University of Birmingham Rises into Global Top 50 for Sustainability

The University of Birmingham has strengthened its international reputation for climate leadership, earning a place among the world’s top 50 institutions in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026. Now positioned 43rd globally and 16th in the UK, the University continues to demonstrate major progress across environmental, social and governance indicators—an achievement that further enriches programmes such as the Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law, which attracts students committed to shaping a more sustainable world through legal expertise.

Excellence Across Sustainability Categories

Birmingham’s performance improved across almost every QS category. Notably, the University rose an extraordinary 95 places in the Impact of Education category, now ranked 23rd globally and 5th nationally. This is particularly meaningful for students studying sustainability-focused programmes—including the Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law—where teaching excellence directly informs their ability to shape future climate and energy governance.

Additional highlights include:

• Social Impact: 6th globally, 3rd in the UK
• Health and Wellbeing: 4th globally, 1st in the UK
• Knowledge Exchange: 4th globally, 4th in the UK
• Environmental Research: 59th globally, 9th in the UK
• Sustainability Governance: 10th globally, 7th in the UK

Zoe Hurley, Head of Sustainability, emphasised that the results reflect the “individual and collective actions” of the university community—actions that also shape the academic environment for programmes like the Online LLM, where students analyse how legal systems can support such progress.

Progress Toward Ambitious Sustainability Goals

The University’s momentum over the past year is captured in Sustainability in Focus: A Year in Progress 2024/25, a new report documenting achievements such as signing three internationally recognised sustainability pledges. These developments feed directly into Birmingham’s curriculum and research-led teaching, ensuring that programmes centred on environmental and energy governance remain aligned with real-world sustainability challenges.

Guided by the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability & Climate Action (BISCA) and the Brazil Institute (UBBI), the University’s research agenda focuses on:

• Climate adaptation and resilience
• Sustainability education
• Equitable energy transition
• Climate justice and health
• Climate finance

These themes are foundational to the Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law, enabling students to explore contemporary issues—from climate litigation to global energy agreements—through cutting-edge research and policy engagement.

Birmingham’s participation in COP30 in Brazil further strengthens this teaching environment. As the University contributes to international climate negotiations, LLM students gain access to insights and case studies shaped by live global policy conversations.

Professor David Hannah, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability), noted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving meaningful change. This collaborative ethos is central to the Online LLM, where students engage with legal, environmental, economic and policy perspectives to understand how sustainable systems are built and governed.

Sustainability Education that Shapes Future Leaders

Sustainability at Birmingham is not limited to research—it is embedded throughout the learning experience. Professor Julia Myatt, Director of Sustainability Education, highlighted the University’s mission to equip students with the skills and knowledge to transform systems so that “people and planet thrive together.”

This vision directly aligns with the Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law, which prepares students to become legal professionals capable of navigating the complexities of climate policy, energy regulation, environmental governance and ESG frameworks. Students benefit from a curriculum informed by the University’s global leadership and its commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

A Growing Global Benchmark

More than 200 new institutions joined the QS Sustainability Rankings this year, making Birmingham’s top 50 achievement even more significant. This global recognition enhances the credibility and relevance of its sustainability-focused programmes—particularly the Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law, which attracts professionals aiming to influence energy transitions, climate action and environmental policy.

By studying at an institution recognised for excellence in social, environmental and governance impact, LLM students gain a clear advantage. The programme’s curriculum is shaped by the same principles that define Birmingham’s leadership in the rankings: rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, global engagement and a commitment to positive change.

A University That Elevates Your Legal Career in Sustainability

The University’s sustainability achievements reinforce the strength and value of the Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law. Students benefit from:

• A degree backed by a global sustainability leader
• Teaching enriched by world-class environmental research
• Insights influenced by live international policy discussions
• A curriculum shaped by institutional commitments to climate justice, equitable energy transition and global governance
• A professional qualification recognised by employers across environmental law, energy regulation, ESG compliance, sustainability strategy and climate risk management

In Summary

Birmingham’s rise into the global top 50 for sustainability reflects a university that leads by example—through research, teaching, partnerships and global engagement. For students on the Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law, this creates a powerful academic environment where the study of environmental and energy law is enriched by the University’s own sustainability mission.

By joining the programme, students become part of a community shaping the policies, systems and legal frameworks that will define the future of our planet.