Published on 25 October 2022
The University of Sunderland is among the best in the world when it comes to social science programmes.
The subject area, which also includes the School of Media and Communications, has been officially ranked 601–800 in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject.
The result comes just weeks after the University made it into the overall THE World University Rankings 2023.
The news was today welcomed by programme leaders who are now celebrating their world-leading status.
Peter Kay, Head of School Social Sciences at the University, said: “This is excellent and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Social Sciences staff who constantly work for the benefit of the students, School, Faculty and University.
“The standard of their work has earned this accolade alongside others during this year. This is a culmination of their achievements this year but will serve as a platform for further accolades in the future. A truly lifechanging and society shaping School.”
Professor Lynne McKenna, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Society, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that the School of Social Sciences has been recognized in this way.
“The quality of teaching is underpinned with high quality research undertaken and disseminated by our academic staff. Our students learn from leading researchers in the fields of social sciences, enabling them to not only learn from the research itself, but to develop those skills which will serve them well for life.
“My congratulations go to all the staff in the School who have worked so hard to support our students resulting in the achievement of this impressive ranking.”
The result is also great news for the University's School of Media and Communications, which falls under social sciences in the rankings data.
Professor Arabella Plouviez, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries, said: "It's fantastic to have achieved this ranking and is further recognition of the exceptional work undertaken by our staff and students across the School of Media & Communications.
"We are first in the Guardian League Table for film & photography and to also have achieved this accolade in the THE world rankings is brilliant and well deserved."
Just a few weeks ago, the University made it into the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023.
The result comes on the back of a successful few years for the University which saw it nominated as the University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards in 2021, as well as being named University of the Year for social inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021.