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Durham University rises to 85th in prestigious QS World University Rankings 2027

People walking down the stairs

Durham University has been ranked 85th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up nine places from last year.

The QS World University Rankings are widely acknowledged as the most influential university rankings globally. The 2027 rankings, assessed 8,808 institutions, saw Durham enhance its position in the employer reputation, academic reputation, and citations per faculty categories of assessment. 

Durham performed particularly strongly for reputation with employers, ranking 49th – up 15 places. Its reputation for academic excellence was also acknowledged, rising three places, as was its position among the world’s leading universities for sustainability – being placed joint 24th. 

Durham is The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year, and ranks in the UK’s top five universities. In the Complete University Guide, announced earlier this month, 31 of 32 subjects at Durham were ranked in the top ten in the UK.  

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden at Durham University, said: “To rise nine places to 85th in the QS World University Rankings is a tremendous achievement, in an outstanding year for Durham University. 

“That employers rank us among the world’s top 50 universities is particularly important for our students and graduates, indicating the exceptional value that a Durham degree holds in equipping students for work and preparing them for career success.” 

As well as an outstanding education, Durham provides students with exceptional opportunities to enhance their employability through developing their leadership skills and starting new businesses. Its Hazan Venture Lab helps Durham students develop their entrepreneurial skills and incubate new ventures.  

Durham’s top category in the QS World University Rankings 2027 is Sustainability (joint 24th), through which the social and environmental impact of universities as centres of education and research is assessed.   

Durham research is helping society understand and address the pressing challenge of climate change, from ice sheet melting to harnessing geothermal energy; from decarbonising shipping to unlocking the potential of hydrogen.   

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North East Space Conference highlights region’s growing investment opportunity

A man giving a presentation

The North East Space Conference 2026 demonstrated the growing strength and ambition of the region’s space sector, bringing together more than 350 delegates from industry, academia, government and the investment community to explore future opportunities for growth, collaboration and inward investment.

Opened by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, the conference highlighted the increasing role the sector is playing in driving innovation, attracting investment and creating high-value jobs across the region.

Hosted by Space North East England at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham, the conference focused on a clear ambition: converting the North East’s growing reputation for innovation into increased national and international investment.

While the region’s space sector has developed steadily over the past decade, this year’s event reflected growing confidence that the North East is now positioned to play a much larger role in the UK’s space economy.

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County named best destination for the second year in a row

Award presented by Mandy Hill, Dunwood Travel; Wendy Wilshere, Head of Volunteer Casting & Engagement, Kynren; Samantha Shotton, Chief Operating Officer, Beamish Museum; Brenda Alexander, Bookings Coordinator, Beamish Museum; Alex MacKenzie, Travel Trade Manager, Experience North East England; Sarah Johnson, Senior Manager, Visit County Durham; Michelle Gorman, Managing Director, Visit County Durham; Event host – Luke Kempner.

It was an incredible night for the county, as it was named Best UK Destination for the second year in a row at the prestigious Group Leisure and Travel Awards, which took place in London on 12 June. Following last year’s win, County Durham retained its title against stiff competition including London, Edinburgh, and Belfast, proving that the destination’s group travel offer rivals that of UK capital cities.

The Group Leisure & Travel Awards are among the UK’s most established honours in the group travel sector. They celebrate excellence across attractions, tour operators, museums, venues, live experiences and destinations, based on votes from readers of Group Leisure & Travel magazine. 

Also shortlisted on the night were Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, and Beamish Museum, demonstrating even further why the county is such a great destination for groups.

Visit County Durham has supported the group travel market for many years, through business support, product development, and promotion. Investment has been made in coach parking and facilities by Durham County Council and private-sector businesses, resulting in the county holding the most Coach Friendly Accreditations. And through our Discover Durham groups and travel trade consortium, we work in partnership with tourism businesses to raise the collective profile and appeal of the county, with results like this demonstrating success.

Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham, said: “County Durham has always had an excellent group travel offer, from our world-class attractions, experiences and events, to fantastic landscapes and food and drink. Significant recent investment, including The Rising at Raby Castle, Remaking Beamish, New Hall at Locomotion, and accommodation refurbishments across the county, have strengthen our offer even further. And with two exciting new attractions set to open this summer, Kynren – The Storied Lands and The Light, we are certain that our share of this valuable market will continue to grow, supporting businesses, and providing opportunities for our residents. But this isn’t a Visit County Durham win, it’s a win for County Durham’s entire visitor economy and its passion, creativity and resilience.”

Rob Yandell, publisher of Group Leisure and Travel, added: “Our warmest congratulations go to all of this year’s winners and finalists, and to everyone across the travel trade whose dedication continues to create exceptional experiences and outstanding service for groups. The continued support of our Awards Partners, along with the enthusiasm and engagement of our readers, has once again played a vital role in the success of these awards. 

“Bringing together more than 300 guests to celebrate achievements and connect with colleagues has been a true pleasure, and we hope everyone enjoyed another memorable occasion.” 

 

Image caption left to right:
Award presented by Mandy Hill, Dunwood Travel; Wendy Wilshere, Head of Volunteer Casting & Engagement, Kynren; Samantha Shotton, Chief Operating Officer, Beamish Museum; Brenda Alexander, Bookings Coordinator, Beamish Museum; Alex MacKenzie, Travel Trade Manager, Experience North East England; Sarah Johnson, Senior Manager, Visit County Durham; Michelle Gorman, Managing Director, Visit County Durham; Event host – Luke Kempner.

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New partnership to boost careers in low carbon energy

Main image shows an aerial view of the Dock90 wind farm, with a ship alongside. Image credit: Principle Power

We’re launching a new regional project designed to strengthen the future workforce for North East England’s growing low carbon and offshore wind industries.

The Low Carbon North: Sustainable Futures initiative is being delivered by our Careers and Enterprise team in partnership with Newcastle University and The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult. 

ORE Catapult is the UK’s leading technology innovation and research centre for offshore renewable energy. 

Funded through the Northern Net Zero Accelerator, the one-year programme will run from May 2026 until the end of April 2027. 

The project aims to improve graduate retention in North East England while helping businesses build the skilled workforce needed for the transition to employment in the region’s flourishing low carbon economy.  

It will also support long term regional growth by creating a model that could be expanded across the wider higher education sector. 

Supporting regional growth 

The programme will connect Durham and Newcastle students with businesses working across offshore wind, subsea industries and the wider low carbon sector. 

Virtual, employer-led group projects will give students the chance to work on real industry challenges and gain valuable experience.  

Students from a wide range of degree subjects, including Business, Finance and the Sciences are invited to take part. 

The project builds on existing links with industry partners connected to the leading offshore energy sector here in North East England.   

This will help students gain a better understanding of the real world opportunities available in the North East region. 

Helping students explore low carbon careers 

Alongside industry-based projects, the programme will include careers forums, employer panels and networking opportunities.  

These events will help students learn more about careers in low carbon industries and the skills employers are looking for. 

We also want to challenge the idea that low carbon careers are only linked to STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). 

The sector needs people with a wide range of skills and experiences, from project management to communications and finance. 

Student interns from both universities will help shape the programme to make sure activities reflect what students want and need. 

Creating a lasting legacy 

The project will also support university staff and careers advisers from across North East England.  

Colleagues from five regional universities will be invited to take part in careers education events focused on the future of the low carbon sector. 

By bringing together universities, employers and students, we hope to create stronger regional partnerships that continue beyond the life of the project. 

The long-term goal is to create a tested model that improves graduate employability, supports business innovation and helps drive sustainable growth across North East England. 

Main image shows an aerial view of the Dock90 wind farm, with a ship alongside. Image credit: Principle Power

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Acclaimed actress Charlotte Riley reflects on her time at Durham

Charlotte Riley

Charlotte Riley has enjoyed a distinguished acting career since she first discovered her love of performing at Durham University. She’s appeared in the hit TV series Peaky Blinders, starred alongside Tom Cruise in The Edge of Tomorrow and won critical acclaim for her breakout role as Cathy in a 2009 TV adaptation of Wuthering Heights. This summer she’ll star in the multi-Emmy-nominated show, Ted Lasso, alongside fellow Durham alum Nick Mohammed.

Born in Stockton-on-Tees in North East England, Charlotte studied English and linguistics at Durham. She was a member of St Cuthbert’s Society and graduated in 2003. We caught up with Charlotte to hear more about her time at Durham, the experiences that shaped her and the memories she still holds dear. 

What made you choose to study at Durham? 

Durham always had a special pull. I’d spent time there as a child and, honestly, I don’t know anybody who’s been to Durham and not been wowed by it – you’d have to be cold-hearted not to fall in love with it. The sense of history you feel as you walk along the cobbles, surrounded by ancient buildings, you feel like you’re a part of something special. Staying in the North East was also important to me, as I wanted to be close to home at the time. I loved the idea of a collegiate university in a small, beautiful city. So, Durham really resonated with me. 

You were a member of the Durham Revue, which provides a springboard for many talented performers to enjoy successful careers in the Arts. What did it mean to you? 

It was transformative. There’s this wonderful tradition at Durham of students creating their own theatre which feels incredibly empowering. With the Revue, everything was student-led: writing, performing, producing. You do the sound, the lighting, the props, everything. So, you just throw yourself in and find your feet. If you fail, it’s absolutely on your shoulders, and that’s quite terrifying and liberating all at the same time. It was the turning point for me, I think, in my decision to want to be an actor. 

Beyond the Revue and your studies, what else did you enjoy about life at Durham? 

I did a lot of musical theatre – productions like Guys and Dolls and Oklahoma – and Durham gives you the opportunity to get involved in so many different activities. There are always multiple productions and societies running at once, so you can try new things and develop skills you didn’t even know you had. The collegiate system offers a supportive, welcoming community from day one. And the city itself is unique. You can go from a peaceful, riverside walk surrounded by nature to a lively urban centre within minutes. 

As someone from the North East region, what was your experience of Durham University? 

I felt incredibly proud to be at Durham. It’s one of the most prestigious universities in the North East so I was really chuffed at getting in. Even back then the University was trying to attract more local students so there were quite a few of us there. But what I loved most was meeting people from different backgrounds from all over the country and the world. That diversity is such a big part of the Durham experience. The collegiate system really helps too. I wasn’t just mixing with people who were studying English, I was meeting people with varied interests, from all walks of life, and you quickly find your place. 

What memories of Durham still stay with you?  

It’s those small, vivid moments. Early mornings after a show, sitting on the grass by the Cathedral with friends after a night out and feeling completely in the moment. There’s something magical about being surrounded by such history while living those formative, carefree years – it creates memories that truly last. And I just loved spending time with my friends, whether that was performing, going to gigs in Newcastle, or just going out in Durham. It’s a brilliant place to grow, socially as well as academically. It really is a special place. 

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Durham visitor economy approaches record £1.5 billion as investment and partnerships continue to drive growth

Cllr Karen Allison and Michelle Gorman, Managing Director Visit County Durham pictured at The Light in Durham City.

County Durham’s visitor economy has continued its strong upward trajectory, with the latest independent tourism figures showing visitor expenditure rising to £1.48 billion during 2025, an increase of 8% compared to the previous year, marking three consecutive years of record-breaking results for the county.

The latest STEAM* assessment also shows that 21.98 million people visited the county in 2025, up 2% on 2024, the highest visitor numbers in the North East.

Visit County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service, has welcomed the figures, which demonstrate the impact of sustained investment, strong partnership working, and the continued development of high-quality visitor experiences across the county.

Overnight stays, a key objective for the county’s Destination Management Organisation to ensure sustainable growth for the destination, continued to deliver significant economic value, with visitors staying longer and spending more during 2025. Staying visitor numbers increased by 1.8% to 1.67 million, while overnight visitor expenditure rose by 11.2% to £651.94 million – accounting for 44% of all visitor spending despite representing just 8% of total visits.

The figures also reflect the impact of sustained national and international marketing activity led by Visit County Durham in partnership with the county’s tourism businesses.

This success has contributed to the positive regional performance, with data showing the North East’s visitor economy also continues to grow, welcoming more than 70 million visitors in 2025, up 2.8% on the previous year.

Tourism also continues to play a significant role in supporting employment and local businesses across County Durham. The latest figures show that over 14,000 full-time equivalent jobs are now supported by the visitor economy, an increase of 2% from 2024, including 11,250 directly employed within the sector and a further 2,819 jobs supported through the wider supply chain.

ignificant investment across County Durham’s tourism, hospitality, heritage and cultural offer has helped support this continued growth. The county’s growing outdoor offer, alongside a year-round programme of festivals, events and experiences, is also helping to encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more areas of the county.

Duncan Peake, Chair of Visit County Durham and CEO of Raby Estates, said: “These latest figures reflect the strength and resilience of County Durham’s visitor economy and demonstrate the positive impact of continued investment and collaboration across the sector. Tourism plays an important role in supporting jobs, businesses and communities across the county, and it is encouraging to see continued growth in visitor numbers, visitor spending and employment. We know there are still more opportunities ahead, particularly around further growth in overnight stays and continued investment in
visitor experiences and accommodation, and we will continue working closely with partners across the county to build on this momentum.”

Cllr Karen Allison, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism, Regeneration and High Street said: “Tourism continues to make a significant contribution to County Durham’s economy and communities, demonstrating the value of long-term investment, strong partnership working and high-quality visitor experiences. Tourism is not just important for visitors, it also benefits residents, supporting jobs, creating opportunities and fostering pride in our county.

With exciting developments still to come in 2026, including The Light in Durham City and Kynren’s new daytime attraction, there will be even more for residents and visitors to experience, helping County Durham continue to strengthen its profile on both the national and international stage.”