Manchester School of Architecture Among Top 5 Globally

Manchester School of Architecture Achieves High Ranking

The Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) has earned a prestigious place in the top five architecture schools globally in the QS World Subject Rankings 2023. A unique collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester, MSA secured the 5th spot in the world and 2nd in the UK, climbing two places since 2022 and an impressive six places since 2021.

QS World University Rankings Overview

The QS World University Rankings, which highlight top-performing universities in 54 individual subject areas, include almost 1,500 institutions from around the world. The rankings are based on subjects, destination and graduate employability, making it easier for prospective students to compare the top universities for architecture globally.

Distinctive Features of MSA

MSA was particularly praised for the ‘unparalleled’ opportunities for collaborative architectural research it offers across the two partner universities. The ‘wide range of interdisciplinary research and teaching interests’ within Manchester School of Art at Manchester Metropolitan University and departments at The University of Manchester also received recognition. Its employer reputation scored a near-perfect 98.4%, maintaining its position at second overall, with citations per research paper hitting an impressive 95%, and an overall score of 89.3%.

MSA’s Reaction to the Ranking

Professor Kevin Singh, Head of Manchester School of Architecture at Manchester Metropolitan University, expressed his delight at their achievement, stating, ‘We are naturally thrilled to have risen in the QS rankings. Securing a top five spot is extra special, especially as it is our highest ever ranking. We are proud to maintain our position at number two in the Employer Reputation category and delighted to have risen to 5th in the Academic Reputation category. This success reflects our ethos as a dual intensive School with both quality teaching and research activity.’

Acknowledging the MSA Team

Professor Singh extended his congratulations to the ‘amazing staff team’ for their achievement, and acknowledged the ‘dedicated and talented students’ for the role they play in MSA’s success and global reputation. Real Contracting Group’s South West Division Files for Administration also contributes to the development of the architectural landscape in the UK.

MSA’s Rich History and Range of Courses

MSA, uniting two schools with over 100 years’ experience and over 100 experts in their architectural fields, is home to more than 1,000 students from over 80 countries. The school is renowned for producing creative, challenging and academically rigorous work and research. It offers a range of professionally recognised undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees.

MSA’s Prestigious Reputation

MSA has built a prestigious reputation following appraisals by professional bodies such as the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB), Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) and The Landscape Institute. It has also gained recognition through a number of externally awarded prizes.

Boost for Manchester Met’s Art and Design

Manchester Metropolitan University’s Art and Design courses also experienced a boost in this year’s QS World Subject Rankings, climbing into the top 100 division for the first time. As the second oldest design school in Britain, Manchester School of Art offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses that are still very much influenced by the specialist needs of the industry.

Maintaining Momentum

With this ranking, Manchester School of Architecture continues to solidify its position as a global leader in architectural education. The commitment to quality teaching, intensive research, and a broad range of interdisciplinary interests is a testament to its dedication to shaping future architects and contributing to the global architectural discourse.

Building a Brighter Future

The success of the Manchester School of Architecture not only reflects the excellence of the institution itself, but also serves as an inspiration for other schools, signalling the immense potential for growth and development in architectural education. As we look to the future, the role of architecture in shaping our world becomes even more significant, and institutions like MSA are leading the way in this important endeavour.