Top universities for arts & humanities subjects 2022

The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 reveal the top degree programmes in 51 different subjects across five broad subject areas.

11 of these subjects fall within the arts & humanities subject area, ranging from architecture to theology. Below is a look at the top-ranked universities for each of these 11 subjects, as well as for the overall arts & humanities subject ranking which assesses institutions at a faculty level.

What are the top universities for arts & humanities?

Unsurprisingly, the UK and US dominate the arts & humanities ranking with other English-speaking locations featuring in the top 20. Oxford take the bragging rights over their arch-rivals Cambridge at the top of the ranking, with the University of Edinburgh the only other UK representative.

What are the top universities for archaeology?

The Netherlands and Italy both get representation in the top 10 universities for archaeology but otherwise this is another top 10 dominated by the UK and the US. 

What are the top universities for architecture & built environment?

This year's architecture top 10 is extremely diverse, with seven different study destinations across three continents. This geographical spread should mean most students are able to find a top architecture programme near them, which may even be at a specialist institution like the Manchester School of Architecture.

What are the top universities for art & design?

Art & design is another subject ranking which prominently features specialist institutions, with the Royal College of Art topping the table for yet another year.

What are the top universities for classics & ancient history?

Whether it's the ancient Roman buildings or the ruins of Pompeii, you don't have to go far when in Italy to encounter a remnant of the country's rich history. Given this, Sapienza University of Rome's position at the top of the classics & ancient history ranking makes a lot of sense. Germany, France and the UK are also well-represented in the top 10.

What are the top universities for English language & literature?

Oxford and Cambridge continue to lead the way in English language & literature, holding off the challenge from several top US universities to be ranked first and second respectively. Further down the ranking, both Canada and Australia are also represented in the top 20.

What are the top universities for history?

History is another subject ranking dominated by UK and US universities, with Harvard scoring just ahead of both Oxford and Cambridge which are tied in second place. American students or international students looking to study in the US have plenty of top universities to choose from.

What are the top universities for linguistics?

Our linguistics top 10 is actually a top 11 with two Asian universities tied in 10th place. At the very top of the ranking, Massachusetts is clearly the linguistics capital of the world with the top two universities for linguistics both based there.

What are the top universities for modern languages?

The University of Tokyo is the one institution in our modern languages top 10 that isn't located in either the UK or the US. At the very top of the ranking, the University of Oxford just manages to outperform its rival the University of Cambridge.

What are the top universities for performing arts?

While many of the world's prestigious universities excel in a wide range of subjects, it's clear that the best universities to study performing arts are specialist institutions. All of this year's top 10 offer specialised teaching in performing arts rather than covering a broader academic curriculum.

What are the top universities for philosophy?

English-speaking study destinations dominate the philosophy ranking - as they have for several arts & humanities subjects. The Australian National University in Canberra becomes the first university from Australia to be mentioned in this rundown of top 10 universities.