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Physics rises in QS World University Rankings by Subject

26 March 2026
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Durham University’s Physics Department’s QS World University Ranking 2026 has risen over 20 places to joint 67th.

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The Physics Department at Durham is one of the largest in the UK and has a global reach. Our research focuses on advanced instrumentation, astronomy and astrophysics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, particle physics, and quantum physics. We take our work into space, up high mountains, and deep underground, reaching from the largest known structures in the Universe to the smallest sub-atomic particles. Our research finds its applications in areas such as improved energy storage, better imaging for cancer diagnosis, quantum computing, nuclear fusion, pandemic modelling, and making phones work faster. Undergraduate teaching is led by our research, which is embedded at all levels from first year laboratory reports to our final year M.Phys. flagship individual research projects, giving our students the skills they will need for future roles in STEM.

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 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.” 

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