World University rankings hat trick for Royal Veterinary College

Its 2023 success is also the fourth time in five years that it has topped the entries for veterinary science.

President and Principal Professor Stuart Reid said: “Once again, I am delighted with this outcome, in what is a collaborative but competitive environment. Working with our peers is a privilege and to be judged first amongst equals is an honour to which we aspire and, as always, one which we value greatly.”

Additionally, RVC maintained its 100 score for Academic Reputation for the seventh consecutive time, while its H-index (Hirsch) for the productivity and impact of its published work increased to 97.2. Its citations and employer reputation scores were 99.4 and 76.1 respectively. 

QS 2023 rankings were determined by first analysing more than 16.4 million unique papers published between 2016-2020, and nearly 117.8 million citations for 2016-2021. In all, 1,597 institutions were ranked across 54 subjects, amounting to more than 18,300 ranked entries. 

Criteria encompassing Academic Reputation, Research Impact, number of Citations, Employer Reputation and the H-index are then applied to the results.

RVC offers internationally recognised degrees in veterinary medicine and nursing at undergraduate and postgraduate level. It boasts has 1,501 students in veterinary science, including the BVSC with Aberystwyth University, with 198 students on Veterinary Nursing pathways, including the new Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Medicine. 

In addition to the impact measured by QS, the RVC's research and teaching of Veterinary Science conducted in its hospitals also helps bolster its clinical excellence. This includes world-leading diagnostics and treatments for small animals, equine, farm and exotic animals - with its first-opinion and specialist referral services providing internationally renowned care.

The college’s research portfolio was defined as internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.