University Rankings
Discover University of Strathclyde's global and national rankings
Overview of University of Strathclyde Rankings
The University of Strathclyde, located in Glasgow, Scotland, has consistently demonstrated strong performance in various global and national university rankings. Established in 1796 as Anderson's Institution, it gained full university status in 1964 and is renowned for its innovative approach to education, particularly in fields like engineering, business, and social sciences. Rankings are compiled by reputable organizations using metrics such as academic reputation, research output, faculty-to-student ratios, international outlook, and employability. Below, we explore the university's standings in key ranking systems, highlighting its strengths and recent achievements.
Strathclyde's rankings reflect its commitment to practical, industry-focused learning and research excellence. In the 2023-2024 academic year, it maintained its position as one of the UK's top 30 universities, with notable improvements in sustainability and international collaboration metrics. This overview draws from the latest available data as of 2024, providing a comprehensive snapshot for prospective students and researchers.
Global University Rankings
Internationally, the University of Strathclyde is recognized for its contributions to research and teaching. Organizations like QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) evaluate universities worldwide based on a blend of quantitative and qualitative indicators.
QS World University Rankings
In the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Strathclyde achieved a global rank of 301-350. This places it among the top 20% of universities worldwide. Key strengths include:
- Academic Reputation: Scored 70.2/100, reflecting strong peer recognition in engineering and physical sciences.
- Employer Reputation: Ranked 251-300 globally, with high marks for graduate employability in sectors like energy and finance.
- International Faculty Ratio: 82.3/100, underscoring its diverse academic staff from over 100 countries.
- Sustainability: Improved significantly to rank 201-250 in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2024, due to initiatives in renewable energy research.
Compared to previous years, Strathclyde climbed 50 positions from 2022, driven by enhanced citations per faculty (scoring 64.8/100). For a detailed breakdown:
Year | Global Rank | Key Metric Score |
---|---|---|
2024 | 301-350 | Academic Rep: 70.2 |
2023 | 351-400 | Employer Rep: 68.5 |
2022 | 401-450 | International Outlook: 80.1 |
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
The THE World University Rankings 2024 positioned Strathclyde at 401-500 globally, an improvement from 501-600 in 2023. THE assesses 18 performance indicators across teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. Strathclyde excels in:
- Research Quality: Citation impact score of 78.5/100, boosted by publications in high-impact journals on topics like climate change and business innovation.
- Industry Income: Ranked in the top 300 for knowledge transfer, reflecting partnerships with companies like BP and Siemens.
- International Outlook: 85.2/100, with 35% international students and extensive global exchange programs.
The university's overall score was 49.4/100 in 2024, with particular praise for its industry collaboration efforts, which align with its mission as a "place of useful learning."
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
In the ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) 2023, Strathclyde ranked 301-400 worldwide. This ranking emphasizes research output, including Nobel laureates, highly cited researchers, and Nature/Science index papers. Strathclyde's highlights include:
- Top 1% globally for engineering disciplines, with strong performance in mechanical and electrical engineering.
- Per capita academic performance placing it in the 201-300 band.
- Contributions from its research centers, such as the Centre for Excellence in Sustainable Building Design.
ARWU data shows steady progress, with the university entering the top 400 for the first time in 2020.
UK National Rankings
Within the UK, Strathclyde performs competitively, often ranking in the top 30-40 universities. National rankings focus on entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate prospects.
Complete University Guide 2024
Strathclyde ranked 31st in the UK, up from 40th in 2023. This guide, based on data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), evaluates:
- Student Satisfaction: 82% overall, with high scores in business and management (85%).
- Research Quality: 78/100, particularly in law and social policy.
- Graduate Prospects: 85%, with 95% of graduates in professional roles or further study within 15 months.
The university's entry standards are strong, requiring AAB at A-level for many programs.
The Guardian University Guide 2024
In The Guardian's 2024 rankings, Strathclyde placed 28th in the UK, its highest ever. The Guardian emphasizes value-added metrics and teaching quality:
- Teaching Excellence: Ranked 22nd, due to small seminar sizes and practical placements.
- Career Prospects: 30th, with alumni success in industries like aerospace and pharmaceuticals.
- Contextual Admissions: Praised for inclusive policies supporting underrepresented students.
Notable subject rankings include 1st in Scotland for chemical engineering and 5th for marketing.
National Student Survey (NSS) Integration
Strathclyde scores above the UK average in NSS 2023, with 84% satisfaction in teaching quality and 82% in learning resources. This feeds into national rankings, enhancing its reputation for student-centered education.
Subject-Specific Rankings
Strathclyde shines in specialized fields, particularly STEM and business. QS Subject Rankings 2023 highlight several top-100 global positions:
- Business and Management: 151-200 globally; 16th in the UK. The Strathclyde Business School holds triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).
- Engineering - Civil & Structural: 101-150 globally; top 10 in the UK.
- Engineering - Mechanical: 151-200; noted for aerospace and energy systems research.
- Law: 201-250 globally; 19th in the UK, with strengths in international law.
- Pharmacy & Pharmacology: 101-150; leading in drug delivery innovations.
In THE Subject Rankings 2023, it ranked 101-125 for business and economics, and 176-200 for engineering. The university's Faculty of Science is particularly acclaimed, with chemistry programs in the global top 150 (QS 2023).
For a comparative view of top subjects:
Subject | QS Global Rank 2023 | UK Rank |
---|---|---|
Business & Management | 151-200 | 16th |
Civil Engineering | 101-150 | Top 10 |
Law | 201-250 | 19th |
Mechanical Engineering | 151-200 | Top 20 |
Employability and Research Impact
Employability is a cornerstone of Strathclyde's rankings. In the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, it placed 301-500 globally, with partnerships ensuring 90% employability rates. The university's Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network supports startups, contributing to its top 50 UK ranking for graduate startups (HESA 2023).
Research-wise, Strathclyde is in the top 20 UK universities for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021), with 80% of outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent. It ranks highly in impact, especially in sustainable development goals (SDGs), aligning with UN priorities.
- REF 2021 Highlights: 1st in the UK for education research impact; top 10 for engineering.
- Funding: Over £100 million annually, supporting centers like the Advanced Forming Research Centre.
Alumni success stories, such as leaders at NASA and Deloitte, bolster its employability scores.
Student Satisfaction and Other Metrics
Beyond rankings, Strathclyde emphasizes holistic student experience. In the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, it won for "University of the Year for Teaching Quality" in Scotland. International student support is exemplary, with rankings in the top 200 for international student satisfaction (ISB 2023).
Diversity metrics show 40% of students from ethnic minorities and strong gender balance in STEM. Campus facilities, including the award-winning Technology Innovation Centre, contribute to high satisfaction scores.
In summary, the University of Strathclyde's rankings underscore its status as a dynamic, forward-thinking institution. Prospective students should consider these alongside personal fit, as rankings evolve annually. For the most current data, visit official sources like QS or THE websites.
Still have questions about University of Strathclyde?
Our expert counselors are here to help you with any queries about studying at University of Strathclyde.
Contact Us