On 22 March, the QS World University Rankings by Subject will be released.
This year’s edition features six new subjects, bringing the total to 42 – the largest ranking of its size the world over.
The subjects added to the list are:
- Archaeology
- Anthropology
- Social policy & administration
- Mineral & mining engineering
- Performing arts
- Nursing
In anticipation, here’s a quick look at the significance of the newly ranked subjects:
Archaeology
Archaeology has a stuffy, antiquated reputation which it has struggled to shed despite the popularity of certain film franchises (Indiana Jones, anyone?).
For many years it’s been a perpetual underachiever, failing to attract people at the same level which history or even classics degrees do.
But archaeology is a relevant and necessary discipline; without it most of our historical knowledge would have little factual basis. Indeed, King Richard III would probably still be buried underneath a car park, rather than beneath Leicester Cathedral (it should be York Minster, but that’s beside the point).
Many people hold a view of archaeology which doesn’t necessarily mirror the reality of the degree – a view which is reinforced by the lack of information and study opportunities offered at earlier levels of study. Hopefully, its inclusion in the QS World University Rankings by Subject will have a positive effect on this undervalued subject.
Anthropology
Anthropology is another degree which is all too often overlooked in favour of more recognisable subjects. Much of its appeal, however, comes from the wide range of subjects it touches upon.
Anthropologist Eric Wolf described anthropology as, “The most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences.”
It’s the mixture of history, sociology and biology that forms such an interesting course of study. The discipline focuses on researching humanity, through the biological elements of evolution and the social elements of politics, culture and linguistics. For people interested in why the world is structured in the way it is, anthropology is the subject to study.
Despite the relatively low number of students who progress to postgraduate courses, the analytical and research skills the degree provides are useful for a number of different careers, including those as apparently unrelated as newsroom jobs.
Social policy and administration
Social policy degrees cover a range of topics broadly centred on social and economic issues and how they’re tackled by the government.
Areas studied include poverty, inequality, crime, unemployment, healthcare, education and housing. Students assess the policies which attempt to offer solutions to the problems.
Social policy was always an important aspect of social science, but it gathered traction in the 1940s after the creation of the welfare state. The degree draws on theoretical ideas from sociology, political science, economics et al, and studies how they can be used to tackle real-world issues.
Considering current political climates around the world, it’s no surprise that the number of people choosing this all-encompassing subject is growing.
Mineral and mining engineering
Mineral and mining engineering is the study of the practice of extracting minerals. It’s one of the oldest industries, and it’s essential for basically everything in the modern world.
With the population of the world set to double in the next 40 years, the need for minerals is only going to grow.
Because finding minerals is becoming more difficult, the need for experts who can find and figure out ways of extracting them, with the least amount of damage, will continue to increase.
When the industry contracted in the 80s and 90s (both in the UK and internationally), universities stopped running as many related courses. The following shortfall in graduates resulted in a surge in demand and we’re now seeing a rise in numbers once again.
Performing arts
Performance arts degrees are a late addition to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, considering their consistent popularity. Part of the challenge involved in introducing a performing arts ranking relates to the range of vastly different courses on offer.
Some degrees consist of primarily practical sessions, while others are predominantly theoretical.
And then there’s the issue of what the course is itself about; performing arts degrees can cover everything from acting to singing, to clown studies. Guildhall School of Music and Drama, for example, runs a performing arts degree which includes beatboxing and performance poetry.
For this new ranking, it was decided to focus on institutions which offer performing arts with a predominantly practical focus, which also allow students to gain a full degree qualification.
Nursing
Since 2009, when the UK’s minister for health announced that all nurses should have degrees, the number of UK students choosing a nursing degree has risen rapidly.
At the same time, other methods of accessing a nursing career, such as apprenticeships, have decreased, with applications for nursing diplomas down by around 37% in 2013.
The difference between nursing diplomas and nursing degrees lies in the depth and level of study. Degrees are typically more comprehensive, more academically intensive and have higher entry requirements.
Last December, health minister Ben Gummer announced a new route into the profession, that of “nursing associates”. In contrast with the earlier policy, the “nursing support role” would enable trainees to work with fully qualified nurses and learn on the job.
This apprenticeship would lead to a foundation degree and possibly even a full nursing degree or a shortened nursing degree taken at a university.
We’re yet to see what effect this, coupled with the scrapping of bursaries for student nurses, will have on steady rise in the UK’s nursing degree graduates.
Stay tuned for the release of the latest rankings next week, on 22 March! In the meantime why not read our blog exploring how students use university rankings?
