How to Read and Interpret University Rankings

This informative book provides an accessible guide to understanding higher education rankings and the data informing them. Highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, Ellen Boeren illustrates the methodologies behind a variety of leading university league tables including QS, Times Higher Education and ShanghaiRanking. This informative book provides an accessible guide to understanding higher education rankings and the data informing them. Highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, Ellen Boeren illustrates the methodologies behind a variety of leading university league tables including QS, Times Higher Education and ShanghaiRanking. The author provides an in-depth discussion of the underlying data sources used by ranking compilers, presenting guidance on how to critically evaluate this information. She details the different indicators featured in university work, such as research, teaching, internationalisation, employment and industry. Chapters also investigate business school rankings, regional and domestic league tables and new alternative rankings investigating higher education's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals. This book is an essential reference for graduate students and researchers studying higher education, particularly those investigating quality assurance in higher education institutions. It is also an insightful guide for university leaders and administrators, as well as policymakers and rankings followers looking for a unique understanding of higher education data.