90% of the research activities at Durham University have been called 'world leading' from the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. The results were delayed by a year because of the pandemic implications. Six subject areas were ranked in top 10 nationally and four were ranked in top 5. Geography was ranked on the top spot in the whole UK followed by Archaeology and Education ranking second in their respective UK research rankings. The university has over the years made a good reputation for itself throughout Europe and globally as well.
