Ranking, reputation and history
The University of Sheffield has a global reputation for its exceptional teaching, impactful research, international outlook and outstanding student experience.
Our rankings
There are plenty of excellent reasons why you should choose the University of Sheffield. Our outstanding performance in league tables for teaching, student experience and research are just a few of them.
A global reputation for excellence
Number one university in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)
104th in the world and 15th in the UK
2024 QS World University Rankings
24th in the world, 12th in Europe and 7th in the UK
2024 QS Sustainability Rankings
20th in the UK
2024 Complete University Guide
18th in the UK and 3rd in the north and north east
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
105th in the world and 13th in the UK
2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
21st in the UK
The Guardian University Guide 2024
Six Nobel Prize winners
Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart, Sir Harry Kroto, FRS, Sir Richard Roberts, FRS, Lord Porter of Luddenham, OM, FRS, Sir Hans Krebs, FRS and Howard Florey, Baron Florey of Adelaide and Marston, FRS
See how world-leading research enhances our teaching and changes lives – starting with your own
92 per cent of our research is rated in the highest two categories
Research Excellence Framework 2021
8th in the UK for our progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
Have an unforgettable student experience
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
University of the Year for Student Experience
Daily Mail University Guide 2024
Number one Students' Union in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2023
Number one for Students' Union, clubs/societies and teaching quality
StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards
Get the best start to your career
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report
Become part of an international community, with friends from 150 countries
Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
See Sheffield for yourself
Our reputation
Sheffield is a leading research university with a global reputation for excellence.
We’re socially responsible, environmentally aware, and committed to sustainability in everything we do. The knowledge we generate helps to make the world a better place.
We believe that true learning means getting out of the classroom and engaging with business, industry, governments and communities. That ethos drives both our research and our teaching.
Our way of doing things attracts the best minds in the world. Our staff advise governments and multinational companies. They write books and create new technologies. Their work influences policy and changes lives.
We want you to change things too. That’s why we get you to engage with the latest research and give you opportunities to contribute. We encourage you to volunteer in the community for the same reason. We want you to understand how knowledge is generated and how it helps people. Change, in a sense, is what we do.
This is a university with a strong sense of purpose. Take advantage of everything it has to offer and you won’t just graduate with honours – you’ll graduate with insight, skills and experience that set you apart.
Our history
Our history stretches back to 1828, the founding date of the Sheffield School of Medicine. The joining of this school with other institutions eventually led to the founding of Firth College in 1879 and the University of Sheffield being granted its Royal Charter 31 May 1905.
International Merit Scholarships
We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.