Rankings of Durham University

Founded in 1832, Durham University (DU) is located in the cathedral city of Durham, North East England. DU takes pride in having numerous subject fields ranked among the best in the world according to QS, as well as having an exceptionally large course catalogue without compromising the quality that students can expect. Apart from the impressive academic opportunities on offer, students can also participate in numerous sports, music, and art-based extracurricular activities on-site.

Latest ranking updates for Durham University
  • July 2024: Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities update. Durham University achieves place 384.
  • July 2024: Durham University ranks 532 in the latest CWTS Leiden Ranking from Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands.
  • June 2024: US News: Best Global Universities update. Durham University achieves place 309.
  • June 2024: Publication of Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions by Subject (Health Sciences). Ranking position #371.
211 Bachelor and Masters - Course Catalogue Admission advice for international students

University rankings

Historic rankings in TOP global university rankings

Chart Data

Subject rankings

Agriculture

    • #22 
    • #329 
    Agriculture
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Arts Visual & Performing

    • #3 
    • #3 
    Music
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #5 
    • #6 
    Music
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #15 
    • #16 
    Music
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Business

    • #20 
    • #101 
    Business
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #10 
    • #101 
    Finance
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #2 
    Marketing
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #20 
    • #151 
    Public Administration
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

Computer Science

    • #6 
    • #8 
    Computer Science
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #9 
    Computer Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #34 
    • #301 
    Computer Science
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #28 
    • #451 
    Computer Science
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

Education

    • #4 
    • #4 
    Education
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #4 
    • #8 
    Education
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #11 
    • #13 
    Education
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #10 
    • #65 
    Education
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #12 
    • #92 
    Education
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #151 
    Education
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #15 
    • #159 
    Education
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Engineering

    • #21 
    • #535 
    Chemical Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #20 
    • #201 
    Engineering
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #30 
    • #721 
    Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #30 
    • #722 
    Environmental Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #17 
    • #401 
    Materials Science
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #23 
    • #553 
    Mechanical Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Languages & Literature

    • #2 
    • #3 
    English
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #4 
    English
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #7 
    • #10 
    English
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #5 
    French
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #6 
    • #7 
    French
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #4 
    German
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #4 
    • #5 
    German
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #2 
    Italian
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #3 
    Italian
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #23 
    • #251 
    Linguistics
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]

Law

    • #6 
    • #6 
    Law
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #6 
    • #7 
    Law
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #8 
    Law
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #48 
    Law
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #10 
    • #60 
    Law
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #15 
    • #201 
    Law
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

Mathematics

    • #8 
    • #10 
    Mathematics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #11 
    • #17 
    Mathematics
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #13 
    • #19 
    Mathematics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #151 
    Mathematics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #16 
    • #201 
    Mathematics
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #15 
    • #451 
    Mathematics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

Natural Sciences

    • #2 
    • #4 
    Biology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #4 
    Chemistry
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #6 
    • #9 
    Chemistry
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #11 
    Chemistry
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #16 
    • #150 
    Chemistry
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #13 
    • #301 
    Chemistry
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #14 
    • #342 
    Chemistry
    Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions by Subject
    [Published 15 June, 2024]
    • #16 
    • #451 
    Chemistry
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #7 
    Geology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #5 
    • #7 
    Geology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #51 
    Geology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #9 
    • #60 
    Geology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #2 
    Natural Sciences
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #2 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #101 
    Physics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #13 
    • #204 
    Physics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #5 
    • #5 
    Anthropology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #6 
    • #8 
    Anthropology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #10 
    Anthropology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #28 
    Anthropology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #4 
    • #5 
    Economics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #7 
    Economics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #6 
    • #9 
    Economics
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #23 
    • #125 
    Economics
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #22 
    • #201 
    Economics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #4 
    Geography
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #12 
    • #14 
    Geography
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #16 
    Geography
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #3 
    • #4 
    History
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #4 
    History
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #4 
    • #5 
    History
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #16 
    • #41 
    History
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #42 
    History
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #9 
    • #11 
    Psychology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #9 
    • #13 
    Psychology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #13 
    • #18 
    Psychology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #11 
    • #74 
    Psychology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #9 
    • #101 
    Psychology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #19 
    • #126 
    Psychology
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #30 
    • #314 
    Psychology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #11 
    • #81 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #23 
    • #166 
    Social Sciences
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #3 
    Sociology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #9 
    Sociology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #16 
    • #81 
    Sociology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #17 
    • #101 
    Sociology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #27 
    • #151 
    Sociology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #4 
    Theology & Religious Studies
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]

Sports Science

    • #3 
    • #4 
    Sports Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #8 
    • #10 
    Sports Science
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #11 
    • #14 
    Sports Science
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Highest subject rankings for Durham University

Italian The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#2 
Languages & Literature
Natural Sciences The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#2 
Natural Sciences
Marketing CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#2 
Business
Sociology The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#3 
Social Studies & Humanities
Music CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#3 
Arts Visual & Performing
Sports Science CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#4 
Sports Science
Education CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#4 
Education
Law CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#6 
Law
Computer Science The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#8 
Computer Science
Mathematics CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#10 
Mathematics

Student Ratings for Durham University

Student satisfaction
All - aggregated:
4.5 (based on 2070 student ratings)
NSS logo NSS ratings:
4.0 (based on 1546 student ratings)
google logo Google ratings:
4.5 (based on 524 student ratings)

“As an international student, I found all the support that I needed at Durham University. Both the students and the teachers treated me very well, and helped me with anything I needed to know about living here in the UK.”

“I liked the student residences because they were much more spacious than I expected, and I had more than enough places to keep all my belongings, and also to be alone when I needed a break from socialising with my peers.

“Their Online course for Business Administration had a curriculum that I felt was complete and well-planned, however I struggled to get the support I needed from the university staff. If they improve the level of correspondence with students, I would recommend their courses without hesitation.”

About Durham University

PROS

  • Students are happy with the wide variety of sports and societies offered by DU.
  • Lecturers take the time get to know you, and because of the favourable teacher to student ratio, each student receives individualised support. This means that students can make appointments to receive periodical feedback on their assignments.
  • A highlight is that there are abundant spaces for students to study, and the environment is well -suited for studying without disturbances.

CONS

  • Students complain that some of the facilities are outdated, but on the positive side Durham University has been starting renovation projects.

Key facts

Foundation year:
1832
Telephone:
+44 191 334 2000
Address:
Stockton Road
DH1 3HP, Durham
England UK
Website:
https://www.dur.ac.uk/
Social:

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All other courses
    • 4.5
    • Foundation
    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
  • Durham University: A day in the life
  • Ustinovian leavers: “Advice to new students”
  • What I wish I'd known before coming to Durham
  • HT Top 10 things about being a student at Durham University
  • What is your favourite thing about Durham?

NSS Aggregate Student reviews

Below you see the results of Durham University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall student satisfaction
80 /100
1546 total respondents
Chart Data
Source: National Student Survey NSS 2023. The Overall student satisfaction data point is from 2022 (latest available year). The Office for Students made the unfortunate decision to discontinue collecting overall student satisfaction data points per course.
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

THE Student Experience Survey by Times Higher Education

Times Higher Education has surveyed 20251 undergraduate students in the UK about their study experience. 266 students of Durham University participated in the survey.

Below you'll find the results for each of the survey questions for Durham University in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall score: 80.2

Chart Data
Source: Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018
Data is from 2018 which was the last year for which the survey was published. Survey was discontinued after 2018. Details of Methodology

Student composition of Durham University

Students by level of study Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
undergraduates:
17140
postgraduates:
4365
Total:
21505
Students by subject Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
Business and Management:
2615
Mathematical Sciences:
1485
Economics:
1470
Biosciences:
1350
Languages and Area Studies :
1350
Law:
1290
Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies:
1055
Psychology:
1015
English Studies:
985
History:
955
Physics and Astronomy:
945
Education and Teaching:
910
Engineering (Non-Specific):
810
Politics:
780
Chemistry:
695
Computing:
660
Sociology:
585
Philosophy:
455
Theology and Religious Studies:
440
Classics:
425
Archaeology:
380
Sport and Exercise Sciences:
295
Performing Arts:
260
Anthropology:
255
Social Policy:
45
Foreign students by nationality Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
China:
2745
Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China):
515
United States:
260
India:
190
Singapore:
185
Switzerland:
85
Thailand:
80
Korea (South):
80
Taiwan:
75
United Arab Emirates:
70
Saudi Arabia:
60
Pakistan:
60
Malaysia:
60
Canada:
55
Turkey:
50
Japan:
40
Mexico:
40
Nigeria:
40
South Africa:
40
Indonesia:
40
Norway:
35
Russia:
30
Australia:
25
Kenya:
25
Qatar:
20
Bangladesh:
15
Zimbabwe:
15
Brazil:
15
Ukraine:
15
Vietnam:
15
Cayman Islands:
10
Bahrain:
10
New Zealand:
10
Kuwait:
10
Lebanon:
10
Oman:
10
Kazakhstan:
10
Sri Lanka:
10
Myanmar (Burma):
10
Macao (Special Administrative Region of China):
10
Chile:
10
Ghana:
10
Egypt:
10
Peru:
10
Philippines:
5
Argentina:
5
Bermuda:
5
Colombia:
5
Ecuador:
5
Occupied Palestinian Territories {formerly West Ba:
5
Jordan:
5
Israel:
5
Iraq:
5
Iran:
5
Azerbaijan:
5
Nepal:
5
Brunei:
5
Morocco:
5
Mauritius:
5
Libya:
5
Serbia:
5
Georgia:
5
Source: Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023

Campuses of Durham University

Durham University
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College allocation pending
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Durham City
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Durham University Business School
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FAQ

Durham University ranks #10 in England UK in our meta ranking of 123 university rankings. See rankings of all 382 universities in England UK.

Durham University ranks #2 in Durham in our meta ranking. See rankings of all 3 universities in Durham.

Durham University is listed in The Times Good University Guide, The Guardian League Table, CUG The Complete University Guide, THE World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, QS Employability Rankings and more. See all 38 rankings of Durham University.

Durham University achieved #7 in The Guardian League Table. This is the university’s highest ranking in the 123 rankings tracked on our website. See all rankings for Durham University.

Durham University achieved the highest ranking for Social Studies & Humanities. It is ranked #1 in (Archaeology and Forensic Science). See all subject rankings for Durham University.

A large number of university rankings include surveys among academics on reputation. In our meta ranking of 123 university rankings Durham University ranks #2 among universities in Durham and #10 among universities in England UK. See all rankings of Durham University.

In our meta ranking Durham University ranks #10 among all universities in England UK and University of Oxford ranks #1. See all rankings of universities in Durham. Apart from rankings you may also want to see the ratings from students who attended the universities.
211 Bachelor and Masters - Course Catalogue
Admission advice for international students