Theology and religious studies leap upwards in an international university ranking

Theology and religious studies at the University of Helsinki climbed from 36th to 20th position in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

The QS World University Rankings by Subject evaluate universities in individual subject areas based on academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper, the h-index and international research networks (read more about the ranking criteria).

Dean Antti Räsänen of the Faculty of Theology is pleased about the placement.

 “It’s a tremendous achievement! I am, of course, very happy about it. There has been an upward trend in the Faculty’s placement in international rankings. Two years ago, we reached the top 50 for the first time. The 20th position now announced is better than we could have even hoped for in the middle of the pandemic.”

The QS ranking is also known as a reputation survey. Räsänen considers it wonderful that the Faculty’s reputation as an academic research community is good. Its reputation as an employer is equally important.

“On the one hand, it’s easy for us to recruit international professionals, and on the other, the Faculty opens avenues to other top universities thanks to our reputation and high standards. We are an interesting and respected partner for collaboration.”

According to Räsänen, the past two years have been tough at the Faculty.

“Sometimes I’m surprised by how well our staff have coped in their work. I'm proud of the entire Faculty staff and thankful for every major and minor success. It is a pleasure to share this excellent ranking result together. It’s wonderful to see that our persevering efforts for research and internationalisation as well as towards a work community of a high standard are bearing fruit.”