Recognition for the faculty in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Subjects within the Faculties of Environment and Social Sciences have ranked highly in the global top 200.
Latest subject rankings from the QS World University Rankings by Subject published in March 2026 recognise the global standing of subjects and academic disciplines within the faculties, with subjects showing considerable improvements across the board.
What are the QS World University Rankings by Subject?
The QS World University Rankings by Subject ranks the world’s top universities in individual subject areas, covering 55 disciplines. Courses are ranked according to five indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation and research excellence.
Faculty individual subject rankings
Four out of the five University of Leeds top-ranking subjects globally are in the Faculties of Environment and Social Sciences:
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Geology – joint 11th
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Earth Sciences – 12th
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Geophysics – 12th
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Development Studies – 18th
There was notable upward movement in several disciplines across the faculties, including a rise for Law from the 101-150 group to 69th and for Education and Training from 89th to 76th.
These brilliant results demonstrate the truly world-leading activities of colleagues across the schools which, combined together, make Leeds the powerhouse that it is.
