Find the Top Universities in the World for Your Subject

Submitted by laura@qs.com on Tue, 02/25/2014 - 10:07

The new edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, released today, highlights the 200 top universities the world for 30 individual subjects. Published annually, the ranking is based on data collected for the overall QS World University Rankings®, broken down to provide insights into the strongest performing institutions in specific subject areas. For the 2014 edition, this meant drawing on 90,000 survey responses, 27 million research paper attributions, and almost 11,000 individually verified programs.

This year, a total of 689 institutions are ranked among the 200 top universities in the world for at least one subject, while 65 make at least one top 10. Like last year, Massachusetts neighbors Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of technology (MIT) emerge as the two clear leaders, accounting for 20 of the 30 number one spots between them – 11 held by Harvard and 9 by MIT.

Top universities for medicine & life sciences

Among the top universities for medicine and life sciences, Harvard shines particularly strong; it ranks as the world’s number one for medicine, pharmacy and pharmacology, psychology and biological sciences. UK universities also have a strong representation in this field; the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge are joined at the top of the rankings tables by London-based institutions King’s, UCL and Imperial, while the Universities of Manchester and Nottingham both feature in the top 10 for pharmacy.

Stanford is also close to the top in all of these subjects, and in general the top 10s are dominated almost entirely by US and UK universities. Exceptions to this are Australia’s Monash University (8th for pharmacy) and University of Melbourne (10= for psychology), Sweden’s Karolinska Institute (7th for pharmacy) and Switzerland’s ETH Zurich (10th for biological sciences).

A rather different set of names appears in the fifth subject included in the life sciences group, agriculture and forestry, which was added to the QS World University Rankings by Subject for the first time last year. This specialized field is dominated at the top by large public US universities, with the notable interruption of the Netherlands’ Wageningen University in second place.

Top universities for medicine & life sciences, 2014

Medicine Biological sciences Psychology Pharmacy & pharmacology Agriculture & forestry
Harvard University Harvard University Harvard University Harvard University University of California, Davis
University of Oxford University of Cambridge University of Cambridge University of Oxford Wageningen University
University of Cambridge Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of Oxford King's College London University of Wisconsin-Madison
Stanford University University of Oxford Stanford University UCL (University College London) Cornell University
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Stanford University Yale University University of Manchester Iowa State University

See the full 200 top universities for medicine & life sciences subjects >

Top universities for engineering & technology

If Harvard rules the medicine and life sciences rankings, then MIT is the undisputed table-topper when it comes to the world’s top universities for engineering and technology subjects; it ranks number one for all five disciplines covered. Also particularly strong here are Stanford University, University of Cambridge, and University of California, Berkeley.

Beyond the US and UK, Switzerland’s ETH Zurich cements its strong position in the technology spectrum, while Asian universities also have a very strong presence among the top universities for engineering and technology. The National University of Singapore makes the top 10 for all five subjects, and Japan’s University of Tokyo also does consistently well. Asian universities account for 10 of the top 30 universities in the rankings for chemical, civil and electrical engineering and eight in mechanical engineering, while Hong Kong alone has three entries in the top 20 for computer science.

Top universities for engineering & technology, 2014

Electrical engineering Mechanical engineering Civil & structural engineering Chemical engineering Computer science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Stanford University Stanford University University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of California, Berkeley Stanford University
University of California, Berkeley University of Cambridge University of California, Berkeley Stanford University Carnegie Mellon University
University of Cambridge University of California, Berkeley University of Tokyo University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
ETH Zurich University of Michigan University of Cambridge National University of Singapore (NUS) Harvard University

See the full 200 top universities for engineering & technology subjects >

Top universities for natural sciences

Next, a look at the top universities in the world for natural sciences, for which the QS World University Rankings by Subject provides six ranking tables: mathematics, physics and astronomy, environmental sciences, Earth and marine sciences, chemistry and materials sciences.

Here, MIT and Harvard once again claim nearly all the top spots, though the public University of California, Berkeley comes first for environmental sciences. Many of the big-name US and UK universities are again strong performers here; Stanford, Berkeley, Oxford and Cambridge all do well across the natural sciences group.

A rare top-five appearance from outside the US and UK occurs in environmental sciences, where Switzerland’s ETH Zurich is ranked joint 3rd (alongside Cambridge). The Netherlands also does well in this discipline – with Wageningen University at 8th and two more Dutch universities in the top 20 – as does Australia; the University of Queensland, University of Melbourne and Australian National University (ANU) are ranked 11th, 12th and 13th.

Singapore has a particularly strong showing in materials science, where the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University both make the top 10, with a further five Asian institutions within the top 20. Meanwhile physics sees several strong performances from continental European institutions, with the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology both in the top 20, along with Germany’s Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Technische Universität München.

Top universities for natural sciences, 2014

Mathematics Physics & astronomy Chemistry Materials sciences Earth & marine sciences Environmental sciences
Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) MIT MIT Harvard University University of California, Berkeley
MIT Harvard University University of California, Berkeley Stanford University University of Cambridge Harvard University
University of Oxford University of Cambridge University of Cambridge University of Cambridge University of California, Berkeley ETH Zurich
University of California, Berkeley Stanford University Harvard University Imperial College London California Institute of Technology (Caltech) University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge University of California, Berkeley Stanford University University of California, Berkeley MIT Stanford University

See the full 200 top universities for natural sciences subjects >

Top universities for social sciences

The QS World University Rankings by Subject includes rankings tables for eight social sciences subjects: law, sociology, statistics, economics, education, accounting and finance, communication and media studies, and politics and international studies (not all shown in the table below).

Harvard is again the dominant institution in the social sciences, topping the tables for accounting and finance, law, economics, politics and sociology. However, there are also some less familiar names at the top of the tables in this category, with the University of Wisconsin-Madison topping the table for communication and media studies, and the UK’s Institute of Education ranking number one in its specialist subject, education.

The specialist London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is among the top universities in the world in the social sciences group; LSE is ranked within the global top three for communication and media studies, accounting & finance, economics and politics and international studies.

Accounting and finance sees two top-10 entries for Australia, the University of Melbourne and University of New South Wales, with the University of Sydney not far behind in 13th place. Politics and international studies is also a relatively strong field for Australian universities, with ANU ranked 7th, and this is likewise the strongest area for France’s specialist Sciences Po.

Top universities for social sciences, 2014

Law Economics Accounting & finance Politics & international studies
Harvard University Harvard University Harvard University Harvard University
University of Oxford Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of Oxford University of Oxford
University of Cambridge London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Yale University Stanford University University of Cambridge Princeton University
New York University (NYU) University of California, Berkeley Stanford University Yale University

See the 200 top universities for eight social science subjects >

Top universities for arts & humanities

Finally, the QS World University Rankings by Subject provides rankings of the top universities in the world for six arts and humanities subjects: philosophy, modern languages, English language and literature, geography, history and linguistics.

The University of Oxford is the world’s top-performing arts and humanities institution overall, coming top in three of the six rankings, second for two more and fourth for the sixth – and in general, UK universities rank well in these subjects. LSE is again a strong performer, especially in geography – where six of the top 10 spots are claimed by UK institutions. It’s worth noting that dedicated ‘geography’ programs are less common in the US, where the subject is often incorporated into other areas of the humanities and social sciences.

While Oxbridge and the Ivy League somewhat dominate the top of the English language and literature ranking, philosophy throws up a more diverse selection of leaders. New York University (NYU) comes top here, with the University of Pittsburgh and Rutgers also in the top five.

Top universities for arts & humanities, 2014

English language & literature Modern languages Philosophy History
University of Oxford University of Oxford New York University (NYU) University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge University of Cambridge University of Oxford University of Oxford
Harvard University Harvard University University of Pittsburgh Harvard University
Yale University University of California, Berkeley Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Yale University
University of California, Berkeley Stanford University University of Cambridge Princeton University

See the full 200 top universities in six arts & humanities subjects >

Discover the top universities in the world for your subject, with the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

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Stamford International University

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How a luxury and fashion specialisation can elevate a master’s in marketing management

Submitted by anna@qs.com on Fri, 04/25/2025 - 12:28

Sponsored by EDHEC

For postgraduate students interested in management and marketing, pursuing a specialisation in luxury and fashion can offer a wealth of benefits.

Whether you aspire to work in high-end fashion houses, luxury goods companies, or premium service brands, EDHEC’s MSc in Marketing Managementluxury and fashion specialisation provides the expertise and strategic thinking needed to excel.

We spoke with Professor Hua Ariel Li, Programme Director of the MSc in Marketing Management at EDHEC Business School.

Understanding a unique industry

The luxury and fashion industry operates under different rules compared to mainstream consumer markets. It is characterised by high brand equity, exclusive customer relationships, and a strong emphasis on heritage, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

Unlike traditional business sectors, success in luxury and fashion marketing often depends on emotional engagement, aspirational branding, and innovative retail experiences.

The MSc in Marketing Management at EDHEC Business School, which benefits from a partnership with Louis Vuitton for its Luxury and Fashion specialisation, equips students with the skills to navigate these complexities and develop strategies tailored to the sector’s unique needs.

Hua Ariel Li told us: “The Luxury & Fashion specialisation focuses on equipping students with cutting-edge insights into the industry’s operational and marketing strategies.

“Collaborating with Louis Vuitton, a global leader in luxury, provides a unique opportunity to tackle contemporary challenges, such as creating seamless omnichannel experiences for consumers.

“This initiative bridges academic learning and real-world application, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of digital transformation in the luxury sector.”

Blend creativity with business acumen

One of the main attractions of a luxury and fashion-focused MSc is its interdisciplinary nature.

Students learn core management and marketing skills—such as market analysis, consumer behaviour, digital marketing, and strategic brand management—while also developing an understanding of creativity, design thinking, and trend forecasting.

This combination is crucial in an industry that values both artistic vision and business efficiency.

Gain real-life experience of the sector

Luxury and fashion are inherently global industries, with brands competing across diverse markets such as Europe, North America, and Asia.

EDHEC prepares their students for working in this world through a project, in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, which is embedded as part of the Global Luxury Operations course.

Hua Ariel Li said: “This collaboration strengthens the programme’s industry connections, allowing students to work on innovative solutions, particularly in creating personalised, seamless journeys for consumers across physical and digital channels.

“Louis Vuitton's Digital & Client Development team is fully involved in designing the project. Seven projects will then be selected, and the chosen teams will present their work to the Director of Digital & Client Development and other key representatives.

“This hands-on involvement provides students with valuable exposure to industry leaders and direct feedback on their ideas. They gain hands-on experience in areas such as omnichannel retail, customer personalisation, and CRM—all within the unique context of the luxury sector.

“This approach ensures that students graduate with practical skills and a deep understanding of the evolving luxury sector.”

An emphasis on digital innovation

As this project in collaboration with Louis Vuitton demonstrates, digital disruption is reshaping the luxury and fashion sector.

Consumers now expect immersive online experiences, personalisation, and sustainability-driven business models. EDHEC’s MSc, with its focus on incorporating ethical and social principles into marketing decisions, helps students stay ahead of these trends, providing insights into how luxury brands are leveraging technology to enhance customer engagement, optimise supply chains, and drive sales.

Leveraging industry connections into networking opportunities

Luxury and fashion brands are built on exclusivity, and the same applies to career opportunities in this sector.

EDHEC’s partnership with Louis Vuitton ensures its students have access to valuable networking opportunities while they study and can help act as a stepping stone into full-time roles within the sector after graduation.

Graduates from EDHEC’s MSc Marketing Management can explore a wide range of career paths. Opportunities exist in brand management, digital marketing, retail strategy, public relations, merchandising and luxury consultancy.

Additionally, some graduates leverage their expertise to launch their own businesses or work with start-ups disrupting the industry.

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McGill University Undergraduate

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Rollins School of Public Health Emory University

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Macao Polytechnic University

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What to expect when studying a Master in Management (MiM)

Submitted by craig@qs.com on Mon, 02/03/2025 - 13:46

Sponsored by EDHEC Business School 

Choosing to pursue a Master in Management (MiM) means embarking on a transformative educational journey that combines academic rigour, practical learning, and personal growth.  

Recognised globally and consistently ranked among the top management programmes worldwide, EDHEC's MiM equips students with the tools and experiences needed to excel in a competitive international job market. 

Let’s take a closer look at the MiM – Business Management track at EDHEC Business School and what you can expect from the experience.

A comprehensive and innovative curriculum 

The MiM programme at EDHEC is designed to provide students with a deep and well-rounded understanding of business and management.  

Covering core disciplines such as finance, marketing, strategy, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and tech & data, the curriculum prepares students for diverse managerial roles across a wide range of industries. 

This comprehensive education is delivered by EDHEC’s esteemed faculty, known for their academic excellence and strong ties to the business world.  

Faculty members combine their latest research with real-world business trends to create an engaging and relevant learning experience.  

This ensures that students are not only grounded in theoretical knowledge but are also equipped with the practical insights needed to thrive in dynamic and evolving industries. 


Skills that go beyond the classroom 

One of the stand-out features of the EDHEC MiM is its emphasis on developing both hard and soft skills. 

While the curriculum builds expertise in critical business areas, the programme also prioritises the cultivation of interpersonal and leadership abilities, including communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.  

By fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills, the programme prepares students to tackle complex business challenges and to lead with confidence in diverse environments. This holistic approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to navigate the multifaceted demands of managerial roles. 


Global exposure to real-world scenarios 

EDHEC’s MiM programme is structured to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world. Students engage in real-world learning experiences through a full year of internships, consulting projects, and case studies that allow them to apply classroom knowledge to practical scenarios.  

Zhang Jianwei, an EDHEC Alumnus from the Master in Management – Business Management track who currently works as an International Key Account Manager at Sany Renewable Energy Co.,Ltd, credits these experiential opportunities with helping to prepare him for his future professional roles: 
“During the second year's professional immersion internship, I gained a deeper understanding of the international business environment. 
“Practical experiences like case simulations, project practices, and tool applications solidified my knowledge.”

These opportunities not only enhance learning but also build valuable professional networks and provide insights into various industries. 

The international dimension of the programme is another significant advantage. With a diverse student body and numerous global partnerships, EDHEC offers a truly multicultural learning environment.  

Students benefit from interactions with peers from around the world, gaining a broader perspective on global business practices and developing cultural awareness—a crucial asset in today's interconnected business landscape. 


A launchpad for career progression 

Graduating from EDHEC’s MiM programme means joining a prestigious network of alumni who are leaders in industries around the globe.  

The school’s reputation, combined with its robust career services, ensures that students are well-positioned to secure roles in top companies. 

Ruozhen Li, an EDHEC Alumna from the MiM – Business Management track, started her studies at EDHEC in 2019 credited the career services with helping her take steps towards a successful role as Senior Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble China. 

She said: “During my studies at EDHEC, I felt a significant boost in my confidence. EDHEC has a career guidance centre that provides consultation services and helps revise resumes. 
“I still remember how one consultant worked hard to highlight my resume and encouraged me to stay confident.”

Additionally, EDHEC’s strong industry connections and dedicated career resources, such as coaching and recruitment events, help students navigate the job market with confidence. 

Moreover, the MiM’s emphasis on entrepreneurship encourages students to think innovatively and consider launching their own ventures. 

By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, EDHEC not only prepares students for traditional career paths but also empowers them to create their own opportunities.
 

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Macau Polytechnic University

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Rethinking international student recruitment in the APAC region

Submitted by anna@qs.com on Wed, 08/14/2024 - 14:05

Universities rethinking their approaches to highlight a welcoming culture, strong reputation in university rankings, and sustainable practices for example, can significantly enhance their appeal to prospective students.

Speaking at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia-Pacific 2024 is Charles Jeffery Sun, Founder and Managing Director of China Education International (CEI). Charles will be leading the panel discussion: ‘Open Doors, Open Minds: Embracing collaboration with external partners & society’. The panel will explore potential ways to improve the overall student recruitment strategies of universities in the APAC region.

58% of prospective Chinese students interested in studying abroad say it’s important that a university organises work placements as part of its courses when assessing teaching quality.

Navigating the current labour market

“The employment market is very competitive in China,” Charles says. The country is facing a significant youth unemployment rate of more than 15%. “Employability is a key indicator of any education, especially overseas study, for which parents need to pay a high fee.”

Given the above findings on student demand for work experience during their studies, how can APAC universities work better with industry to align with the preferences of students?

Charles added that employability is crucial for international students, especially when tuition fees are high: “The employment market is very competitive in China with a youth unemployment rate of more than 20%. Employers in China look for graduates who have their degree from globally top-ranking universities and have practical experience. Top-ranking universities are more often theoretical rather than practical which is actually more suitable for those students who have a career plan in research and development.

Therefore, to meet the needs of Chinese students and other students, top-ranking universities should also provide a practical track for those students who are not aiming for research by incorporating internship and work placements as part of a degree for non-research-oriented students.”

Chinese students place less importance on having affordable tuition fee options and scholarships (38%) with a much higher importance on rank and reputation when making study decisions (58%). Chinese students focus on rank and reputation is higher than the global average.


Rankings and reputation

“Chinese parents have been ranking sensitive for a long time for the reason of social status. But now, employment prospects put the ranking in an even more important position.

“Many Chinese employers including government agencies use global rankings of universities as a key benchmark when selecting candidates. For example, the central government has a special graduate recruitment programme for graduates of selected top ranking overseas universities.

“Relatively, it is easier to find a job at non-government organisations. Competition is still very strong with tens of candidates applying for one position. The level of university where the degree is from contributes greatly to the success of job hunting. Candidates with degrees from universities of low ranking are easily screened out in the short-listing process.”

Shaping the international study experience with non-profits

Charles highlighted the important role non-profit organisations can play in improving the study experience for international students.

“Firstly, many universities are non-profit organisations and provide education and services to international students on campus in a non-profit way, although the recruitment of international students itself is a for-profit activity.

“Secondly, non-profit organisations in and around campus can do a lot in creating a welcoming environment for international students, providing cultural activities for international students to become part of the community.”

79% of prospective APAC students highly prioritise a ‘safe and welcoming environment’ when choosing a town or city to study in.

How can APAC universities enhance their recruitment strategies to emphasise the safety and welcoming environment of their towns or cities?

“APAC universities should work with local government and tourism promotion organisations to conduct integrated promotion of the towns or cities and to offer incentives for parents to come and check out the universities.

“For example, universities can provide free of charge culture activities on campus for selected groups of tourists. Also, free of charge introductory professional development courses for tourists who are professionals.”

When should admissions staff support student decision-making?

The QS International Student Survey 2024 also revealed that only 32% of prospective APAC students found it useful to meet with Admissions staff at Fairs or Information sessions to help them make decisions about their studies – with an even lower preference from Chinese students (23%).

“A meeting with Admissions staff is only relevant when students have known a university,” Charles suggested.

In order to develop student recruitment approaches to better meet the needs of students, “universities should consider change to focus on deep collaboration with other schools and universities.”

Advancing sustainability in APAC higher education

Recognising the crucial role of sustainable growth in global higher education, Charles suggested how universities can ensure that their partnerships with organisations lead to sustainable and long-term benefits for both domestic and international students:

“The roles of recruitment agencies are for recruitment. Recruitment agencies do not focus on long-term benefits for students. Therefore, universities shall work with schools and universities and those organisations which will help to work with schools and universities.”

 

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