We have been ranked 70th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject.
The Department has maintained a place in the global top 100 since 2022, continuing to strengthen its international reputation. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, it rose from 84th to 70th, its highest position in recent years.
The Department of Psychology at Durham University is a vibrant and internationally recognised centre for research and education. We are committed to advancing understanding of the mind and behaviour through innovative research, high-quality teaching, and strong collaborations across disciplines.
Our work spans a wide range of areas, from cognitive and developmental science to clinical and social psychology, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic academic community.
To find out more about our research, facilities, and opportunities, please visit our department website.
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.
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.”
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