Three subject areas at Lancaster University in Lancashire have been named among the global top 100 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Education Studies is placed 42nd in the world, Arts & Humanities is 61st and Business & Economics is 90th.
The THE World University Rankings by Subject publish field-specific tables using a range of indicators weighted for each discipline, covering teaching, research quality and volume, citations, international outlook and industry income. The subject tables therefore assess how well departments teach, the quality and impact of their research and their international engagement.
The news is significant for the local community because Lancaster delivers Lancaster‑awarded degrees through partner further education colleges such as Blackburn College and Blackpool and The Fylde College, allowing students to study for Lancaster‑validated degrees locally.
The high subject rankings arrive as the university welcomes a new leader: Professor Steve Decent, who took up the role of Vice‑Chancellor on 1 January 2026. It also follows Lancaster being named “University of the Year in the Northwest” by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
University leaders say the subject results demonstrate the strength of Lancaster’s provision across the region and that success in areas such as Business & Economics should help local employers recruit highly skilled graduates for the North West’s growing industries.
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