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We’re at the forefront of academic excellence and our global rankings reflect that status. We’re pleased to announce that we have been ranked 27th in Europe in the new QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024.

First ever QS rankings for Europe

In its first World University Rankings focused on Europe, QS assessed 690 universities across Europe and ranked us in the top four per cent – further confirming Durham’s place as one of the leading universities in Europe and solidifying its global reputation.

The new rankings are calculated from 12 individually weighted metrics. Among these, Durham was placed 15th for sustainability and 16th for employer reputation.

A world leader in sustainability

Our research is world-leading and world-changing, encompassing climate change impacts from ice sheet melting to animal migrations, plus energy systems, hydrogen development, carbon capture and storage and environmental justice. 

We recently agreed a new Sustainability Ambition Statement, which spells out how Durham will operate in the most sustainable way possible and includes two key targets: achieving net zero carbon by 2035 and biodiversity net gain by 2032.

This builds on the launch of our first Biodiversity Strategy, to enhance the campus as a place where wildlife can prosper and became a founding member of the Nature Positive Universities Alliance, a network of universities committed to restoring and preserving nature.

Highly valued by global employers

Our graduates are highly sought after by leading businesses.

The University’s graduate employment rate, defined as the percentage of graduates who go on to paid work within 15 months of finishing their degree, is 94.8 per cent.

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