Iraq’s biggest university has entered the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the first time. The University of Baghdad, emerging from Iraq’s conflicts, has appeared in the rankings of the top 1,250 research universities around the world. It was praised for building up international academic partnerships. Oxford University is in first place for a third consecutive year – but the UK’s overall standing is described as in “modest decline”. For the first time, there are more Japanese than UK universities in the rankings. Phil Baty, editorial director of the rankings, said UK universities had “taken a hit” in terms of their international reputation. The University of Baghdad has appeared in other international rankings, but makes a first appearance in the Times Higher tables, in the 801 to 1,000 band.
(By Sean Coughlan BBC News)
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