There are innumerable subject disciplines and sub-disciplines. Through analysis of academic survey results over a protracted period and publication data from Scopus, QS continues to identify subject areas which may, at some stage in the next few years, reach the necessary data levels to facilitate a ranking. The subjects have been selected due to their meeting all of the following criteria:
1. Inclusion of specialists: QS has ensured that surveys have included all key specialist institutions operating within the discipline, regardless of whether they may have been expected to feature in the overall QS World University Rankings.
2. Academic Response level: The subject attracts sufficient academic responses.
3. Overall appropriateness of indicators: Indicators and approaches prove appropriate and effective in highlighting excellence in the discipline.