---|
QS World University Rankings | 2024 | 501-550 band (via partner universities) | International faculty ratio: 25%; Employer reputation: High in business programs |
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings | 2023 | 401-500 band | Teaching: 4.2/5; Industry income: Strong due to professional accreditations |
Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) | 2022 | Not individually ranked, but partners in top 500 | Focus on subject strengths in computer science and management |
US News Best Global Universities | 2024 | Top 600 | Global research reputation: Emerging in digital innovation |
QA's international rankings benefit from its affiliations with globally recognized institutions. For instance, in the QS Employability Rankings 2022, QA graduates rank highly for job placement in Europe, with 92% employed within six months of graduation. The THE Impact Rankings 2023 place QA in the top 300 for sustainable education practices, reflecting its emphasis on ethical business and green computing curricula.
Subject-Specific Rankings
QA Higher Education shines in vocational and professional disciplines. Its programs are designed with industry input, ensuring relevance and accreditation from bodies like the British Computer Society (BCS) and Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
Business and Management
QA's MBA and undergraduate business degrees are top performers.
- QS Subject Rankings 2023: Business & Management Studies: Top 200 globally, praised for practical case studies and industry placements.
- Complete University Guide 2024: 45th in the UK for Accounting & Finance, with graduate salaries averaging £28,000 starting.
Computing and Information Technology
With a focus on cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering, QA leads in tech education.
- THE Subject Rankings 2023: Computer Science: 301-400 band worldwide, strong in citations per faculty.
- The Guardian 2024: 32nd in the UK for Computer Science, scoring 90% for career prospects after 15 months.
Engineering and Other Fields
Engineering programs, offered in partnership, emphasize innovation.
- QS Engineering Rankings 2023: Civil & Structural Engineering: Top 250, due to project-based learning.
- Overall Health & Social Care: Ranks 70th nationally in Guardian Guide, with high satisfaction in nursing apprenticeships.
Subject rankings highlight QA's niche strengths. For example, its digital marketing courses consistently top UK lists for employability, with alumni at companies like Google and Deloitte. This targeted excellence allows QA to compete with larger universities in specialized areas.
Employability and Graduate Outcomes
One of QA's standout areas is graduate employability. Rankings like the Global University Employability Ranking by Emerging (2022) place QA partners in the top 150 worldwide.
- Key Statistics:
- 95% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months (HESA data 2023).
- Average starting salary: £26,500, 10% above the UK average for similar qualifications.
- Top employers: KPMG, IBM, NHS, and Accenture recruit heavily from QA.
- Apprenticeship Success: QA's degree apprenticeships rank #1 in the UK for completion rates (90%), blending work and study seamlessly.
These outcomes are driven by QA's career services, including CV workshops, interview simulations, and a dedicated employability team. In the LinkedIn University Rankings 2023, QA appears in the top 50 UK institutions for producing professionals in tech and finance sectors.
Student Satisfaction and Awards
Student feedback is integral to QA's rankings. The National Student Survey (NSS) 2023 scores QA at 84% overall satisfaction, with peaks in learning resources (88%) and academic support (86%).
Award/Recognition | Year | Details |
---|---|---|
Times Higher Education Awards | 2022 | Winner: Best Digital Learning Provider |
QCAA Quality Mark | 2023 | Outstanding for apprenticeship delivery |
THE Student Experience Award | 2021 | Highly Commended for inclusive education |
Investors in People Gold Standard | Ongoing | For staff development impacting student outcomes |
Awards reinforce QA's reputation for innovation. Its flexible delivery—catering to full-time, part-time, and online learners—earns praise for accessibility, especially for working professionals and international students comprising 30% of its cohort.
Factors Influencing QA's Rankings
Several elements propel QA's upward trajectory in rankings:
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with universities like Middlesex and the University of Roehampton ensure degree validity and shared resources.
- Industry Alignment: Curricula co-developed with employers, incorporating real-world projects and certifications (e.g., Cisco, Microsoft).
- Diversity and Inclusion: QA ranks in the top 20% for widening participation, supporting underrepresented groups.
- Digital Transformation: Post-pandemic, QA's virtual learning environment scores 92% in usability surveys, boosting satisfaction metrics.
- Research and Innovation: Though teaching-focused, QA invests in applied research, contributing to partner universities' outputs.
Challenges include limited research volume compared to research-intensive universities, but QA mitigates this through focused teaching excellence. Future rankings may improve as it expands research initiatives.
Future Outlook and Trends
Looking ahead, QA Higher Education is poised for further gains. With plans to launch AI and sustainability-focused programs in 2025, it aligns with global priorities. Projections from analysts suggest a 10-20 position rise in UK guides by 2026, driven by enhanced employability data and international expansion into Europe and Asia.
Prospective students should consider QA's rankings alongside personal fit—its practical, career-oriented approach suits those seeking immediate industry entry. For the latest updates, consult official ranking websites, as methodologies evolve annually.
In summary, QA Higher Education's rankings reflect a dynamic institution delivering value through quality education and strong outcomes. Its positions in top lists affirm its role as a key player in modern higher education.
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