Durham University

Overview

Durham University is a collegiate public research university located in Durham, England, established by an Act of Parliament in 1832 and officially founded in 1837. As a collegiate university, its main functions are divided between its academic departments and 17 colleges. While the departments are responsible for research and teaching, the colleges provide accommodation, pastoral care, and a strong sense of community, supporting students' overall well-being and personal development.

Durham is a member of the Russell Group, an association of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. It is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, placing 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The University’s teaching quality is widely recognised, with 19 of its 25 academic departments ranked among the global top 100 in their respective fields.

Durham University offers over 200 undergraduate and 190 postgraduate programmes across its four faculties: Arts and Humanities, Business, Social Sciences, and Engineering and Science. The Durham University Business School holds the prestigious "Triple Crown" accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS), a recognition held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. The school’s MBA programme is particularly noteworthy, ranked 2nd globally for "Value for Money" by the Financial Times. Popular courses at Durham include physics, economics, law, psychology, and geography, which consistently rank highly both nationally and internationally.

The University provides students with a wide range of facilities, including modern libraries, computer labs, sports complexes, and numerous study spaces. It also offers several specialised resources, such as a planetarium and an observatory, which enhance the learning experience for students in science and astronomy. Durham is also home to a botanic garden, adding to its rich academic environment.

Located in a historic city, Durham is one of the few universities with UNESCO World Heritage status. The University’s Castle and Durham Cathedral, both integral parts of its estate, have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, reflecting their historical and cultural significance.

Services for International Students

The University offers a free coach transfer service from Newcastle Airport at the beginning of the term, with a welcome team present at the airport to guide students. Before the beginning of the 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 100 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 hone and develop an enviable set of transferable skills necessary for any future career. Your Durham University experiences will help you build up essential teamwork, problem-solving, communication, negotiation and leadership skills.

A wide range of general support services include student financial support, the Durham University Service for Students with Disabilities, and a university nursery. Libraries throughout the university are open generously 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.

For international students who need to prepare for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Durham University, the Durham University International Study Centre is based at Queen’s Campus and offers International Foundation Year and Pre-Masters study opportunities.

Ranking

• 5th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
• 174th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024

Over ninety-nine per cent of Durham's research was rated as being of international quality in the REF 2021, while 90 per cent was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Six Durham subject areas were in the UK top ten for the overall quality of their research, including Geography (1st), Archaeology (2nd), Education (2nd), Classics and Ancient History (4th), Theology and Religion (8th) and Sport and Exercise Sciences (10th).

Accommodation

The Durham University college system offers a range of accommodation options for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Colleges in Durham 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 at 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.

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)