Rankings and reputation

University city campus aerial view.

New Zealand's world-ranked Arts faculty

We are ranked as New Zealand's leading faculty for social sciences by the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

We are proud to be home to archaeology, anthropology, English language and literature and linguistics, all placed in the top 50 in the world (2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject).

The University of Auckland has achieved its highest ranking, 65th in the world out of 1,500 universities and is the highest-ranked university in New Zealand.

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

We have four subjects placed in the world's top 50:

Recognised by the Royal Society Te Apārangi

The excellence of our research has been recognised by the Royal Society Te Apārangi. 

Seven of our current staff have won nine national book awards between them in history, art history, fiction and poetry, including kaupapa Māori research.

  • Associate Professor Ngarino Ellis, Judith Binney Best First Book Award for Illustrated Non-fiction 2017 for A Whakapapa of Tradition: One Hundred Years of Ngāti Porou Carving, 1830-1930
  • Associate Professor Aroha Harris (with Atholl Anderson and Judith Binney), Illustrated Non-fiction 2016 for Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History
  • Dr Paula Morris, Fiction 2012 for Rangatira , NZSA Hubert Church Best First Book Award for Fiction 2003 for Queen of Beauty
  • Associate Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh, NZSA Jessie Mackay Best First Book Award for Poetry 2010 for Fast Talking PI
  • Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora (with Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, Mohi Rua and Rolinda Karapu), Lifestyle and Contemporary Culture 2008 for Mau Moko: The World of Māori Tattoo
  • Distinguished Professor Dame Anne Salmond, Montana Medal for Non-Fiction 2004 for The Trial of the Cannibal Dog: Captain Cook in the South Seas, Non-fiction 1992 for Two Worlds: First Meetings Between Māori and Europeans, 1642–1772
  • Professor Michele Leggott, Poetry 1995 for DIA