QS World Rankings By Subject 2023

We're a world-leading university, and our academic excellence and impact is reflected in our global rankings.

12 Subjects

in the Top 50

3 Subjects

in the Top 10

19 Subjects

in the Top 100

78th

QS World University Rankings 2024

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Twelve of our subjects ranked in world top 50

We have performed very strongly in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, with 12 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50.

The rankings assessed over 18,300 subjects from 1,597 institutions across the world, based on academic and employer reputation, citations per academic paper, impact and quality of research and international research collaboration factors.

12 of our subjects have been ranked in the world top 50: Theology & Religion (6th), Classics & Ancient History (8th), Archaeology (10th), Geography (14th), Anthropology (23rd), Philosophy (32nd), History (38th), English Literature (38th), Geology (46th), Earth Sciences (46th), Law (46th) and Geophysics (47th).

Nine of our subjects have enhanced their world top 100 ranking.

In addition, two subject areas are in the world top 100 – Arts and Humanities is placed 32nd, up from 41st last year, and Natural Sciences ranks 74th, up from 99th in 2022.

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Every year our subjects are highly rated in the global league table rankings, and it is a true credit to the outstanding teaching and research carried out at our University.

Professor Karen O’Brien

Vice-Chancellor and Warden

Research: solving global challenges

The work of staff and students across the University, as well as our international alumni community, continues to have a significant impact on a global level.

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12 of our subjects have been ranked in the world top 50.

6th (Global) Theology and Religion

8th (Global) Classics and Ancient History

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Browse through our top subject departments

Theology and Religion

Archaeology

Classics and Ancient History

Geography

Earth Sciences

In addition, two subject areas are in the world top 100: Arts and Humanities and Natural Sciences

Anthropology

History

English Studies

Philosophy

Law

In some cases how QS categorises subject areas is different to the titles of Durham University Departments.

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Highlights by Subject Area

32nd Arts & Humanities

74th Natural Sciences

Joint 102nd Social Sciences and Management

Featured News Stories

QS World Rankings By Subject 2023

Latest News

Twelve of our subjects ranked in world top 50

Research: solving global challenges

Explore Durham

Find a course

From our student blog: The top 10 things I’ve loved about studying at Durham

Explore Our Departments

Discover more

Browse through our top subject departments

In addition, two subject areas are in the world top 100: Arts and Humanities and Natural Sciences

Progress to Postgrad

Discover postgraduate study

Featured News Stories

Theology and Religion (6th QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)

Classics and Ancient History (8th QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)

Archaeology (10th QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)

Geography (14th QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)

Anthropology (23rd QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)