Skip to main content

Latest news

Department ranked 11th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Our Department has been ranked 11th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Aerial view of Durham Cathedral with QS World University Rankings logo

Climate change is hampering River Thames clean-up efforts

Global warming is making it harder to clean up the iconic River Thames in the UK, according to a new study involving scientists from Durham University.
Small boats going along the River Thames in the UK.

Tessa Gillian Howard (BA Geography, University College, 2017-22) - awarded an MBE last month in the King's New Year Honours List

One of our recently graduated BA students - Tessa Gillian Howard (BA Geography, University College, 2017-22) - was awarded an MBE in the King's New Year Honours List.
Tess Howard

Professor Jonny Darling appointed as one of three new editors of the RGS journal 'Area'.

Professor Jonny Darling joins the editorial team of the Royal Geographical Society's journal Area.
Area journalk

The Greenland ice sheet is falling apart – new study

Tom Chudley, a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in our Department of Geography, shares new research showing how quickly the Greenland ice sheet is melting.
The Greenland ice sheet as viewed from above

Cracks in Greenland Ice Sheet growing more rapidly

The Greenland Ice Sheet is cracking open more rapidly as it responds to climate change.
Overhead view looking down on crevasses criss-crossing part of the Greenland Ice Sheet.

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM available to support female students from Mexico interested in pursuing Masters studies at Durham

Gratefully supported by the British Council, Durham University is delighted to announce five fully funded scholarships for female students from Mexico interested in pursuing master’s studies in the 2025/26 academic year.
Image of Women in STEM British Council initiative

Obituary notice: Professor David Rhind (CBE, FRS, FBA)

Tributes have been paid following the passing of Professor David Rhind (CBE, FRS, FBA) on January 7th 2025. David was a Lecturer and Reader in the Department of Geography from 1973-1981.
David Rhind

Scientists make new discovery of earth’s longest runout sediment flows

Scientists from our Geography department have made a major breakthrough in understanding one of the most powerful forces shaping the ocean floor: turbidity currents.
Seabed seismographs on the research ship

Weather warnings in a changing climate to be explored thanks to Wellcome Award

Three of our scholars have been selected for the prestigious Wellcome Award, offering a combined £1,660,000 to work toward improving wellbeing through scientific research.
A person standing on sand holds a phone showing a high temperature.

Earth’s ice at risk of irreversible loss

The world’s snow and ice regions are at risk of irreversible loss and damage.
A snowy, rocky foreground with a white glacier, blue sea and blue sky.

Cop16: the world’s largest meeting to save nature has ended with no clear path ahead

Professor Harriet Bulkeley, in our Department of Geography, attended the recent Cop16 biodiversity summit where delegates from around the world met to discuss ways to restore nature. As Harriet writes, while there was no shortage of people seeking solutions, progress was frustratingly slow.
A heart shaped green leaf held in the palm of someone's hand