Seventh year running for ‘best university in the world for sports-related subjects’ title

Loughborough has been crowned the best university in the world for sports-related subjects for the seventh 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 recruit graduates that specialise in the discipline. It also takes into account 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 and is a key part of the University’s new strategy. The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Sports Technology Institute and Institute for Sport Business are all renowned for the fundamental and applied research they undertake in this field. 

This marks the seventh year in a row that Loughborough has secured the best in the world title, being the recipient ever since it was launched by QS in 2017. 

Speaking about Loughborough’s continued success, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings, said: “Loughborough University is synonymous across the world with the teaching and research of sports disciplines. It is part of our DNA. 

“Our continued success is testament to the well-deserved reputation and impact of our work as recognised by the international academic community in this field. It is a great honour and underlines the talent of our world-leading academic colleagues.” 

Professor Mark Lewis, Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, continued: “To be crowned best in the world for sports-related subjects for seven years running is a truly incredible achievement. It is again down to 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.”

Leigh Kamolins, Director of Analytics and Evaluation at QS said: “Being ranked number 1 in this subject for the seventh consecutive year cements Loughborough as a world-leading university to study and research subjects related to sport. Loughborough’s performance shows how it excels in solving some of the most important research questions in the field, with high impact research and a reputation that is revered among academics and industry.” 

Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, addee: “Amongst its many strengths, Loughborough University is a cathedral of sport. Were it a country, it would have outperformed Sweden, Switzerland and Belgium at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. No surprise then, to see Loughborough retain its crown for a seventh consecutive year.” 

Loughborough has also been ranked in the QS global top 100 in: