That’s according to The QS University Rankings 2017, which has ranked the Brighton-based university as first in the world for the social sciences discipline. It is ranked ahead of American university Havard (second), and top UK university’s Oxford (third) and Cambridge (fourth). This is the third consecutive year that the University of Sussex has been ranked in the top two universities globally for development. Andrea Cornwall, head of the University of Sussex’ School of Global Studies said: “Sussex’s world-leading reputation for international development gives us much to celebrate. It’s thanks to the concentration of expertise that spans the University and brings us together with our close colleagues and partners, the Institute of Development Studies. “Our critical, engaged research on the global issues of our times infuses our teaching in the School of Global Studies, from our undergraduate programmes in International Development to a dynamic portfolio of postgraduate degrees that include long-standing and new cross-campus collaborations with Institute of Development Studies, Science Policy Research Unit, Centre for International Education and Brighton and Sussex Medical School. We’re really pleased to be recognised in this way.” The university said the ground-breaking evidence and knowledge that Sussex researchers are generating is making ‘a significant contribution to real-world problems such as disease, climate change and conflict and violence’. Melissa Leach, the director of the university’s Institute of Development Studies (IDS) said: “We’re delighted that development studies at Sussex that includes IDS’ postgraduate teaching programme has been ranked first in the world once again. This has been made possible by the strength of the partnerships across Sussex-based institutes and schools. Together we are delivering world-class research and evidence on tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, as well as nurturing the next generation of global leaders.” Sussex offers eight undergraduate and more than 30 Masters development-focused courses, some of which are offered at IDS or jointly with IDS. Graduates have gone on to take up senior positions in global organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations, as well as become Ministers and officials in national governments across the world. Adam Tickell, vice-Ccancellor of the University of Sussex, said: “Sussex has become the most important institution in the world for international development over recent decades. “Our work is reshaping how governments, aid organisations and NGOs address the major issues of our time.” The University of Sussex is ranked in the world’s top 100 universities for six other subjects: anthropology; communication and media studies; English language and literature; geography; politics and international studies; and sociology.