Twenty subjects taught at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have been ranked among the best in the world. This is according to the latest 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, released on Wednesday, 12 March 2025. The QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Subject Rankings assess universities across 55 academic disciplines, employing five key performance indicators that measure academic reputation, research excellence and employer reputation.
Of the 20 subjects ranked, UJ climbed in 10. Additionally, the University has been ranked for the first time in 3 subjects, while remaining unchanged in 4 subjects. Remarkably, UJ remains a leader in several subject areas within South Africa, with three subjects ranked #1, five ranked #2 and another five #3.
The latest QS Subject Rankings highlights UJ’s continuous rise in global higher education. UJ ranked in 20 subjects this year, four more than last year, up from 16 subjects. Among the four additional ranked subjects is Computer Science & Information Systems (651-700 globally), highlighting the University’s in the modern tech space, Pharmacy & Pharmacology (301-350 globally). The two other subjects are Communication & Media Studies (201-250 globally) and Geography (201-250 band globally), which made its return after a seven-year absence. Notably, all these four subjects have been ranked #2 in South Africa.
Other notably ranked subjects is Development Studies, which leads the way as the University’s top-performing subject globally, ranking in the 51-100 band – a significant improvement from last year’s 101-130 band. Additionally, ranked in the top 200 in the world, are Hospitality & Leisure Management (101-150 globally), which is ranked #1 in South Africa and Anthropology (101-170 globally) ranked #3 in SA.
UJ remains a leader in several other subject areas within South Africa, securing #2 nationally. These include Education and Electrical & Electronic Engineering, while Environmental Sciences ranked #3.
Ranked #1 nationally in three subjects:
- Hospitality & Leisure Management (101-150 globally)
- Materials Science (351-400 globally)
- Chemistry (401-450 globally)
Ranked #2 nationally in five subjects:
- Communication & Media Studies (201-250 globally)
- Education (251-300 globally)
- Pharmacy & Pharmacology (301-350 globally)
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering (401-450 globally)
- Computer Science & Information Systems (651-700 globally)
Ranked #3 nationally in five subjects:
- Anthropology (101-170 globally)
- Geography (201-250 globally)
- Environmental Sciences (301-350 globally)
- Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering (451-500 globally)
- Physics & Astronomy (451-500 globally)
Says UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: “These rankings are a testament to UJ’s ongoing dedication to academic excellence, research and innovation, and societal impact. Our commitment to expanding knowledge, fostering interdisciplinary and international collaboration, and equipping students with world-class education is evident in these results. We are proud to see UJ’s continued rise in the global academic landscape.”
Prof Mpedi adds that UJ’s sustained performance in these global subject rankings is a testament to its strategic vision and ongoing efforts to enhance academic offerings, research output, and societal impact. “By fostering industry and international partnerships, engaging in cutting-edge research, and ensuring students are equipped with real-world applications of their studies, UJ continues to shape the future of higher education in South Africa and beyond.”
For full details on the QS Subject Rankings 2025, visit:
