University of Northampton in global top 100 for reducing inequality and sustainability

University of Northampton’s commitment to reducing inequalities, supporting its students and improving sustainability have been recognised in a global league table.

The University was recognised for its work in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings published this week (Wednesday 12 June) and feature over 1,900 Universities across the world.

The rankings – now in their sixth year – are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are a call to action for all countries to promote prosperity, protect the planet and build economic growth while addressing social needs such as education, health, social protection, and job opportunities.

The University of Northampton makes the top 100 ranking of universities from 115 countries and regions on two of the SDGs:

For SDG10 – which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries – the University is ranked at 51 out of 1,108 institutions. To ensure students with disabilities and additional needs receive good support throughout their studies, the University has a dedicated Additional Student Support and Inclusion Services Team (ASSIST). ASSIST helps students achieve their full potential, access all aspects of university life, take control of their learning, and develop the skills needed for employment.

University of Northampton also has an active Schools Engagement Team. They work with primary and secondary students (mostly within Northamptonshire) from the ages of 8 – 18 through a targeted Widening Participation and Aspire Higher UniConnect programmes. The team encourage them to consider higher education, with interactive activities and events.

For SDG12 – ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns – the University is ranked 93rd globally. Recent innovations by the University in this area include the creation last year of a Sustainability Local Innovation & Partnership Agenda Hub (SLIPAH) to coordinate research, innovation and share sustainability knowledge and best practice with stakeholders across Northamptonshire and beyond.

The University is also in the top 200 globally for SDG5 Gender Equality, SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG15, Life on Land.

Professor Richard Hazenberg, Director of the University’s Institute for Social Innovation and Impact, says: “This year, over 370 new Higher Education Institutions feature in the Times Higher Education Impact rankings, so it is a testament to the energies of the teams across the University of Northampton that we are in the top 100 for meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 10 and 12.

“These rankings are, by their very nature, constantly evolving areas, areas that the University of Northampton is poised to develop and enhance over the coming months and years.”

The full THES Impact Rankings 2024 can be found here.