In the north-east of England, Durham University is one of the most respected universities in the UK. The university truly shines in teaching and research, consistently in the UK's top ten universities in the Complete University Guide league tables.
Set in a unique and historic location, it offers a student experience like no other. Founded in 1832, the university is made up of 17 individual colleges, many of which nestle among the city's cobbled streets. You could even find yourself living in Durham Castle – which, along with the city's cathedral, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site.
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4.0College life is the beating heart of university life at Durham. Each college has a strong identity, creating a real community feel. Each has its own traditions and different architecture. At Durham, unlike Oxford and Cambridge, colleges don't play a role in delivering your degree teaching. However, they are central to your student experience, offering a strong sense of community whether you live in college or off-campus.
With over 250 student groups, from music clubs and societies to theatre companies, Durham is a great place if you're interested in music and the arts.
Durham also has a strong sports reputation, ranking among the top universities in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) leagues. You'll find over 700 sports teams to join across 18 sports.
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3.8All students join a college while at Durham University – but after your first year, you may choose to live out. From historic buildings to modern, purpose-built houses, there is a range of shared or single-study bedrooms. Some rooms are en suite, while others are in accommodation with a shared bathroom.
New undergraduates are guaranteed an offer of accommodation in their first year, as long as they apply by the accommodation deadline.
After your first year, you may choose to live out. The city has a range of purpose-built private student accommodation available. You can also find a room in houses owned and operated by private landlords throughout the city. You'll still be a member of your college, even if you live elsewhere.
Most of the colleges are clustered close together and near the university, making access to classes, facilities, and other colleges easy.
The ‘Bailey colleges' are in the historic centre of the city, while the ‘Hill colleges' are up to 30 minutes' walk south of the centre, closer to the university's main site at Mountjoy.
All costs include utility bills, 24/7 security, and basic room insurance. Contracts for first-year students (Freshers) are normally 39 weeks. If you live in University College (Durham Castle), Collingwood or Grey, you may need to move out over the Christmas and Easter vacations. If this is the case, you'll only pay for term-time accommodation.
Colleges provide a ready-made community, helping you to feel at home the moment you step through the door. Each has its own bar, and clubs and societies. All colleges have a group that represents students' interests. Usually known as the Junior Common Room, its elected officers also organise events and activities in areas such as sport, theatre, and music.
The best way to get a feel for a university is to go to an open day or find out about Durham in Whatuni's City Guides.
Durham University looks to support the best students, no matter what background they come from. It has several scholarships and bursaries for undergraduates to help do this. Much of the university's financial support aims to help students who may otherwise struggle to fund a university education.
Scholarships vary from year to year, so the following are recent examples. Some are for students from the local area; others may be based on your college or subject.
Local scholarships include the Durham Inspired North East Scholarship. If you're from an eligible local area and have a family income below £42,875, it'll support you with a cash scholarship for each year of your studies.
Course-related scholarships include the Jeremy Vine Scholarship in English Literature. You might qualify for this if you are applying for an English Literature course, come from a Black or ethnic minority family, attended a state school, and have a household income below £62,342.
Some scholarships support extracurricular achievements, such as the Vice Chancellor's Sport, Music and Arts Scholarship. You'll need to show examples of your work (a portfolio, videos of your music, or evidence that you play sport at a high level). It doesn't matter if your degree subject is completely unrelated.
Many other scholarships and bursaries are available.
To qualify for any of Durham University's bursaries or scholarships, you must meet the eligibility criteria. This could be coming from a family with a low annual income or studying a particular subject. You'll also need to apply. You can find eligibility and application details on the uni's website.
Durham University offers a wide variety of degree subjects, from the arts and humanities to the sciences and social sciences. The university also leads the way in environmental research, aiming to support society in becoming more environmentally sustainable.
As well as ranking in the UK top ten in the Complete University Guide, Durham also claims a top ten spot in nearly 30 subjects. Meaning that if you study here, you are sure of a top-quality education as well as a standout student experience.
Durham prides itself on the breadth of choice it gives students. Its modular system allows you to choose optional modules alongside the core modules that are the backbone of your degree subject. This means you can tailor your degree as you progress, choosing topics that fit with your interests and future career plans.
If you want to focus on your subject in depth, you can take a single honours degree. If you can't choose, then a joint honours degree allows you to explore two or three subjects. Some of Durham University's courses provide the chance to study a range of courses, such as its Combined Honours degree in Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, or Natural Sciences.
Undergraduate degrees at Durham normally take three years to complete. Some will offer a placement year, a study abroad option, or an integrated master's year. These will give you valuable experience or a higher-level qualification by the time you graduate.
Nearly all degrees are only available for full-time study; only theology degrees have a part-time study option.
Teaching at Durham is led by its academic departments and informed by the university's research. Academic staff are experts in their subject and passionate about sharing their knowledge. You'll learn about exciting findings and fresh ideas that are shaping your area of study. You'll also develop your own ability to study independently and explore your subject in depth. You may have tutorials (depending on your subject), but unlike Oxford and Cambridge, the academic teaching isn't connected to your college.
At Durham University, teaching is in terms. The autumn term is called Michaelmas, the spring term is Epiphany, and the summer term is Easter term (even though it's after Easter…). The dates may vary depending on what you study.
Fees for UK-resident undergraduates (Home students) are currently £9,535. If you're an international student, you can find the course fees in our course listings.
Small and compact, the historic city of Durham is easy to get around. Beyond its cobbled streets you'll find plenty of places to socialise, with a thriving cafe culture as well as pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. It's also fizzing with festivals and events, from books and drama to jazz and brass bands. As the winter draws in, the Lumiere festival lights up the city, turning it into a magical paradise.
The city is on the main East Coast railway, connecting to London in three hours, or Edinburgh in just under two. Newcastle is just over ten minutes away, providing easy access to Newcastle International Airport.
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4.1The career service at Durham offers professional guidance to help you explore potential careers and plan your next steps. This includes advice on creating a great job application, tips on interview technique, and getting work experience to equip you for the working world.
Online resources are available for students and graduates alike, as well as various careers events that you can attend.
Durham University is a high-ranking university in the Complete University Guide league table. It offers strong graduate outcomes, particularly in the subjects in which it ranks highest. Leading recruiters target graduates from Durham. This gives students access to thousands of graduate opportunities as well as work experience options.
Major companies host presentations and drop-in sessions. From these, you can learn about sectors of interest and discover potential career opportunities. There are also career fairs and recruitment events each year, giving you the chance to meet key employers.
Placement years and internships also help you gain practical workplace experience and connect with businesses in your sector.
Your academic studies will help you develop skills that can apply to any workplace, including problem-solving skills and critical thinking. These help you to develop smart ways of working and the ability to adapt quickly to change.
You can also take part in Durham's Game Changer programme, a sustainability course endorsed by the UN. It'll challenge you to work as a team to find creative solutions that can help tackle global issues. Your team then pitches their idea for a share of a cash prize.
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