Loughborough best university in the world for sports-related subjects for fifth consecutive year

Loughborough has been named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects for the fifth year running by the global QS higher education league table.

Loughborough has been named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects for the fifth year running by the global QS higher education league table.

The QS ranking is based on surveying academic staff that declare a speciality in the subject area, and employers who seek to employ graduates that specialise in the discipline. It is also based on research output and impact, with both citations and paper output measured over a five-year period.

Sports-related research has always been at the heart of Loughborough. The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, as well as activity in other areas of the University such as the Sports Technology Institute and Institute for Sport Business, are all renowned for the fundamental and applied research they undertake in this field. And Loughborough has taken the best in the world title ever since it was launched by QS in 2017 – further testament to its outstanding regard among the world’s academic community.

Speaking about the University’s continued success Professor Mark Lewis, Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences said: “To be crowned best in the world for sports-related subjects for five years running is a truly incredible achievement. It is again down the hard-work and talent of our internationally-leading academic community that we continue to be the very best in the world and I am immensely proud.”

Jack Moran, QS Spokesperson, added: “Once again, the QS World University Rankings by Subject indicates that Loughborough offers the world’s best educational program for those wishing to work in the sporting industry.

“With perfect scores among academics and employers alike, Loughborough’s education in Sports-related Subjects receives the seal of approval for both its academic standards and its graduate employees. We also find clear strengths in other areas, including outstanding offerings for Art & Design, Mechanical Engineering, and Communication & Media. After a challenging year for all in the sector, we congratulate all at Loughborough for their efforts to cultivate outstanding educational programs.”

Loughborough has also been ranked in the global top 50 for Library and Information Management (14th) and Art and Design (31st).

The full QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 tables can be found here.

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: PR 21/33

Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2020 QS World University Rankings and University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2019.

Loughborough is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 7th in the Guardian University League Table 2021, 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and 6th in The UK Complete University Guide 2021.

Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.

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