In today's diverse and personalized educational context, the traditional "QS only useful theory" – the view that schools are only measured by the QS World University Rankings – has become obsolete.
In fact, some elite institutions that focus on specific fields, with their unique educational models, professional advantages, and academic contributions, are emerging as leaders in their respective fields.
While these institutions may not have an advantage in the overall rankings, they have a significant strength in terms of professional rankings and academic reputations in specific fields.
In this article, Dr. Uoffer will introduce in detail the British schools with strong individual majors, and students will see if they have their own target majors~
One
What is the QS ranking?
Before introducing the school, first of all, I would like to introduce what is the QS ranking for students who are new to studying abroad.
QS World University Rankings is an annual global university ranking published by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a British education consultancy. The QS rankings are considered to be one of the top three most popular university rankings in the world, the other two being the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE) and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
QS rankings are widely used by students, academics, educational institutions, and government and industry decision-makers as a reference for assessing and comparing the quality of education and research at universities around the world. At present, it seems that the QS ranking is still the most authoritative one in the list of major universities.
Then I will introduce a few British universities that are strong in the industry, but the overall ranking is not very impressive.
Goldsmiths, University of London
Goldsmiths, University of London is a prestigious public research university in the United Kingdom and one of the member colleges of the University of London.
Goldsmiths is located in New Cross, southeast London. Goldsmiths is known for its excellence in the fields of art, design, and media, which have a strong international reputation.
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Take the MA Digital Media in Digital Media, the ace major of Goldsmiths, University of London, as an example:
The Master offers three pathways:
Branch 1 - a theoretical course where students learn about the development of digital media and technology. This path uses media theory, critical theory, continental philosophy, science and technology studies, gender studies, critical race studies, posthuman, software studies, and cultural studies to diagnose our current digital condition.
Branch 2 - Image Making is a theoretical/practical project. While studying digital media theory, students will work with one or more of the following areas—animation, photography, video, and other forms of moving image—to create installations, applications, and single/multi-screen works that respond to the ever-changing, conceptually understandable digital landscape.
Branch 3 - Data Visualization is a theoretical/practical project. Students will learn how to organize, collect, classify, and transform information into new knowledge. In this course, students will develop investigative methods to explore data, using art, installations, workshops, graphic design, scripting, critical production, and key technical practices. The pathway also draws on theories of posthuman, software research, machine learning and data analytics, and the history of data modeling. The pathway is designed to help students create innovative ways to uncover new knowledge inherent in a data-rich society.
▪ Background: Applicants need to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. If you apply for the Practical Pathway (Branch 2 and Branch 3), students will also need to submit a portfolio.
▪ GPA requirements: 985/211 students are recommended to have a GPA of about 80 points, and double non-students are recommended to have a GPA of about 85 points.
▪ IELTS Requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing and no sub-score below 6.0.
Lancaster University
Lancaster University (Lancaster University), referred to as Lanka, was founded in 1964, is a research university located in Lancashire in the northwest of England, England, with a good academic reputation, belonging to the plate glass university, is a member of the N8 University Alliance, the European University Association, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, and has the Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) and the School of Environmental Sciences, the Department of Linguistics, the School of Law, etc.
Lancaster University School of Management is one of the business schools with quadruple accreditation of AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, and SBC. He is known for his accounting and financial and business management skills, and has ace professional marketing. He has a high reputation in the academic field of management research.
(QS2024 Finance and Accounting)
In addition, Lancaster University is also very strong in linguistics, ranking 3rd in the world in QS Linguistics and 2nd in the UK.
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Take Lancaster University's Master of Science in Marketing MSc as an example:
This Master of Marketing is the gateway for students to a thriving career in marketing. Lancaster University's combination of theory and practice, as well as connections to top employers and industry influencers, will help students become knowledgeable marketing graduate students who thrive in an ever-changing and dynamic environment.
As a conversion program, the Master of Marketing will provide excellent and comprehensive training for non-marketing graduates, thereby accelerating students' career development.
▪ Background: Applicants need to possess a recognised undergraduate degree in any subject (except marketing). Therefore, this major is a master's degree that can be interdistricipated.
▪ GPA requirements: Lancaster University has its own list of institutions, which is divided into three list brackets: Band 1, 2 and 3, which require GPA of 75, 80 and 85 respectively.
▪ IELTS Requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall with no sub-score below 6.0.
London Business School
London Business School (LBS) is an international business school located in the center of London, England, close to Regent's Park, one of the Royal Parks, and is one of the member institutions of the University of London Federation.
Founded in 1964, London Business School is one of the first two business schools in the UK (the other being Manchester Business School). As a result, they are among the best in the 2024 QS Business & Management Studies and Accounting & Finance rankings.
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以伦敦商学院王牌专业金融分析硕士Masters in Financial Analysis为例：
The Master of Financial Analytics (MFA) gives students a rock-solid foundation in understanding state-of-the-art financial instruments, financial markets and global business. Balancing theory with practice and real-world business exposure, the MFA provides students with an opportunity to connect with international institutions and practitioners and build an international network.
▪ Background: Applicants need to possess an excellent undergraduate degree in a discipline similar to finance, accounting, economics, engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, business and management. Demonstrate your math skills.
▪ GPA requirements: 985/211 students are recommended to have a GPA of 85 or above, and double non-non students are recommended to have a GPA of 90 or above.
▪ IELTS Requirements: IELTS overall score of 7 with no sub-score below 6.5. The GRE/GMAT exam is required for this major, and GMAT/GRE scores are waived if the student passes the CFA Level 1 exam.