Sunday Times University Guide 2012

Durham named as Top 3 UK University in prestigious league table 

Durham University is named in the Top 3 of UK universities in the prestigious Sunday Times University Guide 2012.

The all-round education experience offered by Durham's academic departments and colleges helped the University achieve its highest ever ranking in the guide (published Sunday September 11th).

Durham was ranked as the UK's third best University, an improvement of three places on the 2011 guide which uses a wide range of information including student satisfaction, teaching and research quality, entrance qualifications held by new students, degree results achieved, student/staff ratios, graduate unemployment levels and university drop-out rates.

More than four in five (82 per cent) of Durham graduates get a graduate-level job when they leave, with an average salary of more than £21,300, and along with Cambridge University, over 98 per cent of Durham students complete their course, the guide added. Durham is also ranked as an elite university in terms of entry standards, reputation among academics, student satisfaction and sport.

The Guide concludes: "Durham has achieved its highest-ever ranking this year off the back of high levels of student satisfaction, the low dropout rate, highly sought after graduates and a strong research-led academic track record - all of which now make the university the leading multi-faculty alternative to Oxbridge."

The new guide comes after Durham recently cemented its place as a World Top 100 University in the 2011 QS World University League Rankings, which also placed the University in the World Top 15 for graduate employability.

Professor Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor said: "This latest league table is recognition for the distinctive research-led and rounded education Durham University and its College system offers some of the most able and motivated students from the UK and around the world.

"It also recognises Durham's commitment to education and research which helps shape the world through sciences, social sciences and humanities.

"Durham is an ancient place of scholarship and yet is also one of the leading full-subject universities in the UK in the 21st Century. Our educational community, which is diverse and human in scale, produces global citizens who can make a significant contribution to tomorrow's society and economy."

Scott Parker, Education and Welfare Officer at Durham Students' Union added: "Durham has a dedication to making all students feel comfortable as well as an outstanding reputation for education, with fantastic facilities for student enhancement and education.

To see the rankings in full visit: www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/University_Guide (Note subscription fee applies).