QS Rankings place Essex amongst top universities for sociology again

The latest QS World University Rankings by Subject place the University of Essex in the top 100 for sociology.

Essex is ranked joint 72nd for sociology and also ranked in the top 150 for politics and international studies, philosophy and social policy and administration. It was also ranked in the top 200 for accounting and finance, linguistics and economics and econometrics.

The 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, released today by global higher education analyst QS Quacquarelli Symonds, provides independent comparative analysis on the performance of more than 18,300 individual university programmes, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities in 100 locations around the world, across 55 academic disciplines.

Head of our Department of Sociology and Criminology, Professor Linsey McGoey, said: “We’re delighted to see we’ve risen in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. The results are testament to our highly-cited, cutting-edge research and the successful impact of our research-led teaching where student opportunities are strongly prioritized, including through summer school grants, internship opportunities, and student-led seminar activities. We are so proud of our dedicated staff and passionate students.”

Praising her experience studying in the Department of Sociology and Criminology, third year student Sydney Tartaglio added: “I felt welcomed immediately as you can really tell how much the lecturers care about both the subjects they research and the students. I love how the class material utilises the most current research and ideas, which makes it super engaging and relevant. I have been able to pursue so many cool opportunities through the department, which have only added to my experience as a whole.”

She is now planning on doing a Masters, with the hope of continuing to a PhD after that.

“This department helped me realise what my dreams are and have supported me the entire way and will continue to do so even when I leave,” she added.

Second year sociology student Sama Elamin added: "I really value studying in this department because of the passion in the teaching, you can genuinely tell they enjoy expanding our knowledge and encouraging us to think sociologically. In the department, support also goes beyond the classroom, providing valuable guidance on career planning to help us explore the future." 

For broad subject areas Essex is ranked joint 302nd for social sciences and management, and 401st to 450th for art and humanities.

The full rankings for Essex:

Politics & International Studies – 101-150

Sociology – joint 72nd

Economics & Econometrics – joint 189th

Philosophy - 101-150

Social Policy & Administration - 101-150

Accounting & Finance - 151-200

Linguistics - 151-200

Law - 251-300

English Language & Literature - 201-250

Psychology – 251-300

Computer Science & Information Systems - 401-450

Business & Management Studies - 451-500

Medicine - 701-850

Mathematics –501-600