Durham University sweeps rankings for 2026
By Milly Moore
Durham University secures best-ever 22 subjects in the world top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
This achievement marks an increase on last year’s previous best of 21 subjects in the world top 100.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject are among the most prestigious global rankings, assessing universities using indicators including academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations and international research collaboration.
Four ‘broad subject’ areas and seventeen ‘narrow subjects’ have improved their QS rankings from the previous year.
Among the University’s standout subjects is Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies, ranked fourth in the world, making it the University’s highest-placed subject.
Archaeology ranked fifth globally, while geography rose five places to sixth in the world. The university also excelled in Arts and Humanities where they ranked 31st globally.
In STEM, Psychology moved up to 70th, with Physics and Astronomy rising to joint 67th. Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems, Engineering and Technology also improved in their rankings, and the broad subject area of Natural Sciences entered the world top 100.
Other subjects placed in the global top 50 are: Anthropology (joint 25th), English Language and Literature (26th), Classics and Ancient History (joint 29th), Philosophy (joint 39th), Modern Languages (joint 40th), History (44th), and Law (joint 49th)
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, commented on the “outstanding nature of our teaching and research” which is reflected in recognition in the global rankings.
She said: “It is particularly pleasing to see a high volume and broad range of subjects again placed so highly in these most prestigious rankings.”
Alongside this, the university’s Business School has also ranked in the top ten in the Financial Times Online MBA Ranking 2026.
This punctuates the 13th consecutive year that the programme has ranked in the Financial Times’ global top 10. The Durham MBA (full-time) also remains in the global top 100 of the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2026.
Durham ranked second globally and first in the UK for value for money. This reflects Alumni reports of an average salary of $203,421 three years after graduation, ranking the school sixth globally.
Durham also placed in the global top 10 across all six measures of gender balance and international diversity.
Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of Durham University Business School, said:
“Maintaining a place in the global top 10 for more than a decade is a remarkable achievement. It reflects the quality of our academic community, the ambition of our students, and the professional impact of our graduates.”
Adding to the run of success, Durham has been named a World Top 50 international university.
The Times Higher Education ranks Durham as joint 33rd in its list of the most international universities in the world 2026. This is an increase of five places from last year.
This reflects Durham’s representation of over 120 countries, with over 40% of staff being of non-UK origin.
The University noted that this ranking “also recognises the global collaboration of our research and our strong reputation among fellow academics around the world.”
These rankings recognise Durham University as a top institution in the UK and globally.
Professor Claire O’Malley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global), welcomed these results, saying “Durham is a truly international university, educating people from across the world and making a difference through our transformative global research.”
Image: Amana Moore
