Cambridge tops global QS rankings for Archaeology and English
The University of Cambridge has secured the top spot worldwide for both Archaeology and English Language and Literature in the 2026 QS World University Subject Rankings, with a further 13 subjects placed in the global top three.
The annual QS rankings, which review more than 1,900 institutions across the globe, are designed to help prospective students identify leading universities by subject.
Cambridge achieved:
- 1st in the world: Archaeology; English Language and Literature
- 2nd in the world: Anatomy and Physiology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Modern Languages, Psychology
- 3rd in the world: Anthropology, Arts and Humanities, Earth and Marine Sciences, Geography, History, Law, Linguistics, Maths
“A world‑leading institution”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said:
“It is with immense pride to hear that Cambridge continues to rank so highly for the study of multiple disciplines again this year. These outstanding results reflect our exceptional success, particularly in Archaeology and in English Language and Literature which ranked top globally. The dedication and hard work of colleagues across the university continues to ensure that Cambridge is a world-leading institution committed to excellence in education and research.”
Archaeology: excavations, awards and global impact
Head of the Department of Archaeology, Professor Cameron Petrie, welcomed the number one ranking:
“We are delighted that Cambridge has topped the list of University rankings for Archaeology again in the QS World University Rankings. We are extremely proud of our achievements in recent times, notably international awards for research projects and unexpected discoveries during our student training excavation. We are committed to transforming our understanding of the past through world-leading research and teaching."
Recent highlights for Archaeology include:
- A Wandlebury Hillfort training excavation which uncovered a remarkable 9th‑century mass grave, including a 6ft 5in man with a trepanned skull.
Major honours for staff and projects, including:
- An MA honoris causa for Chris Evans, former Director of the Cambridge Archaeological Unit.
- A win at the Shanghai World Archaeology Forum for Professor Broobank’s team.
- The launch of an open-access portal for historic Survey of India maps through the Mapping Archaeological Heritage in South Asia Project.
English: leading the study of Anglophone literature
Chair of the Faculty of English, Professor Alex da Costa, said the top global ranking confirmed the Faculty’s international standing:
“It is a pleasure to see the English Faculty recognised as world-leading for the study of Anglophone Literature. It is testimony to the excellent work of our entire community, especially the globally influential research and inspirational teaching of my colleagues. The Faculty is committed to demonstrating the central place of literary study in understanding cultural, intellectual and political life across time and meeting the challenges of today.”
Recent achievements include:
- Alumna Dame Pippa Harris producing Hamnet, which won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama, among numerous other awards.
- Professor Orietta Da Rold becoming the tenth member of the Faculty to receive a Pilkington Prize, underlining the Faculty’s strong record in teaching excellence.
About the QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings assess performance across 55 subjects, grouped into five broad faculty areas:
- Arts and Humanities
- Engineering and Technology
- Life Sciences and Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences and Management