Academic Ranking of World Universities 2012

14 August 2012

Commenting on the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities, Russell Group Director General Dr Wendy Piatt, said:

“All league tables have their limitations and students should look beyond them when picking a degree course. But the Shanghai rankings are one of many indicators showing that the UK’s leading universities punch well above their weight and outpace their competitors. 

“Russell Group universities do more with less, outperforming most global rivals relative to expenditure. The UK invests just 0.6% of GDP in higher education: one of the lowest levels in the OECD. We are concerned that our global competitors in the US, East Asia and Europe are pumping billions into higher education – and money really matters. 

“If the UK is to remain a global leader in higher education, the Government must concentrate investment where it will have the most impact: in our world-class research-intensive universities. Our leading universities perform to a gold medal-winning standard, but without proper investment we won’t even make the podium in the future.” 

Notes to editors

1. Nine of the top 100 universities are UK institutions (all are members of the Russell Group); this is second only to the US. http://www.shanghairanking.com
2. The rankings show that although there was only one UK university in the top 50 for investment, there are five in the top 50 for performance.

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