UCD has dropped 15 places, down to 139th, in the latest findings of the QS World University Rankings, which was published last week. The result reflects a downward trend for Irish third level institutions when placed on the international stage.
The rankings shone a more positive light on UCD in the ranking of citation per faculty, an area which is indicative of the impact of research carried out in the University. In this regard UCD has risen to 201 in the world with Trinity College Dublin (TCD) trailing closely at 203.
The research capabilities of UCD will be of lesser concern to the student body than the student faculty ratio, which scored 2.3 points lower compared to last year.
Commenting on the findings of the survey, Professor Andrew Deeks, President of UCD, stated that “the fall has been flagged for some time and demonstrates the urgent need for a new funding model.” Dr Michael Murphy, who presides over University College Cork (UCC), also made similar comments, saying that is “remarkable that all Irish universities are in the top 3-4% of universities globally – in the top 500 of the 16,000.”
The lack of funding for Irish universities, which the survey highlights, is compounded by a steadily rising number of students entering third level education each year. TCD and UCC were amongst those who dropped places in the rankings, with Ulster’s third level institutions faring no better.
Words by Conor Nealon, Sports Writer
