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Philosophy ranks 39th in QS World University Rankings by Subject

25 March 2026
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Photograph of QS Ranking by Subject for Philosophy

Philosophy at Durham has been ranked 39th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject.

About our QS World University Ranking by Subject

Philosophy has ranked within the global top 40 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for five consecutive years, underlining the department’s international standing and the strength of its teaching and research.

More about us

The Durham Philosophy Department is amongst the most prestigious departments in the UK. It serves as a hub for a lively and supportive philosophical community, bringing together undergraduates, postgraduates and staff in a shared commitment to rigorous inquiry and intellectual exchange.

We are a pluralistic department that values a wide range of approaches to philosophical reflection, spanning analytic, Continental, Buddhist, and other traditions. Our research and teaching cover a broad spectrum of both traditional and emerging areas, from metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy, to philosophy of science and medicine, ethics and political philosophy, and the philosophy of artificial intelligence and technology.

This breadth is matched by a strong culture of collaboration and engagement. Colleagues contribute to interdisciplinary research centres and international networks, and our work increasingly informs debates in public policy, science, and society. The result is a department that combines depth and diversity with a clear sense of contemporary relevance, whilst maintaining a long-standing commitment to philosophical excellence.

Recent departmental news and achievements can be found on our Philosophy news pages.

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

Across the University, Durham continues to perform strongly in the QS rankings, with 22 subjects in the world top 100 in 2026, including three in the top 10.

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