Social Policy at York ranked in the world top 50

News

Posted on Thursday 26 March 2026

York placed 8th in the UK and =38th in the world for the study of Social Policy and Administration in the latest release of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026.

This week, York’s School for Business and Society reconfirmed its place among the world’s most highly regarded departments for the study of Social Policy. It was ranked 8th in the UK and =38th in the world by QS World University Rankings by subject, 2026, retaining its strong position globally.

Published annually, QS World University Rankings assess over 50 subjects at over 1,700 universities, on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.

Dean of the School for Business and Society, John Hudson, said “York’s continued presence in the QS World Top 50 for Social Policy & Administration reflects the strength of our research and teaching in this area and our long-standing reputation as a key centre for Social Policy teaching and research. The subject has been a core dimension of the University of York’s portfolio since the 1960s and the high-profile Social Policy Research Unit (SPRU) has been conducting cutting-edge research since its foundation in 1973”.

Co-Heads of Social Policy, Aniela Wenham and Enrico Reuter: “We are thrilled that our excellence in research and teaching continues to be recognised in the Top 50 of the QS World Ranking for Social Policy and Administration. This achievement highlights the strength of our academic community, the impact of our work, and an ongoing commitment to addressing the key social challenges of our time.”

York's overall position

In total, three subjects at the University of York were ranked in the top 50 globally, as well as top 10 in the UK:

Archaeology (5th in the UK, 16th globally)
English and Related Literature (9th in the UK, 28th globally)
Social Policy & Administration (8th in the UK, =38th globally)

Seven more ranked in the UK top 20. Six were ranked in the top 100 in the world.

Linguistics (11th in the UK)
History (=12th in the UK, top 100 globally)
Philosophy (=12th in the UK, top 100 globally)
Education and Training (13th in the UK, =81st globally)
Performing Arts (=14th in the UK, top 100 globally)
Psychology (19th in the UK, 98th globally)
Sociology (17th in the UK, =95th globally)

In the broad subject of Arts and Humanities we were ranked 50th globally.