Overview

Durham University is the third oldest university in England and ranks in the top ten UK university rankings on a regular basis. The university is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, as well as several other international university associations.

Durham University ranks 6th in the Times University Guide 2021, 4th in the Guardian University Guide 2021 and 86th in the QS World University Rankings 2021. The university has a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. In addition, the university is among the top 10 universities in the world for Theology, divinity and religious studies Archaeology and Geography

There are over 18,000 students enrolled at Durham University, of which 1,900 are international students from over 150 countries. There are three departments at the university: arts and humanities, science and social sciences, and health.

History of Durham University

Durham University, based in the UK, is a public research university established in 1832 and a member of the prestigious Russell Group. The university campus is split between the main Durham City campus and the Queen’s Campus in nearby Stockton, situated in the cathedral town of Durham in North East of England.

For nearly 600 years, Durham was the first known university to open in England. Its major roles were distributed between its 16 colleges and the university’s academic departments. In addition, in the year 2018, it was granted the Queen’s Anniversary Award. The university is well known for its history that stretches over 180 years. In 2015, Durham was named the Sports University of the Year by the Times and Sunday Times. It is also one of the leading public universities in Durham, UK.

The university recorded the highest level of graduate jobs by any UK university in 2017. More than 200 undergraduate, 130 postgraduate courses, and research programs are offered by Durham.

Durham University Ranking & Achievements

• NSS 2021 Rank-23
• QS Ranking- =82
• THE- 162
• The Guardian-5

Faculties at Durham University

• Business School
• Faculty of Arts and Humanities
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Social Sciences and Health

Student Statistics

• Undergraduate – 75%
• Postgraduate – 25%
• Full-time students –95%
• Part-time students –5%
• UK students– 68%
• EU students- 5%
• International students –27%
• Female – 54%
• Male –46%

Breakdown of fee structure

International fee range: £17,400-22,000

Scholarships

A number of scholarships and bursaries are offered by the Durham University. Most are for students taught by postgraduate and research students. Many are fully funded, covering tuition costs and cost of living support for eligible students.

Besides various internally funded opportunities, the university also has collaborations with Chevening, the Commonwealth Scholarships Board, Marshall and Fulbright.

Student Support

A broad range of general support services are available, including student financial support, a Careers Advisory Service, a university nursery, and the Durham University Service for Students with Disabilities. Libraries with generous opening hours, seven days a week, are located around the university. With more than 1,200 personal computers in classrooms and open access sites, the Information Technology Service provides networked services on both campuses.

To enhance a wide variety of academic skills, workshops and classes are run frequently. Specialist support for students with disabilities and advice are also available. The counselling service can be used by students during their time at university. Welfare and pastoral care are also provided by each college.The SU has a dedicated advisory service that provides free, confidential and unbiased advice to students.

Student Life

Situated in northeast England, Durham is one of the UK’s most picturesque towns. The skyline is dominated by the Cathedral and Castle of the 11th Century, a world heritage site. With a popular cathedral and castle at its very heart, Durham is a small, quaint and welcoming city. You can find stores, boutiques, cafés, bars and plenty of culture in its ancient, cobbled streets. There are many shops, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and a flourishing culture of cafes in the area. There’s also the Gala Theatre with its cinema and the Riverwalk leisure complex.

The cathedral and castle in Durham are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Events and festivals range from books and drama to jazz, plus a city-lighting Regatta and Lumiere.

The university has its own museums, which regularly host a number of exhibits, the 175-seat Assembly Rooms Theatre and a botanical garden that is free for all students.

Around 200 student clubs and associations operate on the campuses of Durham, covering the interests of academics, arts, culture and religion, hobbies and sports, outdoors, politics, law and music. Durham Students’ Union (DSU) provides funding for these events and organisations.

Durham University Accommodation

Colleges are served or self-serviced. Everyone has a dining hall to host formal dinners and activities. There are a number of shared or single study bedrooms, some en-suite, from historic buildings to modern purpose-built houses.

For any welfare or pastoral assistance students may need, each college has its own Student Support Office as a point of touch.

The Durham University provides a number of accommodation options for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Activities and facilities for training, sports, the arts, socialising, leisure and welfare are provided as well. Nearly all Durham University colleges have fully catered accommodation, with excellent study, socialization and exercise facilities. From historical buildings to new purpose-built residences, there are a variety of shared or single study and ensuite rooms available. Each college also has its own Student Support Office as a point of contact for any welfare or pastoral assistance students may need.

Catered accommodation costs £7640- £8130 per year and self catered costs £5385- £5874 per year.

Transport

Durham is a relatively small town and university campus and other facilities are all within walking distance. With cheap day tickets available, students can travel by bus to surrounding areas. . Likewise, the academic buildings are within a five-minute walk if students live in university accommodation at Queen’s Campus.

With cheap day tickets available, students can travel by bus to neighbor towns and cities. Durham is on the mainline railway with several services operating daily. It is a 12-minute drive to nearby Newcastle, offering all the amenities of a big city, including an international airport. By road, Durham also provides quick easy access from the north or south by the A1(M) motorway.