King’s has advanced noticeably in global university rankings over the past two years. It is also encouraging to see good progress in the disciplinary and subject rankings relevant to our School. Rankings are not a decisive factor in shaping our strategy and activities, but they can be helpful, particularly in supporting international student recruitment.
Dr Liviu Matei, Head of School of Education, Communication and Society
15 April 2026
Education and Sociology rise in QS World University Subject Rankings
The latest QS World University Subject Rankings have seen strong rises for Education and Sociology amidst positive movement for social sciences and for King’s overall.
Published in March 2026, the latest rankings saw Education rise from 22nd worldwide to 16th, a year-on-year increase of six places, while Sociology rose from 49th to 44th, an increase of five. These are among the biggest jumps recorded by any King’s subject in the rankings.
Taken as a whole, Social Sciences & Management rose one place from 46th to 45th worldwide. In total, 24 out of 40 subjects taught at King’s recorded a rise.
These subject rankings follow King’s being named 31st best University globally, and fifth in the UK, in the wider QS University world-renowned rankings in June 2025.
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Professor of Higher Education and Public Policy