by Harriet Line

Durham University has retained its position as the country’s fifth best university, according to a new league table published this week.

Owing to its high degree completion rate, good student to staff ratio and above average student satisfaction, the Complete University Guide 2013 has named Durham as the best university in the North.

The ranking places Durham behind Cambridge University, the London School of Economics, Oxford University and Imperial College London. This follows the Sunday Times University Guide which positioned Durham as third in the country – its highest position yet, behind Cambridge and Oxford.

However, this latest ranking contradicts the QS World University Ranking’s placement of Durham as 83^rd out of 700, behind many other UK institutions such as University College London and  the University of Edinburgh, which feature behind Durham on the Complete University Guide’s list.

Durham has been praised for its high proportion of good honours; with 81.8% achieving either a First or Upper Second, as well as the high quality of research conducted by staff, of which 90% is considered to be of international quality. The sports participation level of 92% was also commented upon.

The University was also ranked in the top 10 nationally for 27 of the 34 subjects that it offers, as well as in the top 15 globally for employer reputation.