The University received the best average score (29.19) among New Zealand universities for the proportion of active high-quality researchers among its academics. This top score encompasses an exceptionally strong result from subjects within the humanities and social sciences.
The University has the highest percentage of A-ranked researchers in New Zealand in English Language and Literature, History, Art History, Classics and Curatorial Studies, Music, Literary Arts and Other Arts, Philosophy, Theatre, Dance, Film, Television and Multimedia; as well as the second highest percentage in two other subjects: Foreign Languages and Linguistics, Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work, Criminology and Gender Studies.
Additionally, the University also has the highest percentage of A-ranked plus B-ranked researchers (combined) in New Zealand in five humanities and social sciences areas.
Subjects in these areas also ranked in the top 1% worldwide in the recent QS World University Rankings, reaffirming the University’s outstanding performance in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Professor Sarah Leggott is delighted with the results. “The University has long been committed to maintaining the quality and diversity of study in the arts. This national and international recognition of the excellence of our researchers confirms that we are providing education and research that is second to none in New Zealand.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Humanities and Social Sciences and Education Professor Jennifer Windsor says that the humanities and social sciences are crucial to the University’s vision of cultivating engaged global citizens with well-developed skills in critical reasoning and communication. “Research and study in the arts offers the flexibility and creativity that will shape the societies of the future. These results are in line with other assessments that Victoria University of Wellington is exceptional in what we offer to those studying in the humanities, social sciences, and creative arts. We’re very proud of our academic and professional staff and their commitment to New Zealand’s research impact.”