Anthropology retains third place in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

We are delighted to remain one of the best universities for the study of anthropology in the world, as ranked by leading higher education data specialist, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). Anthropology at Cambridge was ranked third overall in this global league table in 2024; the University has maintained a top three ranking for the subject for almost a decade.

Sian Lazar, Professor of Social Anthropology and Head of the Department said: “Cambridge is at the forefront of anthropological teaching and research worldwide. We are delighted that the Department continues to be recognised year-on-year in this influential global ranking.”

Prospective students can use this subject guide - which compares courses from over 1,500 global institutions - to determine which universities excel in their chosen specialism. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.


At undergraduate level, Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge is studied as part of the Tripos in Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS Tripos), an interdisciplinary degree run jointly with Politics and Sociology.


This 14th edition of the annual QS subject-specific guide complements other excellent rankings for Anthropology at Cambridge in 2024/25: first place for Anthropology and Archaeology in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and second place for Anthropology in the Complete University Guide 2025.


The University of Cambridge at large has claimed fifth place globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 - the most widely read rankings in the world.