A UK top 5 University

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world.

5th in the UK

Complete University Guide 2026

5th in the UK

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

64th in the world

for employer reputation QS World University Rankings 2026

World top 100 university

QS World University Rankings 2026

Durham rises in Complete University Guide 2026

We are delighted to announce that Durham University has secured the 5th position in the Complete University Guide 2026, rising two places from last year.

This achievement reaffirms Durham's standing as one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom and is a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff who contribute to our ongoing success.

This follows on from our top 5 result in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 last autumn. We were also ranked 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

In the individual subject rankings, we have two subjects ranked first this year - Music (up from 3rd last year) and Theology and Religious Studies (up from 4th last year). Overall, we have 19 subjects in the top 5 and 28 subjects in the top 10.

The Complete University Guide assesses institutions based on ten measures: entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, academic services spend, spending on student facilities, continuation, student-staff ratio, graduate prospects – outcomes, and graduate prospects – on track. It includes 130 institutions.

Our graduates are among the most sought after internationally, equipped with knowledge, skills and experience developed through excellent teaching, world-leading research and outstanding student support. We work closely with graduate employers around the world to help our students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a changing, global job market. We have a world-class reputation with employers, being ranked 64th for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2026..

Studying at Durham - your experience.

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From our Student Blog: What attracted me to Durham

When I was thinking about places to apply for university, Durham was in the mix from an early stage. Looking at pictures of the river curving around the cathedral, it’s hard not to think that it would be a cool place to study!

QS World University Rankings

Our status as a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research has been affirmed once again in the QS World University Rankings 2026. We have been ranked a world top 100 university every year since 2010.

Learn more about our international rankings

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Student Blog: A Vietnamese student’s journey in Durham

I’m a Vietnamese student on the Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice programme. I was welcomed in Durham not only by the enchanting Gothic architecture but also by a community that radiated kindness. With its blend of intellectual challenge and unwavering support, the Sociology Department...

I'm a Trainee at Greenhouse PR, which is an environmental communications/PR agency. Studying English Literature at Durham was pivotal to me securing this role, as the research and writing skills I developed have helped me enormously with the PR work I'm doing now.

Sunita

Durham student

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Check out thedurhamstudent on Instagram

Durham is a beautiful city and stunning place to live and study - check out our student-run Instagram!