UCC enjoys strong showing in the new QS Europe University Rankings

20 Sep 2023

• UCC ranks 109 in QS’s inaugural Europe University Rankings. The ranking examines 690 universities across 42 locations.

• UCC is ranked 21^st in Europe for the advancement of sustainability and 57^th and 58^th respectively in relation to international staff and outbound exchange opportunities for students.

• UCC strong performance across the twelve indicators used to rank the universities with particular strengths for sustainability and global engagement.

University College Cork (UCC) has once again performed strongly against peer universities in the latest set of university rankings from QS.  This comes on the back of a 11-place improvement in the World University Rankings in June.

The 2023/2024 QS Europe University Rankings (inaugural edition), released today by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) sees UCC placed 109 in Europe, which spans the Council of Europe countries.  

QS rated UCC highly across the board, with particular strengths for sustainability and global engagement. UCC is ranked at 21 in Europe for the advancement of sustainability and 57th and 58th respectively for international faculty and outbound exchange opportunities for students within this independent assessment. UCC is first in Ireland for sustainability and outbound student exchange opportunities.

The ranking examines the universities against 12 indicators relating to the areas of Research & Discovery, Employability & Outcomes, Learning Experience, Global Engagement & Sustainability.  It assessed universities across 42 locations.

UCC President Prof. John O’Halloran welcomed UCC’s showing in the rankings, stating:

“I am very pleased that the ongoing excellent work of our students,  staff and alumni , continues to come through in the various ranking assessments. It is particularly heartening that our work in the field of sustainability continues to be acknowledged independently as sector-leading.”

UCC’s newly appointed Vice President Global Engagement Prof. Ursula Kilkelly also greeted the latest ranking assessment.

“UCC offers an enriched learning experience full of opportunity. It is encouraging that the global community at UCC and the global impact from UCC are reflected well within this assessment.”

UCC Associate Vice-President of Sustainability Prof. Brian Ó Gallachóir was reflected on UCC’s performance in sustainability:

“It’s heartening to see UCC ranked 1st in Ireland and 21st in Europe for the advancement of sustainability. As we strive to progress further, and deliver on our ambitious new Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, it is very encouraging to see our leadership acknowledged in this way.”