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Excellent results in comparison to other German universities: The University of Konstanz earns top ratings for its study subjects according to the current Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE) university ranking. In almost half of all its ranking categories (63 of 138), the University of Konstanz positions itself in the top group of German universities. In Chemistry, the University of Konstanz secured top ratings in all evaluated areas, thereby earning the distinction of being one of only two universities in Germany to achieve a perfect score in chemistry. Biology at the University of Konstanz also distinguished itself as one of only two universities nation-wide to secure top ratings in all core categories. Furthermore, the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Konstanz leads the way in Germany with its top ratings in fourteen of eighteen evaluated criteria - no other state university in Germany scored better results. Across all subjects, the University of Konstanz is almost consistently ranked in the leading group of German universities in such categories as feasibility to complete the study programmes, support for new students as well as the international orientation of the master's programmes. The full results have been published in the current issue of the ZEIT student guide from 8 May 2018 and are available online at www.zeit.de/che-ranking.

The CHE University Ranking compares study subjects at more than 300 universities and universities of applied sciences. Each year, one third of the subjects are re-evaluated: This year’s CHE evaluation rated all study programmes in the mathematical and natural sciences, including computer and information science, as well as political science and sport science. The ranking is based on student surveys and university data from the areas of study, teaching and research.

Chemistry

The University of Konstanz’s Department of Chemistry achieved a particularly impressive result: It placed, without exception, in the national top group of universities in all evaluated categories. As such, it is one of only two universities in Germany to achieve top ratings across the board in chemistry. According to the ranking, the department excels in imparting technical, methodological and cross-disciplinary competencies as well as in regard to its lab courses, student support and general study conditions.

Biology

Biology earned a similarly outstanding result. Compared to the other German universities, the University of Konstanz places at the top in all five core criteria used to evaluate bachelor’s programmes: general study conditions, support for new students, curriculum, lab courses and the teaching of technical competencies. This distinguishes the University of Konstanz’s Department of Biology as the only department in Baden-Württemberg and one of only two in Germany to place in the top group for all five key criteria.

Politics and Public Administration

The University of Konstanz’s Department of Politics and Public Administration has secured top ratings in fourteen of eighteen categories, scoring the best result nation-wide among state-funded universities and thereby confirming the excellent evaluations it has received in various subject rankings in previous years. Both the curriculum and its research reputation have been judged to be excellent. The CHE ranking confirms the department’s strong orientation towards professional and research application, as well as its outstanding general study conditions and its support of students.

Physics

Physics at the University of Konstanz also earned impressive ratings: It received top rankings in eight of eighteen evaluated areas. Study programmes in physics satisfy the highest expectations in several categories, especially with regard to its excellent study conditions, its highly feasible study programmes and its outstanding facilities. The students made particular mention of the first-rate support they received throughout their studies.

Computer and Information Science and Mathematics

Both subjects earn good results: The ranking confirms high levels of feasibility to complete study programmes, an advanced international orientation in its master's programmes as well as excellent support for new students in both subjects.  Computer and information science places at the top nation-wide in seven out of 22 evaluated areas, with commendations for the international orientation of its bachelor’s and master’s programmes, its strong commitment to including research in its teaching and its support for study abroad students. Mathematics at the University of Konstanz distinguishes itself through its teacher education programmes, achieving top ratings in six out of fourteen evaluation criteria.

Sport Science

Receiving feedback from only 26 of a total of 108 sport science students, the CHE survey response rate was very low. Their answers reflect a general desire for improvements in sport science at the University of Konstanz. One factor accounting for this result is a shortage in available sports facilities, a condition that will be improved via the future construction of a second gymnasium. A further factor to be considered is the structural and staff reorganisation that was being carried out when the survey was conducted. Notwithstanding these difficult conditions, sport science placed in the top group nation-wide as regards the international orientation of its master’s programmes as well as the support it provides to new students.

Facts:

• Results of the current CHE University Ranking, published in the ZEIT student guide 2018/2019 from 8 May 2018.
• Subject-related comparison of more than 300 universities and universities of applied sciences in approximately 30 subjects, with data from more than 2,700 departments and more than 10,000 study programmes.
• Each year, one third of the subjects are re-evaluated: In 2018, ratings for the following subjects were updated: biology/life sciences, chemistry, geography, earth sciences, computer and information science, mathematics, medicine, nursing science, pharmacology, physics, political/social sciences, sports/sport science, sport teacher education and dentistry.
• The University of Konstanz places in the top group of German universities in 63 of 138 rankings consistently excellent ratings regarding feasibility of the study programmes, support for new students and the international orientation of its master's programmes.
• Chemistry at the University of Konstanz places in the top group in all respective categories.
• As one of two universities in Germany, the University of Konstanz earns top ratings in biology in all key categories.
• Politics and public administration excels in fourteen of eighteen evaluated criteria.
• The full results can be viewed here: www.zeit.de/che-ranking