University’s growing global reach underlined by first appearance in crucial world rankings

University of Gloucestershire’s growing global reach has been further underlined by its first appearance in the latest QS World University Rankings: Sustainability and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The QS World University Rankings provide authoritative and independent evaluations of the highest-performing universities across different category areas, to help support students in their decision-making and drive improvements in institutional performance.

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability framework highlights the different ways in which universities are taking decisive action to tackle and find effective solutions to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. Addressing these issues supports the University’s strategy and values.

University of Gloucestershire was ranked in the 771-780 group overall out of the 1,403 universities worldwide that submitted data and were eligible to be included.

The University, which is committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2030, was ranked in the top 300 in the world in the Environmental Sustainability category, which assesses an institution’s strategy and operations towards an environmentally sustainable future.

Measures to tackle environmental issues include its decision in 2019 to become the first university to replace its printed prospectus with the UK’s first digital-only undergraduate prospectus, featuring fully accessible and interactive online content, which won a Gold Award at the 2021 Heist Awards.

The University’s debut in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024 follows another major boost to the University’s international profile after it appeared in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the first time, featuring among the top 1,000 out of nearly 2,000 universities across 108 countries and regions.

The world rankings provide more evidence of the University’s growing global reputation and reach, highlighted by nearly 800 international students enrolling in September – a 25% year-on-year increase. It is estimated that international students have boosted the Gloucestershire economy by an annual £201.9 million.

Partnerships across the world

The University has developed successful partnerships with a number of universities across the world, including the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (UEF) in Viet Nam with which it recently signed a new 15-year partnership.

Dr Matthew Andrews, Pro Vice-Chancellor Governance and Student Affairs and the University’s lead for internationalisation, said: “Our inclusion for the first time in both the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability and Times Higher Education World University Rankings is an excellent sign of the progress we are making in developing our international reach and global reputation.

“We’re delighted that the steps we’re taking to become carbon net zero by 2030 have been recognised with our top-300 position for Environmental Sustainability in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, alongside being among the top 1,000 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

“We’re extremely proud of our reputation as sustainability pioneers and the role we play in welcoming increasing numbers of international students, who provide a rich, cultural diversity that has a positive impact and brings huge benefits to our University community and our region.”

Main image: International students at a celebration event at the University