In Summary

  • QS World University Rankings by Subject has placed Swinburne among the best universities in the world in 12 subject areas
  • Swinburne ranked in the top 50 worldwide for Art and Design
  • The university has been ranked in Medicine and Economics and Econometrics for the first time

Swinburne has maintained its strong position in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, placing among the best universities in the world in 12 subject areas.

The results showcase Swinburne’s strengths in engineering and technology, arts and humanities, and natural sciences.

Notable rankings across subject areas

Swinburne ranked in the top 50 worldwide for Art and Design. Other noteworthy rankings include:

  • Civil and Structural Engineering: 151-200
  • Physics and Astronomy: 151-200
  • Communications and Media Studies: 151-200

Swinburne has been recognised in two subjects for the first time in 2020:

  • Economics and Econometrics: 451-500
  • Medicine: 501-550

Swinburne is also ranked in the following subject areas:

  • Materials Science: 201-250
  • Computer Science and Information Systems: 251-300
  • Engineering - Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing: 301-350
  • Engineering - Electrical and Electronic: 301-350
  • Business and Management: 351-400
  • Chemistry: 551-600

Additionally, Swinburne ranked in three out of five broad subject areas:

  • Arts and Humanities: 328
  • Engineering and Technology: 351
  • Natural Sciences: 401-450

Tile image of Swinburne's performance in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020

Striving for excellence

“This outcome speaks to our comprehensive strategy to be a dynamic, digitalised university delivering global impact in science, technology and innovation” says acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), Professor Bronwyn Fox.

“Having two new subjects ranked for the first time, in addition to having our School of Design in the top 50, is a testament to our commitment to deliver world-class education and research,” she adds.

The QS World University Rankings by Subject ranks the world’s top universities in individual subject areas, covering a total of 48 disciplines in five subject areas.

These rankings are calculated based on a methodology that uses a mix of citation metrics and reputation survey data to score institutions for academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.

Media enquiries

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media@swinburne.edu.au