University of Auckland excels in 2024 QS subject rankings

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has added to its reputation as a world-leading research, teaching and learning institution, with its results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.  

Ten of the subjects the University teaches have been ranked in the top 50 subjects worldwide, based on academic and employer reputation as well as research, compared with eight in 2023. In the top 100, the University has 23 ranked subjects.  

Marketing ranks 21-50 in the world, entering the top 50 for the University for the first time. Anatomy and Physiology is also a new entrant to the QS top 50 subjects, ranking 45=.  

Sports related subjects, regularly in the top 50, are equal 28th, up from 32 in 2023. Education, consistently in the top 50, holds firm at 37, while Archaeology ranks 39th equal, up from 46 in 2023.  Anthropology, ranked 48, is up one place from 2023. Rounding out the other ten in the top 50 subjects are Civil Engineering (46) and English (48). Two subjects that had fallen out of the top 50 last year are back in – Psychology (45) and Linguistics (49).

The 2024 QS Subject Rankings comprise a research component but also a strong employer reputation component.

Professor Jason Ingham, who was head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering during the rankings period, says the QS Subject Rankings are important for many reasons.

“When we advertise to fill vacant academic appointments, they help us to receive the strongest applicants – people who recognise the reputation of the University of Auckland. They’re also important to attract high-calibre doctoral students from around the world.”

He says being able to say a subject offering is ‘among the best in the world’ is invaluable.

Professor Frank Bloomfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, says it’s heartening to know that people recognise the University as being a leading university globally.

“For staff to know that the research and research-led teaching they do is highly valued by their international peers is empowering. Having ten subjects ranked in the top 50 in the world reflects the quality of our research and teaching and contributes to University of Auckland degrees being recognised globally.”

He says in research, academics and students are making significant strides in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, from climate change to healthcare disparities.

“Our interdisciplinary approach fosters collaboration and innovation and we’re developing solutions that resonate globally. Our students know the importance of this kind of work."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater said the results emphasised the University’s commitment to excellence and innovation, and the role staff play in showcasing research and best practice in teaching and learning.

“The University is dedicated to providing students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world,” she said.

“Our goal is to foster a culture of curiosity, creativity and critical inquiry to empower students to become lifelong learners and leaders in their respective fields. We’re doing that really well.”

The methodology for the QS subject rankings used saw 45 of the University’s subjects meet the criteria to be ranked, and 23 of those were ranked in the top 100 in the world.

In November 2023, eight University of Auckland-affiliated researchers were named in the prestigious Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List, and this month, six of the University’s researchers were elected Fellows by the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

Other current rankings

The University of Auckland was ranked 68th in the world in the overarching QS World University Rankings 2024, making it New Zealand’s highest-ranked university. It was also ranked fifth in the world in the  2024 QS World University Sustainability Rankings. The University was ranked No. 1 in New Zealand and 68th worldwide in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings in 2023.