Cranfield University is ranked amongst the world’s best universities in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject, underscoring its role as a leading global institution for specialist postgraduate study and research. The rankings are based on analysis of the reputation and research outputs of almost 5,000 universities across the world.
Cranfield continues to lead on the international stage in engineering, and is ranked in the world’s top 30 institutions for the subject area ‘Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical’. In ‘Business and Management’ Cranfield maintains a top 150 position, and it also keeps a top 200 position in ‘Environmental Sciences’. Cranfield’s ‘Materials Science’ subject area has moved up into the global top 200.
Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, Professor Karen Holford DBE FREng welcomed the latest rankings success: “Cranfield is known worldwide for its excellence in tackling big challenges to create a sustainable future. Our success in these rankings confirms the quality of our practical research and innovative education, providing students with an exceptional learning experience.”
In two broad subject areas, Cranfield has increased its standing. Engineering and Technology rises 15 places to 170 in the world, and Social Sciences and Management is placed 318 globally, up from 341 in 2023.
Amongst the world’s best in 12 subject areas
Cranfield is ranked in the world’s best universities in 12 key subject areas:
- Computer science and Information systems
- Engineering – Chemical
- Engineering – Electrical and Electronic
- Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing
- Engineering – Petroleum
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Physics and Astronomy
- Business and Management
- Economics and Econometrics
- Statistics and Operational Research
Cranfield was scored highly in academic reputation and citation metrics which reflect its research impact and quality. The University’s global research networks and employer reputation were also highlighted in the rankings.
Rankings show Cranfield’s continued excellence
Cranfield University has a raft of accolades and achievements, including being awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize six times.
Across its specialist subject areas Cranfield’s close ties to industry, academic expertise, facilities and student experience make it one of the UK’s leading postgraduate Universities. The School of Management’s full-time MBA programme, the Transformation MBA, was recently placed 9th in the UK by the Financial Times ranking, and was highly placed for sector diversity, value for money and career progression.
Cranfield is also ranked highly in sustainability measures, placed in the global top 40 for its activity supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals; and it in the top 15% globally in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024.
The University also recently announced investment into new Doctoral Training Centres in water security, net zero aviation and hydrogen; and it secured £69 million investment to create a new hydrogen research hub.
