Bournemouth University (BU) has strengthened its global research profile in the latest QS World University Rankings, while maintaining its overall position in the top 10% of universities worldwide.
BU has climbed 89 places in the 2027 International Research Network measure (from 418th to 329th place in the world), in recognition of the scale, diversity and impact of its global research collaborations.
BU also outperforms global averages for the diversity of its people, with nearly a third of academic staff (31.7%) being international, compared to a global median of 9.4%. Overall, the university retains its position in the top 10% of universities in the world, being ranked in the 801-850 band.
The strong performance aligns with BU’s subject-level achievements, highlighted in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2026. The university has five subjects ranked globally, including Hospitality & Leisure Management, ranked 30th in the world, alongside top 200 placements in Communication & Media Studies, and Archaeology.
Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Bournemouth University, said: "These results highlight the growing strength of our international research partnerships, which are helping to tackle some of our biggest global challenges, from healthy ageing to environmental protection and cyber security.
“Our significant rise in the International Research Network measure reflects the dedication of our academic community to building impactful global collaborations and our progress against our strategic aim of connecting Bournemouth University to the world. Maintaining our place in the top 10% of universities globally is a clear sign of the quality and relevance of our research, education and international outlook."
Other areas of progress in the 2027 QS World University Rankings include:
Citations per faculty rising to 591st globally and 51st in the UK
Continued presence in the global top 600 for both citations and international students
