Overview
Durham University is a collegiate public research university in Durham, England, founded in 1837. As a collegiate university its main functions are divided between the academic departments of the University and its 17 colleges. In general, the departments perform research and provide teaching to students, while the colleges are responsible for their domestic arrangements and welfare.
The University is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of British research universities and is amongst the top 100 universities in the world, currently ranked 86th in the QS World Rankings 2021. Durham has also been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Status for its excellence in delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for students.
Durham have 25 academic departments, of which 19 rank in the top 100. The University offer more than 200 undergraduate programs and 190 postgraduate programs under 4 faculties – Arts & Humanities; Business; Social Sciences and Engineering & Science. The Business school is Triple Accredited with the MBA program being ranked 2nd globally in the world for Value for Money as per Financial Times Ranking.
Durham is a world Heritage city and the University’s Castle and Cathedral have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Services for International Students
The University offers a free coach transfer service from Newcastle Airport at the beginning of term, with a welcome team present at the airport to guide students. Before the beginning of term, the International Office hosts an induction programme, including sessions about study skills, orientation and English language skills.
Durham has a strong Employability & Careers team and is ranked in the top 40 universities in the world for Employer Reputation as per the QS rankings. Beyond your degree Durham offers a vast array of opportunities and experiences which can help you to hone and develop an enviable set of transferable skills necessary for any future career. Your Durham University experiences will help you build up essential skills in team-working, problem-solving, communication, negotiation and leadership.
There is a wide range of general support services, including student financial support, the Durham University Service for Students with Disabilities and a University nursery. Libraries are located throughout the university with generous opening times, seven days a week. The Information Technology Service offers networked services in both campuses, with over 1,200 personal computers in classrooms and open access locations.
Ranking
- 6th in the Times University Guide 2021
- 4th in the Guardian University Guide 2021
- 86th in the QS World University Rankings 2021
- 149th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021
- Top 40 in the world for Employer Reputation (QS World University Ranking 2021)
83% of University of Durham submitted research was classified as “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. Areas of particular strength include Anthropology, Archaeology, Chemistry, Classics, Education, English, Law, Music, Physics and Theology.
Accommodation
The college system offers a range of accommodation options for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Durham University colleges provide activities and facilities for study, sports, the arts, socialising, relaxation and welfare. Generally, students will live in their college for the first year, move into private accommodation in their second year and then have the option of returning to the college halls for their final year of study.
All undergraduate students at Durham University are guaranteed accommodation in their first year in the college or society from which they have received an offer. Nearly all colleges at Durham University provide fully catered accommodation, with excellent facilities for study, socialising and exercise. The more intimate nature of living by your chosen college creates a sense of community, plus fantastic chances to play a part in the organisation and responsibilities of the area.
Location
Durham is situated in north east England, and is one of the most picturesque cities in the UK. The skyline is dominated by the 11th Century cathedral and castle, which is a world heritage site. Durham has a range of shops and restaurants, with a daily indoor market and a much larger outdoor market twice a week. The Queen’s Campus is located 20 miles from Durham, at Stockton. A free bus service runs daily between the two campuses.
Durham is relatively small and all university departments, colleges and facilities are within walking distance of each other. Likewise if students live in university accommodation at Queen’s Campus, the academic buildings are within a five minute walk.
Alumni
- Tim Smit (Founder of the Eden Project)
- David Sproxton (Co-founder of Aardman Animations)
- Andrew Strauss (Cricketer)
- Justin Welby (Archbishop of Canterbury)
- Sir George Malcolm Brown (Geologist)