Reading remains world-class despite dip in THE World Rankings
Release Date 02 October 2014
The University of Reading’s place in the 2014/15 Times Higher Education World University Rankings is just outside the top 200: still among the world’s best universities, but a lower placement than last year’s ranking of 194th.
Reading is now placed:
- within the 201st–225th band of more than 20,000 universities globally
- 81st globally for life sciences (up from 85th last year)
- 33rd of the 44 UK institutions ranked
- 20th among UK institutions for both teaching and research.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, commented:
“The publication today of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings shows that the University of Reading has slipped outside the top 200. Whilst that is disappointing, we do remain ranked among the world’s best universities.
“The THE rankings are broadly in line with our rise in the latest QS World University Rankings to 202nd globally. We do world-class work on issues of critical global importance like climate change, food security and public health. And we have long-term investment plans in place as we seek to return to the top 200 as quickly as possible.
“One cannot read too much into a single year's rankings. Global league tables are highly volatile indicators. The fact that some UK universities have risen and fallen up to almost 40 places year-on-year shows it is much more important to look at longer-term trends over time.
“This year’s THE rankings demonstrate the increasing competitiveness of the globalised higher education market. As other UK universities have seen, pressure from overseas institutions is beginning to bite - showing the critical importance for government to sustain research funding and implement a clear immigration policy so we keep the doors open to talented overseas students and staff.”