News

Durham named as top ten UK University

(19 September 2008)

Durham University has again been named as one of the UK’s top ten universities, according to a new guide.

The University was ranked eighth – equalling its highest ever ranking – in The Sunday Times University Guide 2008. Durham was again named as the best University in North East England winning praise for its world class research and high quality teaching. The ranking also reflected the high score given to the University by students in the National Student Survey. Attention was drawn to Durham’s work in helping students from the region gain a place at University via its bursary scheme. And Durham was commended for its sports activities with The Sunday Times saying: “The University has been something of a production line for England cricketers and rugby players during the last 20 years.” The Sunday Times guide is the latest to place Durham in the UK's top ten in 2008. The University was ranked sixth in The Independent's Complete University Guide and eighth in The Times Good University Guide. Professor Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “Durham is committed to being recognised as a world-leading university and place of scholarship. “This guide recognises the leading research being carried out by some of the world’s finest minds across many disciplines and the high-quality of our teaching. “It is particularly pleasing that the guide also recognises the value of our distinctive college-based student experience as highlighted by the high score we received from students in the National Student Survey. “As well as gaining the very best academic and pastoral support during their studies, students enjoy being part of a diverse community, with superb access to extra-curricular activities such as sport, within a collegiate system. “It is this experience that puts our graduates among the most sought after in the country.” Professor Higgins added that Durham’s position in the guide was good news for the North East as the University continues to play an increasingly important part in the social, cultural and intellectual life of the region. He said: “Our students and staff use their skills in running a number of outreach programmes which include volunteer work in the community and science classes for schools and we are committed to helping recruit more students from the region with support from our bursary schemes. “The University continues to enjoy increasing applications from all over the world and we fully intend to build on our successes in the coming years.”