British Council response to THE World Reputation Rankings

Thursday 12 March 2015

The Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2015 were published today at www.thewur.com

Gordon Slaven, the British Council’s Head of Higher Education, commented:

“The growing strength of the UK in these World Reputation Rankings is positive for the whole UK sector. The UK benefits from outstanding heritage in higher education. This provides us with the means to create an outstanding future, through attracting the most talented students and researchers from around the world to the UK, and our institutions playing a key role in international partnerships that tackle global challenges.

“However, reputations can take years to establish and hours to damage, so it’s vital that the UK Government, education sector and industry continue to work together to support all of our institutions in creating excellence and demonstrating that to the world.”

Focussing on the importance of the rankings for the Americas region, John Bramwell, the British Council’s Director of Education and Society in the Americas, commented:

“It is interesting to note that beyond the top levels of reputation the global picture is changing. The US hold on reputation is declining and whilst the UK is holding its position and many universities improving, there are now new entries from rapidly developing nations appearing.

“It is perhaps unsurprising that UNAM in Mexico and USP in Brazil are now making an appearance. Both universities have heavily invested in internationalisation, international research connection and high levels of joint partnership working – all of which has resulted in a stronger international standing and respect.

“UNAM signed an MoU with Kings College London during the President of Mexico’s recent state visit. We might expect to see more such collaborative agreements with developing nations’ strong universities, and more international academic strength being recognised in the coming years.” Mr Bramwell added.

Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Tim Sowula, Senior Press Officer at tim.sowula@britishcouncil.org

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We work in more than 100 countries and our 8,000 staff – including 2,000 teachers – work with thousands of professionals and policy makers and millions of young people every year by teaching English, sharing the arts and delivering education and society programmes.

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