UK higher education institutions lead the world

League tables ranking the world’s top universities have placed the Royal College of Art in first place for art and design. Its position is based on an analysis of 900 universities, taking into account their academic reputation, research impact and reputation among employers. 

Described as “the world’s most influential postgraduate art and design school”, the College is one of only two UK institutions to appear in the top ten for art and design, the other being the University of the Arts, London. With the exception of Politecnico di Milano, the other universities are all in the United States, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Parsons School of Design at The New School, and Rhode Island School of Design.

In the Performing Arts, while New York’s Julliard School retained its number one position, UK institutions took the next three slots, with the Royal College of Music in second place. The Royal Academy of Music tied for third place with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, formerly the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, which is up three places from last year.

Professor Nick Kuenssberg, Chairman of the Royal Conservatoire, said: “Principal Jeffrey Sharkey and our team already lead the way in higher education in Scotland for the employability of graduates and their commitment to widening access so I’m thrilled to see their dedication and innovation rightly recognised as global leaders in the field of performing arts education… This is a proud day for Scotland.”