When researching which university to apply to, it can be tricky to find out which institution is the best option for a particular subject. The 2012 rankings of Chinese universities by subject were released by China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) on Jan. 29, 2013. Renmin University of China tops the list for sociology study among the 39 participants in this field, with an overall score of 97.

The evaluation was carried out over the course of one full year and covered 4,235 disciplines across 391 Chinese universities and institutions. Objective indicators and subjective opinions were both included, based on the public data released by government sectors and social institutions, as well as the participants’ application materials. The opinions of professionals, government officials and other people from various business circles were also taken into consideration.

This is the third evaluation for particular subjects in the past ten years. The previous ones took place in 2004 and 2008, respectively.

Rankings for all subjects:

- Applied economics （应用经济学）

- Architecture （建筑学）

- Business administration （工商管理）

- Chinese history （中国史）

- Chinese language and literature （中国语言文学）

- Civil engineering （土木工程）

- Clinical medicine （临床医学）

- Computer science and technology （计算机科学与技术）

- Dentistry （口腔医学）

- Design （设计）

- Drama, film studies （戏剧与影视）

- Education （教育）

- Electronic science and technology （电子科学与技术）

- Environmental science and engineering （环境科学与工程）

- Foreign language and literature （外国语言文学）

- Information, communication engineering （信息与通信工程）

- Journalism and communication （新闻传播）

- Law （法学）

- Management Science and Engineering （管理科学与工程）

- Mechanical engineering （机械工程）

- Music and dance （音乐与舞蹈）

- Politics （政治）

- Psychology （心理学）

- Sociology （社会学）

- Software engineering （软件工程）

- Statistics （统计学）

- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) （中医）

The following are the top 10 Chinese universities for sociology study, 2012.

Huazhong University of Science and Technology（华中科技大学）

Huazhong University of Science and Technology [tupian.baike.com]

Overall score: 73