QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 ranks seven of Bath’s subjects in the top 100 in the world
Business & Management Studies returns to Top 100, joining: Sports, Development Studies, Psychology, Architecture, Social Policy & Administration, and Marketing
Results also see Bath improve across all five broad subject areas
The University of Bath has increased its subjects ranked in the world’s top 100, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 published today.
Based on an analysis of the research output and reputation of over 6,000 institutions worldwide, the QS World University Rankings by Subject provide a comparative analysis of university programmes.
With Business & Management Studies (ranking =82nd) joining Sports related subjects (13th), Development Studies (=31st), Psychology (=57th), Architecture, Social Policy & Administration, and Marketing in the top 100, and with continued improvement among the University’s other 27 ranked subjects, Bath is continuing a positive momentum.
Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President, said:
I’m pleased that international recognition for the quality of our research and education continues to grow, including the increasing number of University of Bath subjects ranked by QS in its top 100 globally in 2026.
This is down to the hard work and dedication of our staff, and this positive trajectory helps us attract talent and deliver even more through our global research partnerships, innovation activity and our excellent education and student experience.
The uplift in rankings is achieved against a backdrop of stronger competition, with a 9% increase in the number of institutions ranked in 2026 compared to 2025.
This year saw Development Studies break into the top 50, and Psychology continuing its strong improvement within the top 100 ranking. The largest increase in ranking was achieved by Computer Science, which rose by more than 100 ranks from 2025.
The University has improved its ranking across all five of the QS ‘Broad Subject Area’ classifications: Social Sciences & Management, Engineering & Technology, Natural Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Life Sciences & Medicine.
QS uses five key metrics to compile the subject rankings, with data being incorporated from 16.4 million academic papers as well as the views of more than 151,000 academics and 100,000 employers.