QS University Rankings 2016 have ranked the University of Sussex as the top university in Europe for development studies. The result reflects the quality, impact and range of international development research and courses offered across the Sussex campus including the Institute of Development Studies, School of Global Studies, Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) and Centre for International Education (CIE). Together, the development teaching and research at Sussex achieved the highest possible score for academic reputation (100.00), placing it first in the world again on this criterion.
IDS Director Melissa Leach said: “We’re thrilled that the quality of development studies at Sussex is recognised in this way and it reflects the rich history of cross-collaboration, world-class research and high-quality teaching across the campus.
“In its 50th anniversary year IDS can be very proud of the role it plays in achieving this status and of its first-class students that study here, who have such a passion for transformative global development.”
Collaborative development research and study at Sussex
As part of its new five year strategy, IDS is working closely with Sussex colleagues including the School of Global Studies and the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), to produce high quality and high impact research focused on addressing the most pressing global challenges – reducing inequality, accelerating sustainability and building safe and inclusive societies. Cross-institutional centres such as the STEPS Centre and the Centre for Rising Powers and Global Development are both excellent examples, which continue to expand their global reach and influence.
University rankings
First compiled in 2004, the QS World University Rankings currently consider over 3,000 institutions, rank more than 800, and are aimed at prospective students seeking to identify the world’s leading schools in their chosen field of study. QS ranks the world’s top universities in 36 individual subject areas, including development studies. QS’s major global surveys of academics and employers, and research citations data from Scopus are used in order to compare universities’ performance in relation to a particular discipline.
Postgraduate study
IDS’ well known postgraduate teaching programme includes seven specialised MA courses and a PhD research degree, and is designed to equip students with the analytical and practical skills they need to engage critically in development issues, debates and professional practice from an interdisciplinary perspective.
In addition IDS offers a range of professional short courses and learning events. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in international development are also offered by the University of Sussex’s School of Global Studies and SPRU, and IDS works closely with these institutions to enhance the student experience through collaborations around teaching and jointly organised events and seminars such as the Sussex Development Lectures.
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