The University of Manchester has again been recognised as the top university in the UK and Europe, and second in the world, for its social and environmental impact following the publication of the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings
The ranking, which measures universities’ contributions towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), continues to see Manchester as the only institution in the world to consistently rank in the top ten for social and environmental impact since the inception of the Impact Rankings. This year’s ranking evaluated a record 2,152 universities from 125 countries and regions, reflecting a 26% increase from the previous year.
The University of Manchester's remarkable performance is assessed across four key areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. Dr Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at the University, noted that their ranking is based on over 300 pieces of evidence, covering cultural institutions, sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, widening access, research impact, public and civic engagement, external partnerships, innovation, the student experience, and SDG reporting.
Learn more about the University of Manchester's success in the rankings below. If you want to apply to study in the UK at Manchester University, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
How Manchester Ranked 2nd in the World for Social and Environmental Impact
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Achieved the top global ranking for this goal.
- Supported by initiatives such as the Platinum Watermark for Public Engagement, investments in public-facing cultural institutions, the Creative Manchester initiative, sustainable travel commitments, and world-leading research into the effects of air pollution on health.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
- Also ranked first globally for this goal.
- Driven by research from the Manchester Institute for Biotechnology into soil microbial diversity, efforts to enhance and map campus nature, and a strong commitment to sustainable food procurement.
Research Impact and Innovation
- Recognised as a world leader for SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
- Distinguished by the number of patents citing university research, the number of university spin-outs, and the quality of SDG reporting.
Educational Commitment
- Emphasised through initiatives like the School of Health Science’s free Public Health MOOC and the interdisciplinary UCIL course unit on the SDGs.
Study at the University of Manchester
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