NUS, NTU take global top 10 spots in subject ranking

SINGAPORE - The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have emerged in the global top 10 university list for 15 subjects, education consultancy firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) revealed on Tuesday.

Besides NTU and NUS, only universities in the United Kingdom and the United States have featured in the global top 10.

According to QS World University Rankings by Subject, NUS ranked third in the world for civil and structural engineering and fifth for chemical engineering.

The school also appeared in the global top 10 for 11 other subjects, including electrical and electronic engineering and chemistry.

NUS was the best in Asia, across 25 subjects. Among the 25, are three new subjects that QS Ranking introduced in this edition; they are anthropology, nursing and social policy and administration.

Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS Deputy President said the results recognised NUS' "strengths and expertise as a comprehensive university in a diverse range of subject areas."

He added: "As Singapore builds up world-class research capabilities in areas that are critical to the nation and the economy, NUS is well poised to contribute its leading expertise to address national challenges and improve lives of Singaporeans."

Meanwhile NTU was ranked in the top 10 for two subjects. It was sixth for materials science and eighth for electrical and electronic engineering.

NTU was first in Asia for materials science.

Professor Bertil Andersson, President of NTU, said: "NTU started out as a primarily engineering university but we now also excel in science, business, education, and the arts and social sciences, all within a short period of time."

This year's subject ranking is evaluated on 42 subjects, and based on research citations and survey responses around the world.

Head of the QS Intelligence Unit, Mr Ben Sowter, said: "Singapore has established itself as one of the world's leading education and research hubs and continues to shine in our global analysis."

debwong@sph.com.sg