IOE has been ranked as ‘world-leading’ for 10 years, having been recognised as 1st for Education as a subject every year since 2014 by the QS World University Rankings – the world’s most consulted university ranking.
Dr Michael Spence, UCL President and Provost said: “IOE is a remarkable centre of research and teaching not only in Education, but also in the whole social context that impacts the development of young people. It also offers first class teacher education. We are immensely proud that this distinctive combination has been recognised as leading the field globally for a record-breaking tenth year in a row. This is work of the highest quality that has profound impact for good in classrooms and communities around the world.”
Professor Li Wei, IOE Director and Dean added: “To be ranked first in the world in any single year is a tremendous achievement; to be ranked first for 10 years in a row is truly outstanding.
“To have our work, what it stands for and its impact recognized in this way is significant for the faculty, for UCL and for the UK in terms of its higher education offering – I am incredibly proud and appreciative.
“This performance reflects the commitment of all IOE colleagues, academic and the professional services staff who support their work, and our students, as well as the impact of our international network of alumni as they put their learning into practice in their workplaces and communities.”
IOE recently marked 120 years of excellence with its IOE120 celebrations, reflecting on how IOE’s work across education, culture, psychology, and social research have contributed to individuals’ lives and society. It was also an opportunity to look ahead at how faculty efforts to champion collaboration, cross-pollination, and progress positively impact tomorrow’s world. Last year also saw UCL’s Education submission place first for research strength and research power out of 157 UK universities for its unit of assessment in the results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
IOE’s work continues at pace with initiatives to look forward to, including our leadership of the National Consortium for Languages Education, a new language hubs programme for secondary schools across England and Wales; the 50th anniversary of the Thomas Coram Research Unit, a leading centre for research into children, parenting and families; and the new Early Childhood Education BA, to increase the range of programmes offered for study at the undergraduate degree level.
To compile the subject rankings, QS used five key metrics (including academic reputation, research performance based on citations and impact, and graduate employability) – to help university applicants find the best fit for them in the next stage of their higher education journey.
In addition to the number 1 position for Education, nine other subject areas from UCL have been ranked in the top 10 globally. Compared to other UK universities, 31 UCL subjects are in the top five – with all but three subjects ranking inside the top 10.
The QS World University Rankings, which rank universities overall rather than at subject level, will be published later this year. The last edition placed UCL as the 8th best university globally for the second year in a row – putting it in the top one per cent of institutions.