The University of Essex’s place in the top 2% of universities in the world was reinforced by the release of the QS World Rankings today showing Essex is one of the most international universities in the UK.

Essex has risen 67 places to 303rd in the world according to the independently scrutinised and IREG approved QS analysis.

The QS World Rankings also recognised Essex’s position as a leading global university for the social sciences and management, and the humanities. Essex was ranked in the top 150 universities for the social sciences and in the top 250 for the arts and humanities. Essex was also in the top 300 for citations.

The QS statistics show Essex successfully attracts top students and academics from around the world with Essex ranked the 5th most international university in the UK for staff and the 11th most international student body.

Executive Dean for Social Sciences at Essex, Professor Roger Hawkins, said: “The placing of Essex Social Sciences in the QS World University Rankings is testimony to the global reach of the ground-breaking work that is being undertaken here. Much of our success in teaching and research is founded on an international community of staff and students who seek solutions to a whole range of problems that affect people around the world.”

Christine Anastasiou, VP International at the Students' Union, said: “Essex has proven itself time after time for being one of the most radical universities in the UK. Today Essex has become an international university, but now continues to make history by challenging the world.

"The family of the Students' Union and the University has proven Essex can inspire others to change the future across the world. We will maintain our endeavors to send graduates out into the world inspired by the Essex spirit.”

The QS rankings assess the world’s leading universities and rank them according to their reputation amongst employers and businesses, research citations, proportion of international staff and proportion of international students