England. Even then we're only talking a few years in between Durham, UCL, KCL and even some of the redbricks.
*sigh*
Ignoring the fact that league tables are only a collection of statistics given an arbitary weighting (and varying, often significantly, by newspaper). Not to mention the fact that they don't give any idea about atmosphere, social life or sports facilities and combine this with the fact that all are strong "top ten" unis (Nottingham, depsite not being in the top 10, is not weaker). In the politics league tables I know both Warwick and Durham are "top ten" (not sure about the others). Then I don't think they'd be much use.
I don't think you really need to worry about reputation. It isn't as important in graduate employement as many think and, besides, all of thost are amongst the strongest universities in the country.
All offer good sports facilities, as far as I'm aware, but Durham offer particularly good teams and facilities. Most colleges have a gym, then there's the central university facilities (including a what was once a Premier League football team's training ground), cricket pitches, tennis courts, boat houses (very strong in rowing)..It does very well in the BUSA rankings. There's a wide vareity of teams and societies (both at college and university level) and a high participation rate with many famous athletes as alumni then I do think Durham is the better choice here.
For the course I'd say Warwick probalby edges it although I have no experience of their department. But from what I've heard from those in the know (as well as QAA ratings) it offers stronger teaching. I'm at Durham (studying philosophy and politics) and I will be the first to admit that politics isn't of the Durham's strongest departments. But I wouldn't say it's mediocore (to big up Durham, they don't do
mediocore departments except a couple ). Standards of lectures vary but are usually fairly good. There are a couple of plain, uninspiring lecturers (who are clearly academics/researchers rather than teachers - their passion doesn't translate into teaching style) but these lecturers don't really specialise in IR. There's only one and, from what I know of the brand new IR programme, he probably won't teach more than a couple of the modules. Tutorials are of a suprisingly good standard. Certainly more consistant than lectures. You aren't lumped with a postgraduate as a tutor, who's just doing it for the experience. You'll often have an academic (sometimes the lecturer him/herself) or someone else who's more experienced. They are fairly well structured and, providing the group put the effort in, you can get a lot out of it. They are particularly strong in politics and IR of East Asia and the Pacific region, if that interests you. The Middle East department are also in the school and, unlike IR/Politics generally, Durham are one of the strongest in the country in ME politics. You'll be able to take some Middle East modules during your programme if you want to.
York, Warwick and Nottingham are all campus based, as I know you're aware. So that's all self-contained (Nottingham's being particularly pleasent, open and green). But there is that risk of the student bubble, a criticism that's often made of Warwick. But it is an environment many revel in. Besides Durham, although city based, is still in a small city. Nothing is
particularly far apart and it's also rather student dominated and can be described as a "middle class bubble". Yes, it's beautiful and historic with a bit of a tranquil feel (especially by the leafy and wooded riverbank) but I wouldn't say the city's any more appealing than York who despite the presence of York Minister, may lack that World Heritage Site which dominates the skyline, but it's a larger city with more to offer and is even older and historic.
Nottingham's the larger city, so will offer a greater variety (and quantity) of pubs, clubs, theatres, music venues. Durham offers a balance that few other unis cannot but be aware that it's not a balance that appeals to everyone. It's not a large city, it's historic and will never be a clubbing mecca. There are only a couple of decent clubs and there's the student union (with indie nights, jazz cafe). There are also a range of quiet, homely pubs. But much of the social life does revolve around the university and its colleges (college bars, student union, sport, pubs). It offers a more relaxed scene with the occasional big city nightlife if you want it. Now, I will not overplay the Newcastle factor. As I've always said, it's not "just up the road" but 20 miles away. This isn't too much of an issue during the day as it's just 12 minutes on the train (the same as Warwick's campus to Coventry). However, the last train is 23:30 so you can't go out clubbing during the week. You can go to the theatre, maybe good to a gig or a few bars and that's it. You'll only be able to experience the famous clubbing scene on a Friday and Saturday night. During the weekends there's an early morning bus service so you don't need to worry about getting back for the last train. Sunderland, which as at least in County Durham (sort of) is also easily accessible by bus. But, as it takes about £5 -7 to make a return journey (to Newcastle or Sunderland), it's expensive to make more than once or twice a week. In fairness, few really feed the need to make the trip.
Just a quick note about Durham's collegiate system. It does provide great pastoral and personal support. It's entirely up to you to decide how much you want to involve yourself in the social role.
So for your course I think Warwick is the stronger, very slightly (although I don't know what you're looking for content-wise). It's up to you to decide how much of an emphasis you want to place on sport, atmosphere and social life.
This is very long, rushed and possbly rambling. I'll try and come back later to clarify things/edit the post. I'm moving this to the student life forum so other people can comment on the social life/atmosphere at each. If you want it moved to the politics forum then just ask.