Durham University Rankings 2026

Durham University sits at number 94 globally in QS 2026, 175th in THE, and 292nd in U.S. News Best Global Universities. Within UK, Durham University holds 3rd place in The Times and Sunday The Times and Sunday Times also named Durham University their University of the Year 2026, which is not something many universities can claim. 

At subject level, Durham University has 22 subjects in the QS world top 100, with three sitting in the global top 10. The Business School ranks 3rd globally in QS International Trade for Masters and MBA programs. 

The sections below look at how these rankings have moved over time and how Durham University performs across individual subjects. 

Durham University in QS, THE, and U.S. News Rankings  

Durham University holds a consistent position across all three major global ranking systems, though the numbers vary by platform since each one measures different things. 

QS 2026 puts Durham University at number 94 globally. THE places it at 175th and U.S. News at 292nd in Best Global Universities. 

Here is how Durham University rankings have moved over recent years: 

Overall, Durham has held a stable global position, remaining in the QS world top 100 every year since 2010. 

Read all about the Admissions at Durham University  

Subject-Wise Rankings of Durham University 

Overall rankings are a starting point. Where Durham University really holds up is at the subject level. A record 22 subjects in the QS world top 100 for 2026 is a strong result, with humanities, social sciences, and sciences all showing particularly solid numbers. 

Here is how Durham University performs across subjects in each of the three major ranking bodies. 

QS Subject-Wise Rankings of Durham University (2026) 

2026 is Durham University's best ever QS subject performance. Three subjects in the global top 10, ten in the world top 50. Arts and Humanities stands out most, with every eligible subject placing in the global top 50. 

Here is how Durham University ranks across subjects in QS 2026: 

Overall, Durham's QS subject picture is led by humanities and social sciences, with sciences showing steady improvement year on year.  

THE Subject-Wise Rankings of Durham University (2026) 

Arts and Humanities and Law are Durham University's strongest THE subjects, both placing in the global top 55. Business and Physical Sciences sit in solid positions too. 

Here is how Durham University ranks across subjects in THE 2026: 

Overall, THE rankings confirm Durham's strength in humanities and law, with sciences and computer science sitting further down the table.  

U.S. News Subject-Wise Rankings of Durham University (2026) 

Space Science and Arts and Humanities are where Durham University stands out in U.S. News, both sitting in the global top 63. Economics and Business and Geosciences also perform well. Clinical and engineering fields sit further down the list. 

Here is how Durham University ranks across subjects in U.S. News 2026: 

Check out all Courses at Durham University  

Durham University: Excellence and Achievements 

Durham University's reputation is not just about where it sits in ranking tables. Over the years it has built its name through real academic achievement, research that gets noticed, and a student experience that consistently draws strong feedback.  

The sections below get into what sets Durham University apart:  

Academic Excellence and Recognition 

Durham University being named University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times in 2026 is worth stopping on. It is the first time in the guide's 32 year history that neither Oxford nor Cambridge appeared in the top three.  

Durham University also won University of the Year for the North and Northeast 2026 and came in as joint runner-up for Graduate Employment 2026.  

Innovation, Research, and Industry Impact 

Durham University Business School holds Triple Crown accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. Fewer than 150 institutions globally have achieved this, roughly 1% of business schools worldwide. The FT Online MBA has ranked in the global top 10 for 13 consecutive years, which is the kind of consistency that is hard to manufacture.  

Student Community and Global Presence 

Durham University is a collegiate university with 17 residential colleges set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site city. Over 21,000 students study here, with 34% coming from international backgrounds across more than 130 countries. The setting is genuinely unlike most UK universities.   

Miscellaneous Rankings of Durham University 

Durham University shows up consistently across ranking systems beyond the main three, covering sustainability, reputation, research, and UK specific performance. Taken together they give a fuller picture than any single table can. 

Here is a quick look: 

Durham University holds up well beyond the headline rankings, particularly in sustainability, international reputation, and business education.  

Durham University Rankings vs Acceptance Rate 

Durham University sits in the global top 100 by QS, 175th by THE, and 292nd by U.S. News. The overall acceptance rate is around 41%, but that number shifts quite a bit depending on the course. Around 35,000 applications came in last year for just 5,580 places, so the competition is real even where the headline rate looks accessible. 

Here is how course level rankings compare against admission competition: 

Durham University's rankings reflect strong performance across most disciplines, and the acceptance data makes clear that top ranked subjects like Theology, Archaeology, Geography, and Law draw particularly competitive applicant pools. 

Have more questions? Book a Free 1:1 Live Session with upGrad Experts Today!   

We are here to help!