Cranfield University Rankings 2026

Cranfield University is globally recognised for its specialised postgraduate programmes, outstanding industry partnerships, and exceptional employability outcomes. In the latest Cranfield University ranking, it continues to stand out despite not being featured in overall QS or THE global university rankings due to its unique postgraduate-only model. However, its subject strengths shine especially in the Cranfield engineering ranking QS, where it ranks at #33 globally for mechanical and aeronautical engineering. 

The Cranfield University UK ranking remains strong, particularly in employability. According to CWUR 2025, it ranks 8th in the UK for employability, making the Cranfield University employability ranking among the best in the country. The Cranfield University subject ranking also highlights top-tier performance in business, management, and environmental sciences. Additionally, the Cranfield MBA ranking consistently places its School of Management in the UK and Europe’s top tiers. 

Lets take a deeper look at Cranfield University’s global and subject wise rankings. 

How Cranfield University is ranked globally in 2025/26? 

Between 2024 and 2026, Cranfield University has demonstrated consistent performance across major global ranking frameworks, particularly in subject-specific and impact-based evaluations. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject, Cranfield was ranked #28 globally in 2024 and #33 in 2025, reflecting its continued excellence. Although the 2026 update is pending, these results reinforce Cranfield’s reputation as a top-tier postgraduate institution. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, the university maintained a position within the 101–200 global band for both 2024 and 2025, highlighting its strong commitment to sustainability and social impact. Additionally, Cranfield entered the U.S. News Best Global Universities ranking at #817 in 2025, maintaining the same rank in 2026. This shows growing international recognition of Cranfield’s research output and academic reputation. 

Ranking Body	2024	2025	2026
QS World University Rankings by Subject	#28	#33	NA
THE Impact Rankings	101–200	101–200	NA
U.S. News Global Universities	NA	#817	#817

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 What are Cranfield University’s top-ranked subjects in 2025–26? 

Cranfield University continues to shine in subject-specific rankings, consistently demonstrating global leadership in engineering, management, and environmental sciences. Cranfield’s engineering programs are ranked very highly in QS rankings. It also has strong programs in business, logistics, and sustainability, which makes it well known as a top university focused on postgraduate study. These top-tier subject performances reinforce Cranfield’s reputation and boost the Cranfield University ranking across multiple academic arenas. Aspiring engineers, supply chain professionals, and environmental specialists can especially benefit from Cranfield’s elevated global standing in niche disciplines. 

What are QS World University Rankings by Subject for Cranfield University in 2025? 

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Cranfield University continues to excel in its specialist postgraduate disciplines, particularly in engineering, management, and environmental sciences. Here's how it performed: 

Subject Area	Global Rank
Engineering – Mechanical	33
Business & Management Studies	149
Environmental Sciences	151-200
Materials Science	151-200
Engineering – Petroleum	51-200

These rankings reflect the institution’s focus on high-impact, industry-linked postgraduate education and applied research excellence. Cranfield's consistent performance in these subject areas determines its strength in disciplines essential for innovation and long-term global relevance. 

What are U.S. News Best Global Universities by Subject in 2025? 

Cranfield University has steadily improved its visibility in the U.S. News Best Global Universities rankings, especially in applied sciences, business, and engineering disciplines. These subject rankings reflect Cranfield’s research output, global collaboration, and academic reputation further reinforcing the university’s industry focused academic model and excellence. 

Top U.S. News subject rankings for Cranfield University: 

Subject	Global Rank
Economics and Business	#284
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	#312
Computer Science	#628
Chemical Engineering	#246
Chemistry	#1241

These rankings highlight Cranfield’s multidisciplinary strengths, particularly in engineering, technology, and business disciplines where the university maintains strong industry links and high employability outcomes. The rankings also support its performance in the Cranfield University subject ranking, helping students evaluate its relevance for career focused education. 

How does Cranfield University compare with other UK and global universities? 

Cranfield University is often evaluated differently from traditional universities due to its postgraduate-only model, which prioritizes industry relevance, research application, and employability. While it may be absent from some general undergraduate-focused rankings, it stands out when compared to both UK peers and global specialist institutions in terms of subject strength, career outcomes, and sustainability performance. 

What is Cranfield’s standing compared to global specialist universities? 

Cranfield is best compared not with large undergraduate-focused institutions, but with global specialist universities that emphasize research-led, postgraduate education. Compared with institutions like University of Surrey, Loughborough University, or Imperial College London, Cranfield holds its ground impressively in teaching excellence, sustainability impact, and industry partnerships. 

Comparison with Global Specialist & STEM-Heavy Institutions 

Institution	QS Rank by Subject 2025	THE Impact Rank 2025	U.S News World Ranking
Cranfield University	33 (Mechanical)	101-200	817
University of Surrey	13 (Petroleum)	101-200	326
Loughborough University	1 (Sports)	101-200	521
Imperial College London	6 (Petroleum)	Not ranked in Impact	11

While Imperial ranks higher overall, Cranfield’s niche strength in postgraduate engineering, logistics, and sustainability leadership makes it a strategic choice for students seeking specialized, career driven education. 

How Does Cranfield University Perform in Employability and Key Achievements? 

Cranfield University is internationally recognised for producing highly employable postgraduates and for its impactful, industry oriented academic programmes. With strong global rankings, many accreditations, and a consistent commitment to innovation the university stands out as a leader in applied research and professional education. Here’s how Cranfield performs in employability and what it has achieved in recent years. 

What Is Cranfield University’s Graduate Employability Ranking in 2025? 

• Ranked 8th in the UK for graduate employability by CWUR 2025, placing Cranfield in the top 5% of universities globally. 
• 92% of graduates from the 2021/22 cohort are in professional employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, according to HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024.
• An exceptional student-to-staff ratio of 5:1 ensures personalised academic support, hands on project experience, and closer industry collaboration.

What Are Cranfield University’s Key Academic and Global Achievements in 2024–2025? 

• Ranked #33 globally for Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 
• Supply Chain Management MSc ranked #11 globally by QS, reflecting Cranfield’s leadership in logistics and operations education 
• Strategic Marketing MSc ranked #22 globally by QS, showcasing its excellence in data-driven marketing and strategic insights 
• Recognised in the THE Impact Rankings 2025 for: 
• Top 20 globally in SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production 
• Top 50 globally in SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 
• Achieved AACSB accreditation in 2024, placing Cranfield School of Management among the top 6% of business schools worldwide. 

Conclusion: Why Is Cranfield University a Top Choice for Students? 

Cranfield University consistently secures a strong position in global and UK rankings, making it an excellent choice for students and professionals alike. With an overall Cranfield University ranking around #817 globally, it demonstrates solid international recognition. Cranfield University UK ranking sits near #350, reflecting its respected status within the UK. 

The university shines in specialized fields, notably with a Cranfield University subject ranking of #33 globally in Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing, highlighting excellence in engineering education and research. 

Cranfield MBA ranking stands at #68 globally, emphasizing the strength and relevance of its business programs. Additionally, the university’s outstanding Cranfield University employability ranking at #8 in the UK proves its dedication to producing highly employable graduates for competitive global careers. 

This combination of precise, high subject rankings, strong employability outcomes, and a focused postgraduate model makes Cranfield University a premier choice for those seeking higher education with direct industry impact.