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The QS World University Rankings are compiled by an organization called Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), which focuses on higher education analytics.
Answer: True
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is indeed the organization responsible for compiling the QS World University Rankings, specializing in higher education analytics.
The first QS World University Rankings were published in 2009 in collaboration with Times Higher Education (THE).
Answer: False
The first edition of the QS World University Rankings was published in 2004, initially in collaboration with Times Higher Education (THE). The collaboration ended in 2009, leading to independent rankings from 2010 onwards.
QS and Times Higher Education decided to produce independent rankings starting in 2010.
Answer: True
Following their collaboration, QS and Times Higher Education mutually agreed to produce their own distinct rankings, commencing with QS releasing its independent rankings in 2010.
The QS World University Rankings are released bi-annually, once in June and again in December.
Answer: False
The QS World University Rankings are released annually, typically in June, not bi-annually.
Ben Sowter oversees the development and production of the QS World University Rankings.
Answer: True
Ben Sowter holds the position of Senior Vice President at QS and oversees the development and production of the QS World University Rankings.
Who is responsible for compiling the QS World University Rankings?
Answer: Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
The QS World University Rankings are compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a firm specializing in higher education analytics.
In what year was the first edition of the QS World University Rankings published?
Answer: 2004
The inaugural edition of the QS World University Rankings was published in 2004.
Which organization did QS initially collaborate with for the World University Rankings?
Answer: Times Higher Education (THE)
QS initially collaborated with Times Higher Education (THE) magazine for the production of the World University Rankings.
When did QS and Times Higher Education begin producing their own independent rankings after parting ways?
Answer: 2010
QS and Times Higher Education began producing their independent rankings starting in 2010, following their separation in 2009.
How frequently are the QS World University Rankings typically released?
Answer: Annually
The QS World University Rankings are typically released on an annual basis.
QS aims to assess university performance primarily in research and teaching, with less emphasis on employability and internationalization.
Answer: False
QS designs its rankings to assess university performance according to what it believes are key aspects of a university's mission: teaching, research, nurturing employability, and internationalization. The statement that employability and internationalization receive less emphasis is inaccurate according to QS's stated aims.
Academic Reputation constitutes 40% of the overall score in the QS World University Rankings.
Answer: True
Academic Reputation is a significant component, accounting for 40% of the overall score in the QS World University Rankings, reflecting global scholarly esteem.
QS gathers data for its Academic Reputation indicator through surveys sent only to university administrators.
Answer: False
QS gathers data for its Academic Reputation indicator by collecting responses from over 150,000 academics worldwide, not solely from university administrators.
The Faculty/Student Ratio indicator, worth 15% of the score, reflects the number of academic staff available to students.
Answer: True
The Faculty/Student Ratio, weighted at 15%, serves as an indicator of the staff resources available to students, reflecting aspects of teaching capacity.
The Citations/Faculty metric measures research impact by dividing total citations by the number of academic staff.
Answer: True
The Citations/Faculty metric, accounting for 20% of the score, measures research impact by dividing total citations by the number of academic staff.
QS primarily uses data from Web of Science for its Citations/Faculty metric to ensure consistency.
Answer: False
QS primarily uses data from Scopus, not Web of Science, for its Citations/Faculty metric to measure research impact.
In 2015, QS introduced faculty area normalization to give an advantage to institutions specializing in Natural Sciences or Medicine.
Answer: False
In 2015, QS introduced faculty area normalization to *remove* the advantage previously held by institutions specializing in Natural Sciences or Medicine, aiming for a more equitable citation assessment.
The Employer Reputation indicator, contributing 15% to the score, is based on surveys of university faculty members.
Answer: False
The Employer Reputation indicator, contributing 15% to the score, is based on surveys of employers who hire graduates, not university faculty members.
Internationalization accounts for 10% of the total score, split equally between International Faculty Ratio and International Student Ratio.
Answer: True
Internationalization measures account for 10% of a university's score, divided equally between the International Faculty Ratio (5%) and the International Student Ratio (5%).
The QS World University Rankings aim to provide a subjective view of university performance based on QS's internal opinions.
Answer: False
The QS World University Rankings aim to provide an independent source of comparative data based on specific indicators and methodologies, not a subjective view based on internal opinions.
QS uses data from Scopus for Citations/Faculty to reduce the impact of fields with high publication rates.
Answer: True
QS utilizes Scopus data for its Citations/Faculty metric, specifically to mitigate the disproportionate impact of fields with inherently high publication rates.
QS acknowledges that the Faculty/Student Ratio is a limited metric in the context of modern teaching methods.
Answer: True
QS acknowledges that the Faculty/Student Ratio, while an indicator of resources, is a limited metric in fully capturing the nuances of modern teaching methods.
According to QS, what are the key aspects of a university's mission that its rankings aim to assess?
Answer: Teaching, Research, Employability, and Internationalization
QS aims to assess universities based on teaching, research, employability, and internationalization as fundamental aspects of their mission.
What is the weight of the Academic Reputation indicator in the QS World University Rankings?
Answer: 40%
The Academic Reputation indicator constitutes 40% of the overall score in the QS World University Rankings.
How does QS gather data for its Academic Reputation indicator?
Answer: By collecting responses from academics worldwide
QS gathers data for its Academic Reputation indicator through surveys distributed to academics globally.
What does the Faculty/Student Ratio indicator primarily measure?
Answer: The staff resources available to students
The Faculty/Student Ratio indicator primarily measures the availability of academic staff resources relative to the student population.
What is the weight of the Citations/Faculty metric in the QS World University Rankings?
Answer: 20%
The Citations/Faculty metric accounts for 20% of a university's overall score in the QS World University Rankings.
Which database does QS primarily use for its Citations/Faculty metric?
Answer: Scopus
QS primarily utilizes data from Scopus for its Citations/Faculty metric.
What methodological change did QS implement in 2015 concerning citations?
Answer: Implemented faculty area normalization
In 2015, QS implemented faculty area normalization to adjust citation counts, aiming to create a more equitable assessment across different academic fields.
The Employer Reputation indicator accounts for what percentage of the overall QS score?
Answer: 15%
The Employer Reputation indicator contributes 15% to an institution's overall score in the QS World University Rankings.
How is the Internationalization indicator divided within the QS rankings?
Answer: International Faculty Ratio (5%) and International Student Ratio (5%)
The Internationalization indicator is divided equally between the International Faculty Ratio (5%) and the International Student Ratio (5%).
The 2023 edition of the QS World University Rankings included over 1,400 institutions from 100 different countries.
Answer: True
The 2023 edition of the QS World University Rankings indeed featured 1,418 institutions across 100 locations worldwide.
The QS Graduate Employability Rankings were discontinued in 2021 and their data integrated into the main QS World University Rankings.
Answer: True
The QS Graduate Employability Rankings were discontinued in 2021, with their data and focus being integrated into the broader methodology of the main QS World University Rankings.
Starting with the 2024 rankings, QS introduced three new indicators: International Research Network, Employment Outcomes, and Sustainability, each worth 5%.
Answer: True
Indeed, starting with the 2024 rankings, QS introduced International Research Network, Employment Outcomes, and Sustainability as new indicators, each contributing 5% to the overall methodology.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has held the #1 position in the QS World University Rankings from 2015 up to the 2026 edition.
Answer: True
Based on the provided data, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has maintained the #1 position in the QS World University Rankings consistently from 2015 through the 2026 edition.
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals ranked first in the QS World University Rankings: Asia in 2024.
Answer: False
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals ranked first in the QS World University Rankings: *Arab Region* in 2024, not the Asia rankings.
Peking University was the top-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings: Asia for the 2025 edition.
Answer: True
Peking University secured the top position in the QS World University Rankings: Asia for the 2025 edition.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject evaluate universities across 50 specific academic disciplines.
Answer: True
The QS World University Rankings by Subject provide a detailed evaluation of universities across more than 50 specific academic disciplines.
Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences are the five broad faculty areas covered in the Subject Rankings.
Answer: True
These five areas—Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences—constitute the broad faculty areas used in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.
QS regional rankings may include metrics like academic staff with PhDs and web visibility.
Answer: True
QS regional rankings often incorporate additional metrics, such as the proportion of academic staff holding PhDs and web visibility, to better reflect regional contexts.
The QS Best Student Cities rankings consider University Rankings, Student Mix, Desirability, Employer Activity, and Affordability.
Answer: True
The QS Best Student Cities rankings are indeed compiled using five key indicators: University Rankings, Student Mix, Desirability, Employer Activity, and Affordability.
London has consistently been ranked as the top city for students from 2017 to 2024.
Answer: True
London has consistently held the first position in the QS Best Student Cities rankings from 2017 through the 2024 edition.
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability uses Environmental Impact and Social Impact as its two main categories.
Answer: True
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability is determined by the sum of scores in two primary categories: Environmental Impact and Social Impact.
Sustainable Research accounts for 12.5% of the Environmental Impact score in the Sustainability rankings.
Answer: True
Sustainable Research constitutes 12.5% of the overall Environmental Impact score within the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability.
Employability and Opportunities contribute 10% to the Social Impact score in the Sustainability rankings.
Answer: True
Within the Social Impact category of the Sustainability rankings, Employability and Opportunities contribute 10%, assessing alumni outcomes and graduate employability.
The University of Toronto ranked first in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability in the 2024 edition.
Answer: True
The University of Toronto achieved the top rank in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability for the 2024 edition.
QS Global MBA and Business Master's Rankings evaluate programs based on factors like thought leadership and faculty diversity.
Answer: True
The QS Global MBA and Business Master's Rankings assess programs using criteria that include thought leadership and faculty diversity, among other factors.
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability includes Employability and Opportunities as a component of its Social Impact score.
Answer: True
Employability and Opportunities are indeed part of the Social Impact score within the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability.
The QS World University Rankings: Arab Region 2024 was topped by Peking University.
Answer: False
The QS World University Rankings: Arab Region 2024 was topped by King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals; Peking University topped the Asia rankings for 2025.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject cover five broad faculty areas, including Engineering & Technology.
Answer: True
The QS World University Rankings by Subject indeed encompass five broad faculty areas, one of which is Engineering & Technology.
How many institutions were featured in the 2023 edition of the QS World University Rankings?
Answer: 1,418
The 2023 edition of the QS World University Rankings included 1,418 institutions.
What happened to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings in 2021?
Answer: They were discontinued and their data integrated into the main rankings.
The QS Graduate Employability Rankings were discontinued in 2021, with their data and focus being integrated into the main QS World University Rankings.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three new indicators introduced by QS starting with the 2024 rankings?
Answer: Academic Reputation
Academic Reputation is a long-standing indicator, not one of the three new indicators (International Research Network, Employment Outcomes, and Sustainability) introduced by QS starting with the 2024 rankings.
Which university has consistently held the #1 position in the QS World University Rankings from 2015 through the 2026 editions?
Answer: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has consistently held the #1 position in the QS World University Rankings from 2015 through the 2026 editions.
In the 2024 QS World University Rankings: Arab Region, which university achieved the top rank?
Answer: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals achieved the top rank in the 2024 QS World University Rankings: Arab Region.
Which university topped the QS World University Rankings: Asia in the 2025 edition?
Answer: Peking University
Peking University was the top-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings: Asia for the 2025 edition.
What is the primary purpose of the QS World University Rankings by Subject?
Answer: To provide a detailed evaluation of universities in specific academic disciplines.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject aim to offer a detailed assessment of universities within specific academic disciplines and broad faculty areas.
Which of the following is NOT one of the five broad faculty areas covered by the QS World University Rankings by Subject?
Answer: Business & Economics
The five broad faculty areas are Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Business & Economics is not listed as one of these five broad areas.
Which city has consistently ranked first in the QS Best Student Cities rankings from 2017 to 2024?
Answer: London
London has consistently held the top position in the QS Best Student Cities rankings from 2017 through the 2024 edition.
What are the two primary categories used to determine a university's rank in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability?
Answer: Environmental Impact and Social Impact
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability is determined by the sum of scores in two main categories: Environmental Impact and Social Impact.
What percentage of the Social Impact score in the Sustainability rankings is allocated to Employability and Opportunities?
Answer: 10%
Employability and Opportunities contribute 10% to the Social Impact score in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability.
Which university ranked first in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability in the 2024 edition?
Answer: University of Toronto
The University of Toronto ranked first in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability for the 2024 edition.
A criticism of the Citations/Faculty metric is that it might undervalue research output in fields like arts and humanities.
Answer: True
It is a recognized criticism that the Citations/Faculty metric may undervalue research output in fields such as arts and humanities, which tend to generate fewer citations compared to scientific disciplines.
The Guardian described the QS World University Rankings as 'the most authoritative of their kind' in September 2015.
Answer: True
In September 2015, The Guardian indeed referred to the QS World University Rankings as 'the most authoritative of their kind'.
A major criticism of QS reputation surveys is the lack of transparency regarding their response rates, which are reportedly very low.
Answer: True
A significant criticism leveled against QS reputation surveys is the lack of transparency concerning their response rates, which are often reported to be very low, raising questions about representativeness.
Critics argue that the QS rankings overemphasize research quality and underweight reputation.
Answer: False
This statement is false. A common criticism is that QS rankings *overemphasize reputation* (which constitutes a significant portion of the score) and potentially underweight other factors like research quality or objective metrics.
Peter Wills suggested that the THE-QS rankings might be influenced by financial incentives offered to participants.
Answer: True
Peter Wills noted that the survey methodology, including potential financial incentives, raised questions about the validity and intrinsic value of the THE-QS rankings, suggesting participants might rank their own institutions higher.
Critics argue the 'faculty/student ratio' indicator accurately reflects a university's commitment to teaching.
Answer: False
Critics argue that the 'faculty/student ratio' indicator may not accurately reflect a university's commitment to teaching, as it can be influenced by research intensity rather than pedagogical focus.
David Blanchflower described the QS World University Rankings as 'complete rubbish' in the New Statesman.
Answer: True
In the New Statesman, David Blanchflower characterized the QS World University Rankings as 'complete rubbish,' citing a flawed methodology.
Brian Leiter considers the QS Subject Rankings to be highly reliable for identifying top programs.
Answer: False
Brian Leiter considers the QS Subject Rankings to be unreliable, stating that high-quality programs often perform poorly in these rankings.
Simon Marginson refused to discuss the QS ranking methodology in 2012 due to its perceived lack of robustness.
Answer: True
In 2012, Simon Marginson stated that he would not discuss the QS ranking methodology because it was not sufficiently robust to provide data valid as social science.
QS's Intelligence Unit claims that their 2013 academic reputation results were confirmed as highly reliable by independent academic reviews.
Answer: True
QS's Intelligence Unit has stated that independent academic reviews confirmed the high reliability of their 2013 academic reputation results.
A UC Berkeley study suggested that institutions using QS's consulting services might receive improved rankings, a claim QS denies.
Answer: True
A UC Berkeley study indicated a potential correlation between institutions using QS's consulting services and improved rankings, a suggestion that QS has refuted.
An Independent Expert Group (IEG) confirmed in 2023 that universities purchasing QS services showed no correlation with improved rankings.
Answer: False
The Independent Expert Group (IEG) found evidence suggesting that universities purchasing QS services *do* have a better chance of improving their rankings, contradicting the statement that there was no correlation.
What criticism has been raised about the Citations/Faculty metric regarding certain academic fields?
Answer: It may not adequately capture research output from the arts and humanities.
A criticism of the Citations/Faculty metric is its potential to undervalue research output in fields like arts and humanities, which typically have lower citation rates.
What is a major criticism regarding the response rates of QS's reputation surveys?
Answer: QS does not reveal the response rates, which are reportedly very low.
A major criticism is that QS does not disclose the response rates for its reputation surveys, which are reportedly very low, raising concerns about their validity.
What concern has been raised about the weight given to reputation in the QS rankings?
Answer: It is too high (50%), potentially making the rankings less objective.
A concern raised is that the weight given to reputation, stated as 50% in some contexts, is too high, potentially making the rankings less objective.
What did Peter Wills question regarding the THE-QS World University Rankings?
Answer: The validity and intrinsic value due to potential financial enticements
Peter Wills questioned the validity and intrinsic value of the THE-QS rankings, noting the potential influence of financial incentives and the tendency for participants to rank their own institutions higher.
How does David Blanchflower characterize the QS World University Rankings?
Answer: 'Complete rubbish' due to flawed methodology
David Blanchflower characterized the QS World University Rankings as 'complete rubbish' in the New Statesman, citing a flawed methodology.
What is Brian Leiter's criticism of the QS Subject Rankings?
Answer: They are unreliable and often rank high-quality programs poorly.
Brian Leiter considers the QS Subject Rankings unreliable, noting that high-quality programs frequently perform poorly in these rankings.
What did Simon Marginson state in 2012 about the QS ranking methodology?
Answer: It was not sufficiently robust to provide valid social science data.
In 2012, Simon Marginson stated that the QS ranking methodology was not sufficiently robust to provide data valid for social science analysis.
What did the Independent Expert Group (IEG) prove in November 2023 regarding QS rankings?
Answer: Universities buying QS products have a better chance of improving their rankings.
The Independent Expert Group (IEG) proved that universities purchasing products and services from QS have a better chance of improving their rankings, indicating a potential conflict of interest.
QS organizes recruitment events to help prospective students connect with universities and find scholarships.
Answer: True
QS organizes international student recruitment events designed to facilitate connections between prospective students and university admissions staff, offering advice and scholarship information.
QS Connect MBA and Masters events feature open fairs where candidates can freely interact with admissions staff.
Answer: False
QS Connect MBA and Masters events are distinguished by pre-scheduled one-to-one interviews, rather than a traditional open fair format where candidates interact freely with admissions staff.
QS Stars is an auditing service that provides detailed institutional evaluations separate from the main QS World University Rankings.
Answer: True
QS Stars functions as an auditing service, offering in-depth institutional evaluations that are distinct from the primary QS World University Rankings.
Teaching, Employability, Research, and Internationalization are optional categories within the QS Stars program.
Answer: False
Teaching, Employability, Research, and Internationalization are mandatory categories within the QS Stars program, not optional.
The initial audit fee for the QS Stars program was $6,850 in 2012.
Answer: False
In 2012, the initial audit fee for the QS Stars program was $9,850; $6,850 was the annual license fee.
QS Connect MBA events primarily use a traditional open fair format for candidate-admissions staff interaction.
Answer: False
QS Connect MBA events utilize pre-scheduled one-to-one interviews, differing from a traditional open fair format for candidate-admissions staff interaction.
The QS Stars program evaluates universities based on approximately 50 indicators across various functions.
Answer: True
The QS Stars program provides a comprehensive institutional evaluation based on approximately 50 indicators spanning various university functions.
How do QS Connect MBA and QS Connect Masters events differ from other QS fairs?
Answer: They involve pre-scheduled one-to-one interviews.
QS Connect MBA and Masters events are distinguished by pre-scheduled one-to-one interviews between candidates and admissions staff, differing from traditional open fairs.
What is QS Stars?
Answer: An auditing service evaluating institutional strengths and weaknesses.
QS Stars is an auditing service that provides detailed evaluations of institutional strengths and weaknesses, separate from the main QS World University Rankings.
Which of the following are mandatory categories in the QS Stars evaluation program?
Answer: Teaching, Employability, Research, and Internationalization
Teaching, Employability, Research, and Internationalization are the four mandatory categories evaluated within the QS Stars program.