Durham University's Ranking Among the Top 10 in QS Global University Rankings? Understanding Durham University's Ranking and Reputation

Oxford and Cambridge Universities are globally renowned for their long history, and Durham University in Northeast England shares a similar historical value. Although Durham University's overall ranking, reputation, and fame may not match Oxford and Cambridge, it is also one of the old universities in the UK, with some of its departments being highly reputed. Is Durham University worth considering for students? Let's explore this with Cyclopes.

Source: Durham University

Founded in 1832, Durham University has nearly two centuries of history. It is the first nationally recognized university after Oxford and Cambridge, locally referred to as "Doxbridge" (a portmanteau of the names of the three universities). Durham University boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and is considered the third oldest university in England. [1]

Durham University, one of the few UK universities operating on a collegiate system, is composed of several colleges, each independently recognized by the British government. The concept of a collegiate university might seem abstract, resembling the setup in the "Harry Potter" series, where students are divided into different colleges with their own activities and intercollegiate competitions, enriching campus life and fostering networking opportunities. [2]

In 2018, the university announced an investment of £105,000,000 to build two new colleges, South College, completed in 2020, and another still under construction, expected to be completed in the 2026/27 academic year. [3]

As mentioned in our previous article, "What Are the Russell Group Universities? Understanding the UK's Premier Russell Group" Durham University is also a member of the Russell Group, known for its outstanding academic research and contributions to society and the economy, providing high-quality and diverse educational resources to students. 

Source: Freepik

Durham University's performance in the QS World University Rankings is impressive. According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Durham University ranks 94th [4]. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Durham ranks 175th globally and 23rd among UK universities [5].

Durham's place among the global top 100 is well-deserved. Apart from its notable reputation, departments like Theology and Religion, Classics and Ancient History, and Archaeology at Durham University rank among the top ten globally. Additionally, subjects like Geography and Anthropology are among the top 50 globally, with 19 subjects ranking in the top 100. Overall, Durham excels in academics, ratings, and reputation [6].

To gauge Durham University's overall reputation, one can consider the academic performance of students and the overall student experience. In 2023, Durham received a Silver Award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting high student satisfaction with academic performance. Notable alumni, such as Hong Kong architect Chao Sze-tsung and McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook, graduated before the TEF was established [7].

In summary, Durham University's departments, faculty, and academic abilities are exceptional, especially with its ranking and reputation comparable to established universities like Oxford and Cambridge. This can significantly benefit students' future careers, making it a worthwhile consideration for those interested in studying in the UK. For more information on studying in the UK, stay tuned to GROVE Education and welcome to contact our professional education consultancy team. We provide personalised guidance based on each student’s background and goals, analysing their application strengths and helping to plan their route to admission—taking the first step towards a successful study experience in the UK!

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