UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN may just be about to overtake Trinity in the World University Rankings.

The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES), who publish the rankings are set to change the way in which they compile the lists. THES Editor Phil Baty says “we can expect some big-name institutions to take a hit in the new World University Rankings.”

Currently over 50% of the ranking is comprised of subjective opinion, rather than objective evidence. 40% is made up of the institution’s reputation among scholars and a further 10% is based on how employers perceive the institution’s graduates. This is set to change with 13 new indicators – reputation will make up only 20% of the ranking.

Trinity currently ranks at number 43 while UCD is at number 89 on the list. The gap may just be too big but there is an expectation that the THES list will change dramatically, when it is published in the Autumn.

Baty says “Big names with big reputations that lack world-class research output and influence to match will suffer in comparison with previous exercises. Conversely, unsung heroes have a better chance of recognition.”

Trinity academic Kevin O’Rourke is a little more cautious saying “I have no idea if Irish universities are going to do better or worse this autumn, but if they do worse, then people will need to remember that the ranking procedure has changed.”

The Top 200 World Universities in full.