Ranking, reputation and history
The University of Sheffield is a world top-100 university with 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 world top-100 university with a global reputation for excellence
- Number one university in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses) - 12th in the UK and 98th in the world
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 - 105th in the world
QS World University Rankings 2025 - 27th in the world, 16th in Europe and 10th in the UK
QS Sustainability Rankings 2025 - 15th in the UK
QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024 - 10th in the UK
Daily Mail University Guide 2025 - 14th in the UK
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 - 18th in the UK
Complete University Guide 2025 - 20th in the UK and top 10 in the UK in 12 subject areas
The Guardian University Guide 2025 - 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
- University of the Year and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024 - Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 - Top university in the Russell Group for student experience and student support
Daily Mail University Guide 2025 - Number one Students' Union among UK universities
National Student Survey 2024 - Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
Get the best start to your career
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
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.
Experience Sheffield for yourself
The best way to find out what studying at Sheffield is like is to visit us. You'll get a feel for the atmosphere, the people, the campus and the city.