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We are at the forefront of global academic excellence and our global rankings reflect that status.

We are pleased to announce that our subjects have performed very strongly in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, with 12 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50.

World-class performance

That means our subjects have achieved record-equalling success in this highly prestigious ranking, demonstrating the extraordinary standard of our teaching and learning.

The QS rankings assessed over 18,300 subjects globally from 1,597 institutions, where 12 of our subjects are ranked in the world top 50 and 19 in the world top 100 again.

Nine of our subjects have enhanced their world top 100 ranking.

Additionally, two subject areas are in the world top 100 – Arts and Humanities is placed 32nd, up from 41st last year, and Natural Sciences ranks joint 74th, up from 99th in 2022.

Our top subjects

Theology & Religion has topped our subjects ranking again with a global rank of 6th, up from 7th last year. The subject has received a very high academic reputation score, which showcases the global prominence of our researchers, and a respectable 3rd position in the UK.

Our Classics and Ancient History Department, which has moved up to 8th in the world from 13th in 2022, is highly sought after by global employers.

The high impact research and significance of our Archaeology Department has been recognised with a global rank of 10th. Pioneering research conducted by our Archaeology Department includes evidence of early Ice Age writing and the first solid evidence that Vikings brought animals to Britain.

Our other top subjects are Geography (14th), Anthropology (23rd), Philosophy (32nd), History (joint 38th), English Literature (38th), Geology (joint 46th), Earth Sciences (joint 46th), Law (46th) and Geophysics (47th).

The robust rankings for our subjects reflect the strong impact and quality of work produced by our researchers and academics.

We offer the inspiration

The top rankings of our subjects signify the quality of our education and the high employability prospects of our graduates.

We take pride in the careers support we offer our students and the high value for money of our education. We challenge our students with world-class research that has direct impact on their learning, development and progression.

We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances with a range of our scholarships for both UK and international students.

We also offer a varied range of student enrichment activity including sports, music, theatre, volunteering and leadership development, all in the beautiful and historic setting of Durham and North East England.

Find out more