School of Nursing & Midwifery Celebrates New Global Ranking Milestone

1 Apr 2026

A sense of pride filled the Jennings Gallery in Brookfield Health Sciences Complex on 1 April 2026, as the School of Nursing & Midwifery gathered with colleagues, students and University leadership to reflect on an important moment in its development. 

A sense of pride filled the Jennings Gallery in Brookfield Health Sciences Complex on 1 April 2026, as the School of Nursing & Midwifery gathered with colleagues, students and University leadership to reflect on an important moment in its development. The School has been recognised among the top 25 institutions worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. 

The recognition comes at a time of growth for the School, which now supports more than 1,300 students across varied undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. Over the last number of years, the School has gained increasing international visibility, moving from 75th place in 2020 to its new position within the top 25. The ranking draws on measures such as global academic reputation, employer views and research contributions. 

While the celebration acknowledged this external recognition, those present also highlighted the values and collaborative work underpinning the School’s progress. 

In his remarks, Prof. Stephen Byrne, Deputy President and Registrar, spoke about the ethos that shapes the School’s contribution to the University and to healthcare: an emphasis on care delivered with respect, professionalism and humanity. 

“What distinguishes this School is not only the quality of its teaching or the strength of its research, but the ethos that underpins everything you do. Nursing and midwifery are, at their core, about patient care; care delivered with skill, dignity and humanity. This ethos is evident in how the School educates, innovates and leads.” 

Professor Patricia Leahy-Warren, Dean of the School, reflected on the people who drive its success—staff who support students and scholarship, clinical partners who ensure teaching remains closely connected to practice, and students whose commitment strengthens the School’s reputation nationally and internationally. 

“While rankings are important, what matters most is what they represent. They reflect the quality of our teaching, the strength of our research, the value of our partnerships, and above all, they reflect our people. They represent colleagues who go above and beyond for students, clinical partners who ensure our teaching is rooted in real-world practice, and students, past and present, who bring skill, compassion, and professionalism into the world.” 

The occasion served as an opportunity to thank the School’s national and international collaborators for their partnership and support, which continue to play an important role in its development. 

Reaching 25th place marks a significant milestone, but the celebration looked beyond the ranking itself. It recognised a shared commitment to learning, collaboration and contribution, qualities that will guide the School as it continues to expand its impact on the global stage.