Sociology at York ranks 88thin the world in Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject, 2025

This week, York’s Department of Sociology reconfirmed its place among the world’s most highly regarded departments for the subject of Sociology. This subject was ranked 17th in the UK and 88th in the world by QS World University Rankings (2025), entering the global top 100.

Head of the Department of Sociology Professor Nik Brown said:

"We are delighted to be a world leading top 100 department in the QS University Rankings. This reflects the outstanding commitment and team effort that is central to our international reputation in research and teaching." 

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

York's overall position

In total, three subjects at the University of York were ranked in the top 50 globally, as well as top 20 in the UK: 

• Archaeology (5th in the UK, 25th= globally)
• English Language and Literature (8th in the UK, 32nd globally)
• Social Policy and Administration (8th in the UK, 41st globally)
  

Six more were ranked in the top 100 in the world and as top 20 in the UK: 

• Education and Training (11th in the UK, 72 globally)
• Sociology (17th in the UK, 88th globally)
• Psychology (14th in the UK, 97th= globally)
• Linguistics (9th in the UK, 99th= globally)
• Performing Arts (13th= in the UK, top 100 globally)
• History (12th= in the UK, top 100 globally)

In the broad subject of Arts and Humanities we were ranked 75th globally.