Subject rankings

What are subject rankings, or university rankings by subject?

Subject rankings evaluate the performance of universities across a range of areas, offering a more detailed and nuanced assessment that complement broader university rankings. These rankings serve as a valuable tool for evaluating and benchmarking universities using consistent criteria. By highlighting strengths in specific fields, they provide insights that support strategic planning, informed decision-making and fostering collaborations.

In short, subject rankings:

• Calibrate ranking metrics to enable the evaluation of universities across specific subject areas.

• Use a diverse range of indicators, including citations, research output, teaching reputation and student-to-staff ratios.

• Showcase areas of strength that highlight a university's leadership in specific fields, even if it doesn't rank highly overall.

Are subject areas equivalent to departments?

A common misconception is that subject rankings directly correlate with departmental performance. Subject rankings are based on journal-level classifications, which often span multiple departments within a university — meaning that contributions from different academic units can be reflected within a single subject area ranking. For example, a "Computer Science" ranking might pool contributions from computer engineering, data analytics and other related units, rather than corresponding precisely to a single Computer Science departmental entity. Thus, while subject rankings provide a more focused view, they do not map directly onto distinct departments or fields as understood within academic structures.

Who publishes subject rankings?

The list of organizations that produce subject rankings significantly overlaps with those that release global, or world university rankings. While some of these providers are affiliated with established media entities, others are more focused on the academic sector.

Some key ranking agencies include:

• Quacquarelli Symonds Limited (QS)

• ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

• Times Higher Education (THE)

• U.S. News & World Report

Each of these organizations produces subject rankings in addition to overall global or world university rankings, providing users with different views into institutional performance.

How do ranking organizations calculate subject rankings?

Each of the major providers of subject rankings follows its own specific methodology and set of indicators. These include many different criteria, including indicators across areas such as, but not limited to:

• Research output

• Academic reputation

• Employer reputation

• Student-to-staff ratios

• International collaboration

• h-index

Where do ranking organizations get their data and insights?

Ranking agencies use both qualitative and quantitative information to compile their rankings, which include academic reputation surveys and bibliometric datasets. Major university ranking organizations — such as QS and Times Higher Education — use bibliometric datasets as a key component in their methodologies, drawing on trusted sources like Scopus to inform aspects of their results.

Bibliometric data, including metrics such as citation counts, field-weighted citation impact and publication outputs, provides consistent and comparable insights into research performance. While these datasets form a significant part of the rankings landscape, they represent just one of several inputs considered.

For those seeking clarity on how rankings are constructed, exploring the bibliometric drivers behind them — through guidance and tools that present the same data used by ranking organizations — can offer a clearer understanding of a university’s position and the factors influencing published results. You can learn more about how to demystify rankings here.

How much variation is there between subject ranking bodies?

The table below offers a streamlined view of how four ranking organizations approach indicator families in their subject-specific rankings. Each ‘indicator family’ represents a general category of metrics, though exact terminology may vary between organizations. To fully understand the methodologies and terms used, please consult the respective ranking organization directly. The table highlights whether an indicator family is included (checkmark) or excluded (dash) in their criteria, providing a clear and accessible comparison.

This overview is intended to give a broad perspective and help you gain a general understanding; it’s not intended to be definitive nor exhaustive.

^{Note: Information based on ranking organization methodology pages as of July 10, 2025. For the latest information, please consult with the individual ranking organization. Consulted Sources: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/world-university-rankings-subject-2025-methodology, https://support.qs.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4410488025106-QS-World-University-Rankings-by-Subject, https://www.shanghairanking.com/methodology/gras/2024, https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/articles/subject-rankings-methodology}

Example: Arts & Humanities vs. Computer Science

To demonstrate how ranking bodies assess two distinct subject areas, it can be helpful to make a direct comparison across two of the most referenced frameworks — QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) and THE (Times Higher Education). Their approaches reflect different priorities related to each discipline, and the indicators are adjusted to capture strengths unique to each subject area. Below, we provide an overview of each ranking, examining subject areas that fall under Arts & Humanities and Computer Science as illustrative examples.

QS example: Art & Design vs. Computer Science & Information Systems

QS designs its subject ranking methodologies to reflect the differing cultures and expectations across academic fields. While both Art & Design and Computer Science & Information Systems are assessed using similar types of indicators, their weightings are calibrated to give a more discipline-appropriate picture.

Here is how QS’s main indicators are weighted for the two subject areas.

^{Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025}

For QS, these adjustments reflect distinct expectations and outputs in each field. For example, in Art & Design, the public and professional perceptions captured by reputation surveys play a larger role, while in Computer Science, publication and citation data contribute more substantially to the overall score.

THE example: Arts & Humanities vs. Computer Science

THE also adapts its methodology to reflect variations between academic subjects, calibrating core indicators to produce a more discipline-appropriate assessment.

The table below shows how THE weights key indicators for Arts & Humanities and Computer Science:

^{*Thresholds reflect each field’s global research output and typical research group sizes. Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025}

THE’s World University Rankings by Subject employ a set of pillars and indicators that are consistent across disciplines but adjusted in their weighting to better suit each subject’s research culture and impact priorities. Arts & Humanities, for example, places greater importance on learning and teaching reputation, while Computer Science shifts a greater portion of the score toward industry collaboration and citation impact.

The recalibration in both QS and THE methodologies enables each ranking to better account for the unique ways knowledge is produced, shared and valued in different fields. For example, citation counts and impact are less significant in the arts and humanities, where monographs and creative works are primary outputs, so both agencies lower the bibliometric weighting for those disciplines and rely more on reputation-based indicators. It is important to keep in mind, however, that no ranking can capture the full complexity or context of any institution.

When are subject rankings collected, analyzed and published?

Each global ranking body has its own timeline for collecting the necessary qualitative and quantitative information that goes into its rankings, as well as for publishing the results. Staying aware of these timelines can help you keep up with processes such as academic survey completion, as well as providing bibliographic information.

Tip: Save our Dates to Know tracker as a bookmark to refer to throughout the year.

These lists are based on public-facing information and may change annually; therefore, it's important to contact these organizations directly to ensure all data collection requirements and deadlines are met.

Why do subject rankings matter, and for whom?

Subject rankings can play a role in guiding decisions or providing insights for different groups. For students and researchers, they help identify institutions that align with their academic and career aspirations. For universities, they serve as potential input for informing strategic planning and highlight areas of strength or improvement. For external partners, such rankings can reveal institutions with expertise in specific fields, opening doors for collaboration. The use cases for subject rankings vary widely depending on the audience and deserve a closer, more nuanced look.

For institutions

Universities can use rankings as one of multiple factors needed to help ensure their mission and priorities align with their existing strengths. A few of the specific actions universities might take in light of their subject ranking performance include:

• Focusing resources: If a particular field, or fields, shows strength, institutions may want to investigate further to determine whether to allocate more resources to the relevant department or program, or to modify their strategic research planning to help retain and grow that strength.

• Enhancing reputation: The public-facing nature of subject rankings means university leadership can build the reputations of their departments and researchers, using this third-party information to showcase their university.

• Forging partnerships: Corporate partners and peer universities may react positively to highly-ranked universities when building relationships.

While subject rankings provide valuable insights, universities should treat them as a complementary resource, incorporating them into a broader strategy alongside other qualitative and quantitative data.

The IREG Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence underscores the importance of approaching academic rankings thoughtfully. Their IREG Guidelines for Stakeholders of Academic Rankings advises institutions to interpret rankings with caution, encouraging a nuanced perspective and consideration of diverse factors when drawing conclusions.

For students and researchers

Prospective students and researchers have a particularly compelling use cases for subject rankings. Academics dedicated to a specific field of study have an incentive to identify a university that aligns with their specialty, which may mean they want to have a broader view of institutions beyond their own regional universities. This demand for discipline-specific comparison tools and insights can render subject rankings more useful than global university rankings.

Some of the ways prospective students can use subject rankings include:

• Finding suitable program fits: While a high placement on a subject ranking should never be the sole factor in selecting a specific university on its own, it can help a student or researcher narrow down a list of potential destinations that fit their academic goals.

• Separating departmental and institutional reputation: Students who consult subject rankings instead of, or in addition to, global university rankings can discover institutions with smaller national profiles that are a strong match for their specific needs and interests.

• Discovering opportunities for collaboration or mentorship: Some of the measures included in subject rankings include ratings of faculty members and research output. Students can consult these rankings to discover groups and environments where they will fit in more comfortably with the right kind of academic support.

For government agencies and funders

Government agencies and funding bodies may refer to subject rankings as objective and comparable indicators of research quality and global standing to guide decisions on policy development, funding distribution and efforts to strengthen national research capabilities.

• Informed resource allocation: Subject rankings help government agencies and funding bodies identify academic fields and institutions that demonstrate exceptional research quality and performance. This enables more strategic allocation of funding to areas where it can yield substantial long-term benefits, driving both national development and global competitiveness.

• Policy development support:

  By offering objective and comparable indicators of research and academic excellence, subject rankings can assist in shaping effective policy decisions. Insights from these rankings guide efforts to strengthen national research priorities and align them with future economic and societal needs.

• Focused national investment:

  When universities stand out in specific subject areas, it provides government agencies with a signal on where to invest, especially when aiming to boost the country’s capabilities in a strategic field like AI, healthcare or green energy, driving national growth in critical fields.

An example: The Ministry of Education identifies a global opportunity to lead in semiconductor research and innovation. Referring to subject rankings for Electrical & Electronic Engineering, the ministry selects two top-performing universities to spearhead a national research excellence initiative. These universities receive long-term funding, dedicated research facilities and international collaboration support to accelerate innovation and talent development.

Subject rankings are only one data point

While subject rankings provide potentially valuable information for institutions and individuals alike, it's also important to understand their limitations. The most pertinent of these limitations is that, no matter how comprehensive they may be, these rankings represent merely one data point and should always be complemented by other information.

Whether your institution's goal is to attract more international students, expand in a particular field, form new partnerships or something else, subject rankings, like all rankings, provide a limited view and should be an additive insight.

How can I influence our subject rankings?

It’s important to note that while you can take purposeful actions to influence your institution’s performance, you cannot and should not work solely to change a ranking result. Evolving methodologies, data inputs, timeframes and other external factors that contribute to a ranking make it impossible to predict or guarantee specific outcomes. Instead, focus on understanding what contributes to these results, and use the insights to showcase and further the great work you’re already doing.

Approaching rankings with a clear understanding and the right resources can transform them from a complex challenge into a valuable tool. By focusing on actionable insights and strategic planning, your institution can confidently use rankings to drive meaningful progress.

With that in mind, consider approaching rankings as an opportunity to learn, reflect and refine your strategies. Start by thoroughly analyzing the methodologies behind the rankings to identify key areas that align with your institution’s strengths and mission.

Universities can conduct their own analysis of the bibliometric data that underpins a portion of their ratings. SciVal, which uses globally sourced Scopus data, encompasses the actual bibliometric datasets key to university rankings. This offers institutions detailed analyses and a clearer understanding of their performance at multiple levels: researcher, department, faculty and university, bringing their research activities to life and aiding in strategic research planning.

Tips to help expand your understanding of rankings

Navigating the world of university rankings can feel complex, but with the right tools and approach, it’s possible to gain meaningful insights and use them strategically. Here are some tips to help your institution better understand and utilize rankings:

1. Understand the bibliometric drivers: Rankings are often built on bibliometric data, which measures aspects like citation impact, research output and international collaborations. Familiarize yourself with these metrics to uncover what drives your institution’s performance and identify areas for growth.

2. Utilize Scopus’ Institution Profile Wizard (IPW): Scopus’ IPW helps university administrators ensure their institution’s research is accurately mapped. While Scopus provides great accuracy, exploring the IPW allows you to verify and fine-tune the alignment, ensuring your research output is correctly attributed and showcased effectively.

3. Track important dates: Stay ahead by keeping an eye on key dates in the ranking lifecycle. Use tools like a “Dates to Know” page to ensure timely submissions, prepare for data reviews and plan initiatives around ranking release schedules.

4. Use SciVal’s Ranking Analysis Tool: SciVal offers powerful tools designed to provide deeper insight into rankings. Access bibliometric datasets specific to key rankings and analyze your performance across multiple levels, from individual researchers to university-wide outputs. This can inform your strategic goals and enhance decision-making processes.

5. Monitor progress with SciVal’s Rankings Tracker: Track your institution's performance and compare it to peers with SciVal’s Rankings Tracker. Using Scopus data and THE’s methodology, it offers insights into the factors shaping the upcoming THE World University Rankings. Analyze your current position and spot trends or find growth opportunities.

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