New Ranking of the World’s Top Social Policy Schools

This article is based on the results of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016. Click here to view the top universities for social policy in 2017. 

This year sees the QS World University Rankings by Subject extended to feature a brand new ranking of the world’s top universities in the field of social policy. Published annually, the rankings now cover a total of 42 subjects. Also new for 2016 are rankings of the world’s top universities for  archaeology, anthropology, performing arts, mining engineering and nursing.

The ranking aims to help prospective students identify the leading institutions in their subject, with a particular focus on those planning to study outside of their own country. Institutions are assessed based on indicators reflecting academic reputation, employer reputation, and research impact in the field.

Of the 100 universities featured in this new ranking, the United States dominates with almost a third (32) of the schools listed, while the United Kingdom follows with 15 entries.

In addition to its six entries within the top 10, the US claims 15 more universities ranked among the top 50 for social policy. In nearby Canada, three schools are featured, with the University of Toronto the highest ranked at 15^th.

Australia has seven representatives, with Australian National University (ANU) ranking highest at 14^th. Neighboring New Zealand also features, with two universities ranked among the social policy top 50.

Asia is represented in the top 10 by the University of Singapore and University of Hong Kong. Beyond this, the region’s other leading representatives (out of a total of 17) include Japan’s University of Tokyo at 16^th, South Korea’s Seoul National University (SNU) at 17^th for social policy and China’s Peking University at 20^th.

There are a total of 35 European universities featured within the top 100 for social policy. Aside from the UK, strong positions are held by the Netherlands’ University of Amsterdam (29^th), Belgium’s Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (34^th) and France’s Sciences Po Paris (40^th).

Over in Latin America, four universities are featured in the ranking, including two in Mexico. The highest-ranked university in Latin America for social policy is claimed by Chile, with Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile ranked joint 35^th.