University among best in the world for international outlook and impact

University among best in the world for international outlook and impact

The University of Aberdeen has been recognised as among the best in the world for its international outlook and for its impact on society.

The institution has received its highest ever ranking for ‘International outlook’ in The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings released today (September 11), placing it 28th in the world. This marks a climb of five places in this category of the league tables, despite a slip of 10 places overall based on wider indicators.

It follows on from the University’s recent shortlisting for a prestigious award in recognition of its impact on society, in this year's Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.

Each year, THE carries out a detailed analysis of the data it uses to compile its global rankings, and uses this information to compile a shortlist of UK institutions who have excelled in a specific area.

This year’s focus on social and economic impact – and particularly success in meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals -  sees the University among six shortlisted for this year’s THE DataPoints Merit Award.

The final winner will be announced at the THE Awards in London on Thursday, November 28th.

International outlook in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings rates each institution on the basis of student diversity and the extent of its global academic collaborations, areas in which the University has been judged to have performed strongly. The ranking of 28th in the world represents a placing of 8th in UK and second in Scotland. 

Overall the University was placed 168th in the world making it the 25th highest ranked UK University and third in Scotland. 

Other highlights of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings include:

  • Citations (13th in UK, 2nd in Scotland)
  • Industry Income (6th in UK, 2nd in Scotland)

Professor Karl Leydecker, Senior Vice-Principal of the University of Aberdeen, said: “The University has a strong tradition of welcoming students from across the world, with a diverse student and staff population covering 130 nationalities. 

“We also enjoy a number of collaborations with leading international universities which is helping to drive our research and teaching activity and enhance our global reputation.

“Central to that is demonstrating how the work of the University positively impacts society and supports responsible consumption and production.

“We are delighted that our efforts promoting international outlook and our contribution to the sustainable development agenda overall have been recognised.”