THE NORTH-EAST’S universities are among the best in the world, according to new research.

Five of the region’s academic institutions have been named in the top ten per cent of The Times’ Higher Education’s University Rankings, published today (Thursday, September 22).

Teesside University made its inaugural appearance in the prestigious list, which is topped for the first time by a British institution, Oxford University.

The university, which has campuses in Middlesbrough and Darlington, came 770th in a list of thousands worldwide.

Professor Paul Croney, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, said: “A key part of our mission for Teesside University is to be an international university with a reputation for academic excellence.

“We are delighted that our work in this regard has been rewarded and we have been recognised as one of the top 800 universities in the world.”

Teesside’s inclusion comes following significant investment, with more than £260m spent recently on campus upgrades.

Durham University, the University of York, Newcastle University and Northumbria University were also recognised.

Durham was ranked the highest of the North-East universities listed, despite dropping from 70th place to 96th this year.

Professor Stuart Corbridge, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University said: “Overall Durham is performing extremely well globally and is placed as the 12th highest UK university out of 91 UK universities in total in the global list of almost a thousand.

“Our strategy is to build on our position and make sure we are amongst the best in the world for research, education and the wider student experience.”

The University of York reached 129th place, Newcastle University 190th and Northumbria 721st, with all institutions showing a year-on-year improvement.

Other UK universities listed include Cambridge University and Imperial College London, who hold the fourth and eight slots respectively.

In topping the list, Oxford University toppled the California Institute of Technology from a five-year reign at the top.

For more information, visit timeshighereducation.com.