We have been ranked 26th for English Literature and Language in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, rising 7 places compared to 2025.
About our QS World University Ranking by Subject
Our Department of English Studies has risen 7 places in this year’s QS World University Ranking by Subject to 26th position, firmly cementing our reputation as one of the leading venues for the study of Literature and Creative Writing.
Professor Peter Garratt, Head of Department, said: 'This rise in the global ranking of English at Durham pleasingly reflects our commitment to the highest standards of teaching and research, our breadth of expertise, and longstanding leadership in literary studies.’
The QS World Rankings by Subject pay particular attention to research reputation, and our high score reflects both our unusual breadth of work across literature produced in Britain from the early medieval period to the present day as well as in anglophone literature from across the globe. Our research is also interdisciplinary, with English Studies engaged in research centres and institutes such as the Institute for Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Centre for Nineteenth-Century Studies, Centre for Culture and Ecology, or the Institute for Medical Humanities.
Recent examples of our activity include the publication of a groundbreaking book on dreams and dreaming, enabling public engagement with literature through immersive technology, and the launch of a project to investigate the cultural legacy of the Cambridge spies.
The rankings also capture our reputation with employers, something to which our students can testify as they progress successfully into varied careers with English.
About the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
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.
The 2026 rankings analysed more than 6,200 institutions worldwide, with 1,900 universities ranked across 55 subjects, producing over 21,000 individual ranking entries.
Durham performs strongly across many subjects
As a University, we have achieved a best-ever 22 subjects in the world top 100, including three in the world top 10, and 10 in the world top 50. Four ‘broad subject’ areas and 17 ‘narrow subjects’ improved their positions compared with last year.
Professor Karen O’Brien, our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, said: “Durham is a world-leading university. The outstanding nature of our teaching and research is reflected in our global rankings success.
“It is particularly pleasing to see a high volume of broad subjects again placed so highly in these most prestigious rankings.
“We have been a world top 100 university every year since 2010. We are The Times and The Sunday Times UK University of the Year 2026.”
Find out more
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/departments-/english-studies/77520%5B1%5D-1989X659.jpg)