25 March 2026
Key subject areas at the University of Reading have been featured among the top universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, published today [25 March].
The University is ranked in subject tables across a broad range of disciplines, with six subject areas in the global top 100: Agriculture and Forestry (19), Earth and Marine Sciences (43), Archaeology, Development Studies, Marketing, and English Language and Literature.
In total, 1,908 institutions around the world were ranked by subject area in this year’s league table.
In the UK, Reading retains its position as the top-ranked institution for Agriculture. Marketing makes a strong debut at joint 9 in the UK, while Earth and Marine Sciences is ranked at 10.
Other notable UK positions include joint 11 for Linguistics, joint 12 for Archaeology, joint 15 for Development Studies and Architecture/Built Environment, 17 for Environmental Sciences, and joint 18 for both Accounting and Finance and Economics and Econometrics.
In the broad subject level rankings, Reading's performance includes:
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "These results demonstrate Reading's continued commitment to excellence across a wide range of disciplines, and the talent and hard work of our staff and students, who continue to make Reading a place where those with high ambitions can thrive.”
Other subjects featured in the world's top 150 include:
The QS World University Rankings by Subject is based on measures of academic reputation, the employability of graduates as rated by major employers, and citations for published research.
Find out more about the University of Reading's placement in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2027/28 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2026/27 courses.
