Two subject areas at Loughborough University – Communication and Media Studies, and Art and Design – have been ranked in the top 50 in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, published today (29 April).

Art and Design, which is offered through the School of the Arts and Loughborough Design School, was ranked 40th in the international league table. Communication and Media Studies, which is offered through the Department of Social Sciences, was ranked 43rd.

Two further subject areas at Loughborough – Engineering (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing) and Geography – were ranked within the top 100 globally.

The QS World University Rankings by Subject highlight the world’s top universities in a range of subjects. Published annually since 2011, the rankings are based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact. More than 3,500 universities worldwide were evaluated for the 2015 QS World University Subjects Rankings.

Professor Alison Yarrington, Dean of the School of the Arts, English and Drama, and Professor Tracy Bhamra, Dean of Loughborough Design School, said: “We are absolutely delighted with our latest world ranking. This high placing confirms our strong position in the fields of art and design globally and is testament to the expertise and high quality experience we provide across the Design School and the School of the Arts, English and Drama at Loughborough."

Professor Jonathan Potter, Dean of the School of Social, Political and Geographical Sciences, added: "Our recent rankings in the Complete University Guide, where we were rated 2nd in the UK, in the Research Excellence Framework, in which we ranked 2nd in the UK in terms of intensity, and now the QS World University Rankings by Subject confirm Loughborough University's significant place in Social Science and Communication.”