Rankings and reputation

University city campus aerial view.

New Zealand's world-ranked arts faculty

We are ranked as New Zealand's leading faculty for social sciences by the 2023 QS World University Rankings.

We are proud to be home to archaeology, anthropology, and English language and literature, all placed in the top 50 in the world (2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject).

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

We have three subjects placed in the world's top 50:

  • Anthropology: 46
  • Archaeology: 37
  • English language and literature: 47

Recognised by the Royal Society Te Apārangi

The excellence of our research has been recognised by the Royal Society Te Apārangi. 

  • Associate Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh, Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi Fellow and Humanities Aronui Medal 2019
  • Professor Tim Mulgan, Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi Fellow 2019
  • Professor Emeritus Roger Horrocks, Pou Aronui Award 2019
  • Professor Gillian Brock, Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi Fellow 2018
  • Professor Linda Waimaire Nikora, Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi Fellow 2018
  • Professor Tracey McIntosh, Te Rangi Hiroa Medal 2017
  • Professor Cris Shore, Mason Durie Medal 2017
  • Distinguished Professor Brian Boyd, Humanities Aronui Medal 2014
  • Distinguished Professor Dame Anne Salmond, Rutherford Medal 2013
  • Associate Professor Aroha Harris, Early Career Research Excellence Award for Humanities 2017
  • Professor Margaret Mutu, Pou Aronui Award 2015

Featured in the New Zealand Book Awards

Seven of our current staff have won nine national book awards between them in history, art history, fiction and poetry, including kaupapa Māori research.

  • Associate Professor Ngarino Ellis, Judith Binney Best First Book Award for Illustrated Non-fiction 2017 for A Whakapapa of Tradition: One Hundred Years of Ngāti Porou Carving, 1830-1930
  • Associate Professor Aroha Harris (with Atholl Anderson and Judith Binney), Illustrated Non-fiction 2016 for Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History
  • Dr Paula Morris, Fiction 2012 for Rangatira , NZSA Hubert Church Best First Book Award for Fiction 2003 for Queen of Beauty
  • Associate Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh, NZSA Jessie Mackay Best First Book Award for Poetry 2010 for Fast Talking PI
  • Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora (with Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, Mohi Rua and Rolinda Karapu), Lifestyle and Contemporary Culture 2008 for Mau Moko: The World of Māori Tattoo
  • Distinguished Professor Dame Anne Salmond, Montana Medal for Non-Fiction 2004 for The Trial of the Cannibal Dog: Captain Cook in the South Seas, Non-fiction 1992 for Two Worlds: First Meetings Between Māori and Europeans, 1642–1772
  • Professor Michele Leggott, Poetry 1995 for DIA