Just wondered how Durham and UCL rank compared to other British universities in terms of the quality of research and PhD graduates it produces. Are these institutions well respected in academic circles? I've heard nothing but great reviews from the contacts I have but I wondered what the forums views are on this.

Have you seen the Times Ranking? http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2010-2011/life-sciences.html#score_OS|sort_rank|reverse_false
UCL is on spot 11. That really good ;)

UCL ranks alongside Oxbridge and Imperial with regard to research. It's well renowned internationally. I don't know about Durham but it's Russell Group so it's probably well respected.

Of course as a grad student sometimes subject/department can tell you more about the standings than the university as a whole.