Department of Physics

World Rankings

Durham is one of the world’s leading universities as shown by our world top 100 position in the QS World University Rankings 2021, where we are ranked 86th.

A record 19 Durham subjects are also in the world top 100 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, including 11 in the world top 50 and three in the world top ten.

Physics@Durham

Quantum computing, Superconductors, Astronomy and Particle Physics: these are just some of the areas you will explore during your Physics degree at Durham University. You will have access to state of the art technology and collaborate with world-leading scientists on real research projects.

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The Department of Physics at Durham has been awarded a second accolade for its approach to equality and diversity, having had its Juno award submission assessed in April by Athena SWAN. This award was presented during a ceremony at the University of Glasgow on the 4th December 2017.

Athena SWAN is a charter with the aim of advancing the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM). To join the charter, institutions must indicate they will address 6 areas of concernincluding the high attrition rate of women in science. Athena SWAN has the support of the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) and the UKRC. The charter is funded by ECU, the Royal Society, the Biochemical Society, and the Department of Health.

In obtaining the Silver award, Physics have shown they're taking action in response to previously identified challenges and the impact of that action has been evaluated and recognised.

This follows on from the department obtaining Juno Champion Status from the Institute of Physics (IoP) for its commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace, and is one of only 18 departments in the UK and Ireland to hold this award. Project Juno is a national scheme that aims to recognise and reward physics departments that can demonstrate they have taken action to address the under-representation of women in physics and encourage better practice for both women and men. Read more...