
How to Read and Interpret University Rankings
Ellen Boeren(Author)
Edward Elgar Publishing
Will be published approx. on 28. February 2026
Book
Hardback
192 pages
978-1-0353-3345-5 (ISBN)
Description
This informative book provides an accessible guide to understanding higher education rankings and the data informing them. Highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, Ellen Boeren illustrates the methodologies behind a variety of leading university league tables including QS, Times Higher Education and ShanghaiRanking.
The author provides an in-depth discussion of the underlying data sources used by ranking compilers, presenting guidance on how to critically evaluate this information. She details the different indicators featured in university work, such as research, teaching, internationalisation, employment and industry. Chapters also investigate business school rankings, regional and domestic league tables and new alternative rankings investigating higher education's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
This book is an essential reference for graduate students and researchers studying higher education, particularly those investigating quality assurance in higher education institutions. It is also an insightful guide for university leaders and administrators, as well as policymakers and rankings followers looking for a unique understanding of higher education data.
The author provides an in-depth discussion of the underlying data sources used by ranking compilers, presenting guidance on how to critically evaluate this information. She details the different indicators featured in university work, such as research, teaching, internationalisation, employment and industry. Chapters also investigate business school rankings, regional and domestic league tables and new alternative rankings investigating higher education's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
This book is an essential reference for graduate students and researchers studying higher education, particularly those investigating quality assurance in higher education institutions. It is also an insightful guide for university leaders and administrators, as well as policymakers and rankings followers looking for a unique understanding of higher education data.
Reviews / Votes
'This is a timely and comprehensive book that covers a huge amount of ground on the world of university rankings. This book is a must-read for policymakers, politicians, current and prospective students, parents, academics and university administrators and managers. It offers a balanced and informed view of how the rankings industry has grown from earlier criticism to deliver new ranking products that reflect societal demands.' -- Ludovic Highman, International Centre for Higher Education Management, University of Bath, UK 'Concentrating on "the big three" global rankings, this book provides a valuable and detailed guide to all aspects of different indicators and methodologies for university rankings.' -- Ellen Hazelkorn, BH Associates and Emeritus Professor, Technological University Dublin, Ireland 'This book is an important guide for anyone navigating the complex world of university rankings. By unpacking the history, methods, and meanings behind ranking indicators, it moves beyond league tables to help readers make sense of the data that shape higher education today. Whether you are a student, parent, policymaker, academic, or university leader, this book provides the tools to approach rankings with a critical eye and to use them thoughtfully, without falling into the trap of overreliance.' -- Miguel Antonio Lim, The University of Manchester, UKMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0353-3345-5 (9781035333455)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Ellen Boeren, Professor of Education, School of Education, University of Glasgow, UK