Located in the Scottish town of Paisley, we find the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). This institution also owns and operates three other secondary campuses in Ayr, Blantyre and Dumfries. Paisley campus is attended by a medium-sized student population of roughly 10,000 and provides the opportunity to study a selection of programmes related to Nursing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business, and Computing.
Latest ranking updates for University of the West of Scotland
- 27 Sep, 2023: Publication of THE World University Rankings. Ranking position #601.
- 09 Sep, 2023: The Guardian University League Tables by Subject (Business and Management) update. University of the West of Scotland achieves place 89.
- 09 Sep, 2023: Publication of The Guardian League Table. Ranking position #119.
- 31 Jul, 2023: Publication of Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities. Ranking position #1284.
University rankings
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-
- #14
- #122
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The Times Good University Guide
[Published 16 September, 2022]
-
-
- #14
- #119
-
The Guardian League Table
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #14
- #128
-
CUG The Complete University Guide
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #10
- #601
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THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
-
-
- #7
- #501
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US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 October, 2022]
-
-
- #11
- #868
-
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2023]
-
-
- #10
- #1686
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CWUR Center for World University Rankings
[Published 25 April, 2022]
-
-
- #3
- #151
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THE Young University Rankings
[Published 03 July, 2023]
-
-
- #11
- #1782
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URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance
[Published 28 November, 2022]
-
-
- #10
- #329
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StuDocu World University Ranking - EMEA - Europe, the Middle East and Africa
[Published 06 September, 2021]
-
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- #11
- #1284
-
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]
-
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- #8
- #201
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THE World University Impact Rankings - Overall
[Published 01 June, 2023]
-
-
- #11
- #898
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THE China Subject Ratings Overall
[Published 11 May, 2022]
Historic rankings in TOP global university rankings
Subject rankings
Arts Visual & Performing
-
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- #7
- #83
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- Drama, Dance & Cinematics
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #6
- #78
-
- Music
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #7
- #81
-
- Music
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
Business
-
-
- #10
- #89
-
- Accounting and Finance
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #12
- #100
-
- Accounting and Finance
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #15
- #115
-
- Business & Management Studies
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #10
- #401
-
- Business and Economics
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THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 26 October, 2022]
-
-
- #8
- #88
-
- Marketing
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
Computer Science
-
-
- #13
- #100
-
- Computer Science
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
Education
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- #
- #28
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- Education
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #4
- #44
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- Education
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #8
- #301
-
- Education
-
THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 26 October, 2022]
Engineering
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-
- #2
- #30
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- Aerospace Engineering
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The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #5
- #34
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- Chemical Engineering
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #8
- #44
-
- Civil Engineering
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #9
- #51
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- Civil Engineering
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #6
- #251
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- Engineering
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THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 26 October, 2022]
-
-
- #4
- #31
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- General Engineering
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #6
- #41
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- Mechanical Engineering
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
Journalism & Media Studies
-
-
- #8
- #92
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- Communication & Media Studies
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
Law
-
-
- #11
- #104
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- Law
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #11
- #107
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- Law
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
Medicine & Health
-
-
- #10
- #78
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- Nursing
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
Natural Sciences
-
-
- #11
- #87
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- Biological Sciences
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #9
- #42
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- Biology
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The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #6
- #301
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- Physical Sciences
-
THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 26 October, 2022]
Social Studies & Humanities
-
-
- #7
- #62
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- Politics
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The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #8
- #65
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- Politics
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #10
- #68
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- Psychology
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The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #12
- #92
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- Psychology
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #5
- #36
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- Social Policy
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
-
- #11
- #601
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- Social Sciences
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THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 26 October, 2022]
-
-
- #6
- #47
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- Social Work
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The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #6
- #70
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- Social Work
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
Sports Science
-
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- #8
- #64
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- Sports Science
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
-
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- #10
- #86
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- Sports Science
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The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
Highest subject rankings for University of the West of Scotland
Education
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#28
Education
Aerospace Engineering
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#30
Engineering
Social Policy
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#36
Social Studies & Humanities
Biology
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#42
Natural Sciences
Sports Science
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#64
Sports Science
Music
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#78
Arts Visual & Performing
Nursing
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#78
Medicine & Health
Marketing
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#88
Business
Communication & Media Studies
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#92
Journalism & Media Studies
Computer Science
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#100
Computer Science
Student Reviews for University of the West of Scotland
- Student satisfaction:
- 3.8 (based on 17 student reviews)
“UWS is smaller than some of the more obvious university options in Scotland, but I like that because it gives you better access to your teachers than you could hope to have in a bigger university with three times as many students. I would have no hesitation recommending my Events Management BA.”
“I’ve been working towards becoming a nurse with UWS, and it’s been great so far. The simulation wards provide some of the practical experience that you need to gain some confidence as a medical professional, and the professors are patient and helpful with me and my peers.”
About University of the West of Scotland
PROS
- There are three accommodation options for Paisley campus, in either Storie Street, George Street, or Lady Lane. The latter two residence halls are the more affordable of all the options, with housing options starting from £97 per week.
- While mandatory work experience requirements are in place, alumni express that the university’s support systems are helpful in negotiating the reimbursement of any travel costs. This means that the student will not spend their own money by working.
- Small class sizes across the majority of programmes, improving students’ access to their professors.
CONS
- The completion of a work -placement period is a requirement for most programmes, but students report that the university is not always able to find work placements for those enrolled, meaning that these students cannot complete their course on time.
- During the busiest hours, it’s usually difficult to find a study space with a computer. Current students recommend that new students bring their own laptop.
Key facts
- Foundation year:
- 1897
- Telephone:
- +44 141 848 3000
- Address:
-
- High Street
- PA1 2BE, Paisley
- Scotland
- Website:
- https://www.uws.ac.uk/
- Social:
TOP 10 Best rated degree courses of University of the West of Scotland
| Course | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business Technology - BSc | 100/100 (9 student reviews) |
| 2 | Chemistry - BSc | 100/100 (10 student reviews) |
| 3 | Integrated Health & Social Care (2nd year entry) - BA | 96/100 (23 student reviews) |
| 4 | Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investigation - BSc | 91/100 (8 student reviews) |
| 5 | Applied Bioscience & Zoology - BSc | 91/100 (38 student reviews) |
| 6 | Community Education - BA | 88/100 (12 student reviews) |
| 7 | Law - BA | 88/100 (29 student reviews) |
| 8 | Music Technology - BA | 88/100 (12 student reviews) |
| 9 | Computer Games Development - BSc | 86/100 (36 student reviews) |
| 10 | Computer Animation Arts - BSc | 86/100 (24 student reviews) |
Source: Own analysis based on data of National Student Survey (NSS) 2022
TOP 10 highest earning degree courses of University of the West of Scotland
| Course | Median Salary (15 months after graduation) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Community Education - BA | £33,000.00 |
| 2 | Social Work - BA | £33,000.00 |
| 3 | Mathematics with Education - BSc | £32,000.00 |
| 4 | Chemistry with Education - BSc | £32,000.00 |
| 5 | Education - BA | £32,000.00 |
| 6 | Physics with Education - BSc | £32,000.00 |
| 7 | Integrated Health & Social Care (2nd year entry) - BA | £27,500.00 |
| 8 | Music Technology - BA | £25,000.00 |
| 9 | Criminal Justice / Criminal Justice (Policing) - BA | £25,000.00 |
| 10 | Aircraft Engineering - MEng | £25,000.00 |
NSS Aggregate Student reviews
Below you see the results of University of the West of Scotland for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK universities.
Overall student satisfaction
73
/100
1521 total respondents
Source: National
Student Survey NSS 2022
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students
THE Student Experience Survey by Times Higher Education
Times Higher Education has surveyed 20251 undergraduate students in the UK about their study experience. 85 students of University of the West of Scotland participated in the survey.
Below you'll find the results for each of the survey questions for University of the West of Scotland in comparison to the average for all UK universities.
Overall score: 66.5
Data is from 2018 which was the last year for which the survey was published. Survey was discontinued after 2018. Details of Methodology
Campuses of University of the West of Scotland
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FAQ
University of the West of Scotland ranks #13 in Scotland in our meta ranking of 112 university rankings. See rankings of all 20 universities in Scotland.
University of the West of Scotland ranks #1 in Paisley in our meta ranking.
University of the West of Scotland is listed in The Times Good University Guide, The Guardian League Table, CUG The Complete University Guide, THE World University Rankings, US News: Best Global Universities, Scimago Institutions Rankings and more. See all 17 rankings of University of the West of Scotland.
University of the West of Scotland achieved #119 in The Guardian League Table. This is the university’s highest ranking in the 112 rankings tracked on our website. See all rankings for University of the West of Scotland.
University of the West of Scotland achieved the highest ranking for Natural Sciences. It is ranked #9 in The Guardian University League Tables by Subject (Zoology). See all subject rankings for University of the West of Scotland.
A large number of university rankings include surveys among academics on reputation. In our meta ranking of 112 university rankings University of the West of Scotland ranks #1 among universities in Paisley and #13 among universities in Scotland. See all rankings of University of the West of Scotland.
In our meta ranking University of the West of Scotland ranks #13 among all universities in Scotland and The University of Edinburgh ranks #1. Apart from rankings you may also want to see the ratings from students who attended the universities.
Ranking publishers
The Times/CAO, HEA
The Times and The Sunday Times
- Published:
- 16 September, 2022
The Guardian News and Media Limited
- Published:
- 09 September, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -The Guardian League Table:
- Student to Staff Ratio: 15%
Entry Standards: 15%
Expenditure per Student: 5%
Continuation 15% (non-medical subjects) OR 5% (medical subjects)
NSS - Teaching: 8%
NSS - Assessment & Feedback: 8%
NSS - Overall Satisfaction: 4%
Career Prospects: 15%
Value added: 15%
- Published:
- 09 September, 2023
The University League Tables
- Published:
- 08 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -CUG The Complete University Guide:
- Entry Standards 12.5%
Student Satisfaction 18.75%
Student-Staff Ratio 12.5%
Research Quality 12.5%
Research Intensity 6.25%
Academic Service Spending 6.25%
Facilities Spending 6.25%
Graduate Prospects 12.5%
Degree Completion Rate 12.5%
- Published:
- 08 June, 2023
Rogers Digital Media
U-Ranking
Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK
RUY
América Economía
Perspektywy
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Published:
- 27 September, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:
- 30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
- Reputation survey: 15%
- Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
- Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
- Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
- Institutional income: 2.25%
30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
- Reputation survey: 18%
- Research income: 6%
- Research productivity: 6%
30% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
- Proportion of international students: 2.5%
- Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
- International collaboration: 2.5%
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"
- Published:
- 23 November, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:
- Employability (survey) 100%
- Published:
- 26 October, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings by Subject:
- 37.4% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
37.6% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
15% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)
- Published:
- 16 November, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:
- Research Reputation 66,6%
Teaching Reputation 33,3%
- Published:
- 25 January, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:
- Proportion of international students 25%
Proportion of international staff 25%
Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25%
University’s international reputation 25%
- Published:
- 03 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Young University Rankings:
- Teaching 30%
Research (volume, income and reputation) 30%
Citations 30%
International outlook (staff, students, research) 7.5%
Industry income (knowledge transfer) 2.5%
- Published:
- 01 June, 2023
- Published:
- 10 May, 2022
- Published:
- 11 May, 2022
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Published:
- 27 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
- Academic Reputation 40%
Employer Reputation 10%
Faculty/Student Ratio 20%
Citations per faculty 20%
International Faculty Ratio 5%
International Student Ratio 5%
- Published:
- 23 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:
- Employer reputation 30%
Alumni outcomes 25%
Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25%
Employer/Student Connections 10%
Graduate employment rate 10%
- Published:
- 26 October, 2022
RUF
Sapiens Research
Thomson Reuters
- Published:
- 30 April, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Reuters Most Innovative Universities Europe:
- Patent volume 11.11%
Patent success 11.11%
Global patents 11.11%
Patent citations 11.11%
Percent of patents cited / Patent citation impact 11.11%
Patent to Article Citation Impact 11.11%
Industry Article Citation Impact 11.11%
Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11.11%
Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11.11%
National Institutional Ranking Framework
Careers360
Us News
- Published:
- 24 October, 2022
Urap
- Published:
- 28 November, 2022
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Published:
- 15 August, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
- **Quality of Education 10%**
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
**Quality of Faculty 40%**
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
**Research Output 40%**
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
**Per Capita Performance 10%**
Forbes
Payscale
Washington Monthly
Kiplinger
The Princeton Review
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Published:
- 22 June, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
- Scientific Impact
Number of Publications
Collaboration
Open Access
Gender Diversity
Scimago Institutions
- Published:
- 06 March, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:
- Research 50%
Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Published:
- 25 April, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
- **Research Performance: 40%**
- Research Output: 10%
- High-Quality Publications: 10%
- Influence: 10%
- Citations: 10%
**Quality of Education: 25%**
**Alumni Employment: 25%**
**Quality of Faculty: 10%**
MONEY
Nature Index
- Published:
- 15 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:
- Article count (AC)
Fractional count (FC)
Weighted fractional count (WFC)
NTU ranking
- Published:
- 11 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
- **Research Productivity: 25%**
- \# Articles last 11 years: 10%
- \# Articles current year: 15%
**Research Impact: 35%**
- \# Citations last 11 years: 15%
- \# Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average \# citations last 11 years: 10%
**Research Excellence: 40%**
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- \# Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- \# Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:
- **Teaching: 40%**
- Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- World Teaching Reputation: 8%
**Research: 40%**
- Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
- Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
- Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- World Research Reputation: 8%
**International Diversity: 10%**
- International Faculty: 2%
- International Students: 2%
- International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
- Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
- International Level: 2%
**Financial Sustainability: 10%**
- Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
- Institutional Income per Student: 2%
- Papers per Research Income: 2%
- Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
- Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:
- Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20%
Citation per papers 20%
Papers per academic and research staff 20%
International research reputation 20%
Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:
- Teaching Reputation 50%
Research Reputation 50%
StuDocu
- Published:
- 06 September, 2021
4icu
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
Webometrics
- Published:
- 31 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
- Visibility 50%
Excellence 35%
Transparency 10%
Presence 5%
