Exeter records sweeping successes in QS World Rankings by Subject
Exeter has recorded significant, double-figure improvements across all five broad subject areas in the prestigious 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
The University of Exeter has recorded sweeping success in the latest prestigious international ranking, reflecting its strong teaching and research excellence.
Exeter has recorded significant, double-figure improvements across all five broad subject areas in the prestigious 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, released today (March 25th 2026).
At subject level, Exeter improved in 22 of the 39 disciplines in which it is ranked – with 11 subjects placed in the global top 50, and 18 in the top 100 .
The 2026 QS World Rankings by Subject assess more than 1,700 universities across the world, in five broad subject areas, and also in narrower subjects. Their criteria include student experience, university partnerships, research activity and faculty qualifications.
The rankings see Arts & Humanities enter the global top 100, rising 14 places to 76th, Life Sciences & Medicine climbs 21 places to 131st, while Natural Sciences sees the most dramatic rise, jumping 58 places to 151st .
Engineering & Technology and Social Sciences & Management also recorded strong gains.
At subject level, sport remains Exeter’s highest-ranked subject at 18 in the world. Other standout performers include Geology (20), Geophysics (22), and Environmental Sciences (23).
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “We are delighted to see these impressive improvements in our subject rankings, which reflect the outstanding quality of our research. These results demonstrate our continued commitment to addressing global challenges and delivering a greener, healthier, and fairer future. I would like to thank everyone in our community for their hard work and dedication.”
Full rankings are available here.
