The Times 2026 UK University Rankings

In the 2026 UK university rankings league table from The Times and The Sunday Times, Durham University has climbed two places to third. The University's success is mirrored in the subject rankings, where Law is placed joint fourth, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's leading law schools. The results mark another year of exceptional performance for both the University and the Law School.

The Sunday Times league table looks at key factors including:

• NSS teaching quality
• NSS student experience
• REF research quality
• UCAS entry tariffs
• Continuation rates
• Services & facilities spend
• Student/staff ratios
• Graduate prospects.

Helen Davies, the editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, commented

“In a very competitive top ten Durham has climbed two places in a year, which is a significant achievement […]

its stellar academic performance was boosted this year by improvements in teaching quality, and student experience. Durham also won University of the Year in the North and Northeast 2026 and runner-up University of the Year for Graduate Prospects 2026”.

Professor Karen O’Brien, the vice-chancellor of Durham University, said:

"Durham is an outstanding place to study. We ensure that every student can grow and thrive here. Our loyal, engaged alumni are testament to the impressive career prospects that await our graduates.

As a diverse, global community, we are making progress in welcoming more underrepresented students, including from our city and region. Through a range of scholarships and one of the most generous bursary schemes in the country, we are supporting students to come here and participate in the wider opportunities available to them at Durham. Every student can achieve remarkable things.”

NOTES:

To view the UK University Rankings 2026, see here

For more information about the UK University Rankings 2026, see here