About Durham University
Durham University is a prestigious collegiate university founded in 1832, the third oldest in England. Set in a stunning World Heritage Site with its iconic cathedral and castle, Durham offers an exceptional student experience combining academic excellence with a vibrant collegiate community.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 21,600 total students
- • 7,000 international students
- • 250 student societies
Location
- • Located in Durham
- • Public university
- • Established 1832
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation
Popular Subjects
LawEconomicsPsychologyNatural SciencesEnglish LiteratureHistoryGeographyBusiness Management
Student-Staff Ratio
13 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Faculty of Arts & Humanities
Classics & Ancient History, English Studies, History, Modern Languages & Cultures, Music, Philosophy, Theology & Religion
Faculty of Science
Biosciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, Physics, Psychology
Faculty of Social Sciences & Health
Anthropology, Archaeology, Durham Law School, Education, Geography, Government & International Affairs, Sociology, Sport & Exercise Sciences
Durham University Business School
Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: A*A*A - ABB depending on programme
Alternatives: IB: 36-42 points depending on programme, BTEC: D*D*D* for some programmes with A-Levels, Scottish Highers: AAAAA-AABBB plus Advanced Highers
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 92
LNAT required for Law • Some programmes require interviews • Personal statement demonstrating academic interest
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or international equivalent
GPA: 3.3
IELTS: 7
R 6.5 / W 6.5 / L 6.5 / S 6.5
TOEFL iBT: 102
Two academic references • Research proposal for PhD applications • GMAT for some Business School programmes
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £21,000
- Postgraduate: £22,000
- Foundation: £21,000
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £6,500
- Food: £2,800
- Transport: £600
- Entertainment: £1,200
- Other: £900
- Total: £12,000
Scholarships
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship
MeritPrestigious scholarship for exceptional undergraduate applicants.
Value: £10,000 (Partial)
Outstanding academic achievement • International and UK students
Deadline: 2025-03-31
Durham Global Scholarship
MeritFee reduction for high-achieving international students.
Value: £5,000 (Partial)
International students • Strong academic background
Durham University Bursary
Need-basedFinancial support for UK students from lower-income backgrounds.
Value: £2,500 (Partial)
UK students • Household income below £25,000
Campus & Facilities
Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE
Historic campus set around a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Durham Cathedral and Castle. The collegiate system provides a unique living and learning environment with stunning medieval architecture.
Size: 227 acres
Facilities
Academic
State-of-the-art laboratories, Teaching and Learning Centre, Mountjoy Centre science hub, Language Centre, Computing facilities
Research
Institute of Advanced Study, Durham Energy Institute, Wolfson Research Institute, Centre for Visual Arts and Culture
Student Life
Durham Students' Union, College bars and JCRs, Student Theatre, Music facilities
Libraries
Bill Bryson Library
Main library with over 1 million volumes, group study rooms, and 24/7 access during term.
24/7 during term
Palace Green Library
Historic library next to Durham Cathedral housing special collections and archives.
09:00-17:00
Education Library
Specialist education resources at Leazes Road.
09:00-21:00
Sports Facilities
Maiden Castle Sports Centre
World-class sports complex with swimming pool, gym, sports halls, tennis courts, and outdoor pitches.
Durham University Boathouse
Rowing facilities on the River Wear, home to successful boat clubs.
Graham Sports Centre
Additional indoor facilities for a wide range of sports.
Student Services
Student Support Services
Central support for academic, personal, and financial matters.
student.support@durham.ac.uk
Counselling Service
Free confidential counselling and mental health support.
counselling@durham.ac.uk
Careers & Enterprise Centre
Career guidance, internships, and employer connections.
careers@durham.ac.uk
Accommodation
University College (Castle)
On-campusLive in the historic Norman Castle, part of the World Heritage Site. Catered accommodation with formal dining traditions.
Cost: £180 - £250 (per week)
Catered meals • Historic rooms • JCR • Chapel • Library
Distance: On campus
Contract: 30 weeks
St Cuthbert's Society
On-campusModern college with self-catered and catered options, vibrant community atmosphere.
Cost: £140 - £200 (per week)
Choice of catering • Modern rooms • JCR • Bar • Gym
Distance: 5-minute walk
Contract: 30-39 weeks
South College
On-campusModern purpose-built college on the Science Site with en-suite rooms.
Cost: £160 - £220 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Self-catered kitchens • Common rooms • Study spaces
Distance: On Science Site
Contract: 39 weeks
All first-year undergraduates are allocated to a college and guaranteed accommodation. College preferences can be indicated during application.
International orientation programme, airport pickup service, college support networks for international students.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 250
Teams: 50
Cultural Activities
- Lumiere Festival — Biennially
- Durham Regatta — Annually in June
- College Formals — Weekly/Termly
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international.office@durham.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: Yes
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)191 334 2222
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
62
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 86%
Further study: 9%
Unemployed: 3%
Average Salary
£32,000
per year (graduate)
Top Employers
PwCEYDeloitteKPMGCivil ServiceGoldman SachsTeach FirstBarclaysJP MorganNHS
Career Services
- Careers & Enterprise Centre: Comprehensive career support including one-to-one advice, workshops, and career fairs.
- Durham Award: Skills development programme recognising extracurricular achievements.
- Alumni Mentoring: Connect with Durham alumni for career guidance and networking.
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Newcastle International Airport
32 km • 40 minutes by car/bus
Public Transport
- Train: Durham station is on the East Coast Main Line, direct trains to London (2h45), Edinburgh (1h30), and Newcastle (15 min). • £15-£100 to London (varies)
- Bus: Local buses connect Durham with Newcastle, Sunderland, and surrounding areas. • £4-8 return
Local Area
Durham is a beautiful small cathedral city with a UNESCO World Heritage Site at its heart. It offers a safe, welcoming environment with excellent facilities in a stunning setting.
Cost of Living: Medium
Attractions: Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, River Wear walks, Oriental Museum, Botanic Garden
Shopping: Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, Durham Market, Independent shops in the city centre, MetroCentre (nearby)
Entertainment: Gala Theatre, Student bars and pubs, Cinema, Live music venues, Newcastle nightlife (15 min by train)
Additional Information
Accreditation
Royal Charter, AACSB (Business School), EQUIS (Business School), AMBA (MBA), Bar Standards Board (Law), BPS (Psychology)
Partnerships
- Research: N8 Research Partnership — Collaboration of eight northern research-intensive universities.
- Academic: Coimbra Group — Network of prestigious European universities.
- Local: Durham Cathedral — Historic partnership with University College housed in the Castle.
Research Highlights
- Institute of Advanced Study — World-leading interdisciplinary research centre attracting top scholars globally. (2024)
- Dark Matter Research — Leading underground dark matter detection experiments at Boulby Mine. (2024)
- Lindisfarne Gospels Research — Groundbreaking research on one of Britain's greatest cultural treasures. (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Harold Wilson — Two-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1937)
- George Alagiah — BBC news presenter (1977)
- Ed Balls — Former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer (1988)
- Andrew Strauss — England cricket captain, Ashes winner (1998)
Metadata
Source: Durham University official website, QS Rankings 2025, HESA data 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: profiles@ukuni.io