University of Dundee Rankings Overview

The University of Dundee has established itself as a respected institution in the United Kingdom and globally, known for its innovative teaching, research excellence, and student-centered approach. Founded in 1967, it is one of Scotland's leading universities, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and real-world applications. Rankings play a crucial role in highlighting its strengths, particularly in fields like life sciences, medicine, dentistry, law, and design. This overview provides a detailed look at the university's performance across various ranking systems, drawing from recent data up to 2024. These rankings are compiled by independent organizations using metrics such as academic reputation, research output, employer reputation, student-faculty ratio, and international outlook.

Global University Rankings

Dundee consistently performs well in international league tables, reflecting its growing global influence. The university's rankings have improved steadily over the past decade, driven by investments in research facilities and international partnerships. Below is a summary of its positions in major global rankings:

Ranking Body	Year	Global Position	Key Metrics
QS World University Rankings	2024	421	Academic reputation: 401-450; Employer reputation: 301-350; Citations per faculty: Top 300
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings	2024	301-350	Teaching: 301-400; Research: 251-300; International outlook: Top 200
Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Ranking)	2023	401-500	Strong in clinical medicine and dentistry; Per capita academic performance: 301-400
U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities	2023	334	Global research reputation: 301-350; Publications: Top 300

In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Dundee climbed further, entering the top 400 bracket, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and employability. The university's international student body, comprising over 18,000 students from more than 140 countries, contributes to its high scores in internationalization metrics. For instance, in THE rankings, Dundee scores above 80/100 for international outlook, making it a top choice for global mobility.

• Strengths in Global Metrics: Dundee excels in research impact, with a high citation rate per faculty member. This is largely due to collaborations with institutions like the University of Edinburgh and global partners in biomedical research.
• Challenges and Improvements: While strong in research, the university is working to enhance its teaching scores by expanding digital learning resources and student support services.
• Comparative Position: Among Scottish universities, Dundee ranks third, behind the University of Glasgow and University of Edinburgh, but it outperforms many in England in specific subjects.

UK National Rankings

Within the UK, the University of Dundee is recognized as a top performer, particularly in Scotland. National rankings focus on factors like entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate outcomes. Dundee's location in a vibrant, affordable city enhances its appeal, with high student satisfaction rates often exceeding 85% in surveys.

Key national rankings include:

1. Complete University Guide 2025: Ranked 29th in the UK. This guide emphasizes graduate prospects (Dundee scores 82/100) and research quality (89/100). It highlights Dundee's value for money, placing it in the top 20 for this metric.
2. Guardian University Guide 2025: 34th overall. Dundee shines in teaching quality (top 30) and contextual admissions, supporting diverse student backgrounds. Its dentistry program ranks 1st in the UK.
3. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024: 39th. Noted for its modern campus and industry links, with strong scores in student experience (4/5 stars).

In the National Student Survey (NSS) 2023, Dundee achieved an overall satisfaction score of 84%, above the sector average of 80%. This is particularly evident in programs like nursing and midwifery, where satisfaction reaches 90%.

Metric	Dundee Score	UK Average	Position in UK
Graduate Prospects	82%	75%	Top 25
Student Satisfaction	84%	80%	Top 40
Research Intensity	89%	85%	Top 30
Entry Standards	High (BBB at A-level)	Medium	Top 50

Dundee's national standing is bolstered by its REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021 results, where 86% of research was deemed world-leading or internationally excellent, placing it in the top 30 UK universities for research power.

Subject-Specific Rankings

The University of Dundee is renowned for its specialized programs, often ranking in the global top 100 for certain disciplines. This focus on niche areas allows for small class sizes, expert faculty, and cutting-edge facilities. Below are highlights from recent subject rankings:

Medicine and Life Sciences

Dundee's School of Medicine is a standout, with its MBChB program emphasizing clinical skills from year one.

• QS Subject Rankings 2024: Medicine - 151-200 globally; Dentistry - 51-100.
• THE Subject Rankings 2024: Clinical and Health - 126-150; Life Sciences - 201-250.
• UK Position: Medicine - Top 20 (Guardian 2025); Dentistry - 1st (Complete University Guide 2025).

The university's Centre for Medical Education and Biomedical Research drives these rankings, with breakthroughs in cancer research and drug discovery cited in over 10,000 publications annually.

Law and Social Sciences

Dundee's Law School is noted for its practical, problem-based learning approach.

• QS Subject Rankings 2024: Law - 201-250 globally.
• Guardian University Guide 2025: Law - 14th in UK.
• Complete University Guide 2025: Politics - 28th; Sociology - 32nd.

Art, Design, and Engineering

The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design is a gem, fostering creativity alongside technical skills.

• QS Subject Rankings 2024: Art & Design - 101-150 globally.
• THE Subject Rankings 2024: Engineering - 251-300.
• UK Position: Art & Design - Top 10 (Guardian 2025); Nursing - 5th.

In engineering, Dundee's focus on renewable energy and biomedical engineering aligns with global sustainability goals, earning it spots in the top 300 worldwide.

Other Notable Subjects

1. Business and Management: Ranked 301-350 in QS 2024; Top 50 in UK for employability.
2. Computer Science: 251-300 in THE 2024; Strong in AI and data science.
3. Education: Top 20 in UK (Complete Guide 2025), with emphasis on inclusive teaching.

These subject rankings demonstrate Dundee's ability to punch above its weight in specialized areas, often outperforming larger institutions due to targeted investments.

Rankings in Employability and Sustainability

Beyond traditional metrics, Dundee excels in employability and sustainability rankings, which are increasingly important for students.

• QS Employability Rankings 2022: 301-500 globally, with 95% of graduates in work or further study within six months.
• THE Impact Rankings 2024 (SDGs): 101-200 for partnerships for goals; Top 300 overall for sustainability.
• Green Gown Awards: Multiple wins for environmental initiatives, including zero-waste campuses and renewable energy projects.

The university's Careers Service, with dedicated advisors and industry placements, contributes to its high graduate outcomes. Partnerships with companies like AstraZeneca and the NHS ensure practical experience, boosting employability scores.

Why Rankings Matter for Prospective Students

While rankings provide a benchmark, they should be considered alongside personal fit. Dundee's rankings reflect a supportive environment with a low student-to-staff ratio (14:1), modern facilities like the Life Sciences Institute, and a vibrant campus life in Dundee—a UNESCO City of Design. The university's upward trajectory, from 500+ in global rankings a decade ago to top 400 today, signals strong future potential.

Prospective students can explore Dundee's offerings through open days or virtual tours. Scholarships for international students, covering up to 50% of fees, further enhance accessibility. In summary, the University of Dundee's rankings affirm its status as a dynamic, research-led institution delivering exceptional education and opportunities.

For the most current data, visit official ranking websites or the university's rankings page, as positions can fluctuate annually based on new evaluations.