Published today (24 June), and placing the University 85^th in the world, the Times Higher Education Impact Ratings reinforce Newcastle’s position as a global leader for actions taken towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

Particular progress has been made in responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) where we have been ranked ninth in the world. This recognises the University’s commitment to responsible waste management, highlighting the policies and practices in place to reduce waste, minimise the amount sent to landfill, and transparently report sustainability performance through the University’s Integrated Annual Report.

Recognising the University’s commitment to tackling climate change by reducing carbon emissions across our operations, we were awarded join 39^th in the world for SDG 13 Climate Action. It highlights our role as a North East Hub of the Climate Ambassadors Programme, and showcases our pioneering research that is helping communities and organisations build climate and environmental resilience.

We also scored highly across a number of other goals, including SDG17: Partnership for the Goals (40^th in the world), SDG15: Life on Land (60^th) and UNSDG 10: Reduced Inequalities (joint 74^th).

With over 1,600 global institutions included, the Times Higher Education Impact Ratings table identifies and celebrates universities that demonstrate comprehensive excellence in contributing to global sustainable development. By excelling in a variety of SDGs, universities showcase their commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth and partnerships.

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President, Newcastle University, said: “We know this is something our students and staff care about - working collaboratively to address pressing global challenges, including climate change. These ranking embody what a university community can achieve reflecting the dedication, expertise and commitment of colleagues and students across the University.

“While we are delighted to receive this acknowledgement, there is clearly always more that we can do. We remain firmly committed to working together with our community and student body, and with partners in the City, region and around the world towards tackling some of the key issues of our times.”

Sustainable Development Goals

The UNSDGs were adopted in 2015 by all United Nations members for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

The University supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – seeking peace and prosperity for all people and the planet now and in the future.

Top rankings performance

The University continues to perform strongly in global league tables.

It is ranked 56th in the world for sustainability and social impact in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025.

The recently published QS World University Rankings 2027 places Newcastle University 149th in the world, out of over 1,500 international institutions from over 100 countries. This means Newcastle University has been ranked in the global top 150 for the sixth year in a row.

In addition, the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, placed Newcastle in the world’s top 100 universities in 10 different subject areas.

The University is also ranked 144th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and 105th in TIME Magazine’s World’s Top Universities of 2026.

Read about our performance in League Tables and Rankings.

Discover the courses on offer at Newcastle University.