THE NORTH’S leading university has achieved its highest ever position in a global league table.

Durham University jumped 31 places to 61st in the QS World University Rankings, announced today (Tuesday, September 15).

It was placed 31st for reputation with leading employers, 44th for arts and humanities, 54th for citations and joint 57th for natural sciences.

New vice-chancellor Professor Stuart Corbridge said: “Our new league table reflects the fact that Durham deserves to be ranked so highly and is a credit to everyone at the university in helping us to achieve this outstanding result.

“I am particularly proud and pleased that we have scored highly in terms of citations, demonstrating the impact and influence of our research amongst the global academic community.

“I’m also delighted that once again the world-class experience we offer to students has been recognised by leading employers who value the quality and strength of our graduates, ranking us among the best in the world for employer reputation.”

Durham was also listed among the world’s top 100 universities in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Review rankings 2015 and was placed fifth in the UK’s 2016 Complete University Guide.