Our reputation

Our achievements

• 87.5% of the School’s submitted research outputs “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• 8^th in the UK for communication and media studies (Complete University Guide 2026)

World rankings

• 33^rd in the world for communication and media studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
• 54^th in the world for arts and humanities (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
• A world top 100 university (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• 69^th in the world for arts and humanities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024)

University awards

• The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 identified that 90% of the University of Leeds’ research has a quality rating of “world-leading” or "internationally excellent”

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

According to the Research Excellence Framework 2021:

• 85% submitted research environment rated at 4*
• 87.5% of our submitted research outputs are rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

The quality of our research and the funding it attracts means we’re able to invest in world-class facilities and academic staff who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research. As a result, our students will be taught by internationally renowned, inspirational academics working at the forefront of their fields.