The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2004-2012

Abstract

In the present essay, I briefly describe the transition from the original Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings, which were developed together with Quaquarelli Symonds (QS), to the Times Higher Education world rankings powered by Thomson Reuters. In addition, I describe the ‘sample’ characteristics (i.e. the distribution of respondents by geographic area and scientific discipline) of the Thomson Reuters’ annual academic reputational surveys, upon which 2 key indicators for the categories of teaching and research are based, during 2010 to 2012. Finally, I briefly discuss the criticisms raised concerning these 2 ranking systems.