Sports-related research has always been at the heart of Loughborough and is a key part of the University’s 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 ninth 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.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 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.
Speaking about Loughborough’s continued success, Professor Jo Maher, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport, said: “Loughborough is globally renowned for its sporting ecosystem, with sports teaching and research at its core.
“We take great pride in knowing that our work in this field is recognised and respected by the international academic community. Seeing the dedication of our world-class academics celebrated by QS for the nine years running is a truly fantastic achievement.”
Ben Sowter, Senior Vice President at QS commented: “Securing the title of the world's best for sport-related subjects for an extraordinary ninth year running in the QS World University Rankings by Subject is a landmark achievement for Loughborough.
“Sustaining this level of global excellence across nearly a decade speaks to the university’s relentless innovation, industry-leading research, and its profound influence on the future of sport. Loughborough has become synonymous with high performance – not just on the field, but in shaping the very science, business, and culture of sport worldwide.”
Loughborough has been ranked in the QS global top 100 in seven other subject areas:
- Library and Information Management (18) – reflecting work undertaken in the Schools of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Business School
- Art and Design (39) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Design and Creative Arts
- Architecture and the Built Environment (51-100) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies (51-100) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities
- Anatomy and Physiology (51-100) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences and the School of Science
- Petroleum Engineering (51-100) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering and Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
- Marketing (51-100) – reflecting work undertaken in the Business School
- Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing (100) – reflecting work undertaken in the School of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering and Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
The full QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 tables can be found here. Further information about Loughborough’s success in the QS rankings can be found here.