Durham University

Overview

Founded in 1832, Durham University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, located in the historic city of Durham, England.

Recognized globally for its academic excellence, research strength, and vibrant collegiate system, Durham consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world.

Being one of the most popular providers of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, Durham takes the best of the old and the new, drawing students representing more than 150 nations.

Its campus, which is located surrounding a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a very unique learning experience that integrates history, community, and modern learning.

Highlights

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Total International Students: 4,500+ (from 156 countries)

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1

Placement Percentage: 94%

Durham University Rankings

Its strong reputation as a research-intensive, highly-regarded, and student-focused academic institution is reflected in Durham University rankings that have placed it among the best academic institutions in the world.

Being one of the leading UK universities, Durham is well-known under its strict academic culture, international image, and lively collegial culture developing intellectual and personal aspects.

To students who intend to study at Durham University in the UK, the rankings are a testament of the academic quality and international status of the institution.

Here are the updated Durham University rankings across various agencies:

Ranking Agency	Rank
U.S. News & World Report	292 in Best Global Universities 116 in Best Global Universities in Europe 27 in Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom
QS World University	=94 in Top Global Universities
Times Higher Education (THE) World University	=172 in World University Ranking =40 for Arts & Humanities 55 for Law =84 for Social Sciences

Durham University Intakes

Durham University intakes are structured to provide flexibility for both undergraduate and postgraduate students planning to study in UK.

Durham University offers two main intakes throughout the year, designed to accommodate the academic preferences and planning needs of both UK and international students.

September Intake: It is the primary and most popular intake for international students aiming to study undergraduate programs at Durham University or pursue postgraduate programs.
January Intake: It provides a second opportunity for students to begin their academic journey, especially those who need additional time for preparation or visa processing. This intake is ideal for both undergraduate and postgraduate program at Durham University.

Tip: Students interested in applying should pay close attention to the Durham University application deadlines, as late submissions may not be considered due to high competition.

Durham University Courses

Durham University offers a wide spectrum of academic programs designed to meet global standards of excellence.

Students planning to study at Durham University in the UK can choose from over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across disciplines like Business, Engineering, Law, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Natural Sciences.

The tuition fees at Durham University vary by program but remain competitive compared to other top UK universities, making it a valuable choice for international students.

Some of the top courses at Durham University are as follows:

Program	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
MSc Management (Supply Chain Management)	1 Year	£32,500
MSc in Business Analytics	1 Year	£35,000
MSc in Finance (Corporate and International Finance)	1 Year	£35,500
MSc in Biomedical Engineering	1 Year	£33,000
LLM Master of Laws	1 Year	£29,600
MA in Intercultural Communication and Education	1 Year	£25,000
MSW Social Work	21 Months	£24,500

Cost of Studying at Durham University

Attending Durham University in the UK can be associated with numerous expenses such as tuition, accommodation, transport, and living costs.

Durham is a student-based city, where living costs are lower than in other UK major cities such as London or Edinburgh, which makes it a good destination of international students who want to have value of their money.

Below is a detailed breakdown to help international students estimate their annual cost of education in UK:

Expense Type	Estimated Cost
UG Tuition Fees	£27,000 – £31,000/year
PG Tuition Fees	£28,000 – £38,000/year
Accommodation	£7,000 – £10,500/year
Food	£200 – £300/month
Travel	£60 – £100/month
General Expenses	£150 – £250/month

Durham University Scholarships

Durham University provides several scholarships for international students, including merit-based awards, need-based grants, and country-specific funding options.

These financial aids aim to support outstanding students pursuing Bachelor’s or and Master’s in UK.

Some of the top scholarships at Durham University for international students are as follows:

Scholarship	Value	Details
Inspiring Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship	Up to £10,000 in tuition fee discount	Awarded to international students pursuing UG program at university
Durham MBA Global Scholarship	Up to 50% of tuition fee	Awarded to international students pursuing MBA at university
Chevening Scholarships	Fully funded	UK government-funded PG scholarships

Durham University Admission

Durham University admissions follow a selective process designed to identify academically strong and motivated students. Meeting the admission requirements for Durham University is essential, as competition for places is high across all faculties.

The eligibility to study at Durham University depends on prior academic performance and the specific criteria set by each department.

Those exploring how to apply to Durham University can submit their undergraduate applications via UCAS, while postgraduate applications are made directly through the university’s official website.

The admission requirements are as follows:

Masters

Admission Requirements:

To be admitted into the Master program, students must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% or equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s (2:1) degree.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

TOEFL iBT – 80 – 90
IELTS – 6.5 – 7.0
PTE – 62 – 68
Duolingo – 120
Cambridge C1/C2 – 176 – 185

Additional Requirements:

You are also required to submit academic transcripts, personal statement, attend an interview (if applicable), and English language proficiency scores.

Bachelors

Admission Requirements:

For admission to a Bachelor’s in UK, students are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 83% or above.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

TOEFL iBT – 80
IELTS – 6.5
PTE – 62
Duolingo – 120
Cambridge C1/C2 – 176

Additional Requirements:

You are also required to submit academic transcripts, attend an interview (if applicable), and English language proficiency scores.

Accommodation at Durham University

Finding the right place to live is an important part of your experience when you study at Durham University in the UK.

The university offers a mix of on-campus college housing and private off-campus options, giving students flexibility based on their lifestyle and budget.

The international student support at Durham University ensures that students from around the world receive guidance with housing, settling in, and adjusting to life in the UK.

On-Campus: The university offers fully furnished rooms, with access to shared kitchens, study areas, and common spaces. Students can choose between catered or self-catered options, and all utilities like Wi-Fi and heating are included in the rent.
Off-Campus: Durham has many affordable private rentals, including shared houses, flats, and studio apartments. Durham’s small, safe, and student-friendly environment makes off-campus living comfortable and convenient.

Duram University Placements

The Durham University placement rate is higher in the UK with a success rate of more than 94% of graduates attaining employment or further study within six months of graduation.

The career support at Durham University is comprehensive, offering one-on-one guidance, job fairs, employer networking events, and internship opportunities.

The alumni network at Durham University spans over 200,000 graduates worldwide, providing mentorship, global career connections, and lifelong professional support.

Some of the top recruiters at Durham University are:

Deloitte
PwC
KPMG
Accenture
Unilever
IBM
Amazon
Barclays
Rolls-Royce
Procter & Gamble

Student Essential Services

The student life at Durham University is lively and community-oriented, and there are numerous activities, clubs, and cultural events which make the new student feel at home.

Whether it is academic guidance or personal wellbeing, the university makes sure that every student has access to what they require in order to succeed.

Student Support & Wellbeing: Durham offers confidential health and wellbeing services, including on-campus medical care, mental health counseling, disability support, and wellness workshops.
Academic Skills Centre (ASC): Durham has academic advising, writing centers, and mentoring programs that help students enhance their learning.
Clubs & Societies: Durham has over 1,000 student-led clubs & societies. From sports and music to volunteering and debate clubs, there are countless ways to meet new people and explore personal interests.

Location of Durham University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student community like at Durham University?

Durham is home to a diverse student population of more than 150 different countries. The collegiate system in university provides a relaxed, intimate environment where one soon feels like a part of a community. It is easy to meet people and form lifelong friendships due to cultural events, clubs, and societies.

What are the best ways to get around Durham as a student?

Durham is compact, so walking and cycling are the easiest ways to get around. The city also offers reliable buses and trains for longer journeys. Students enjoy discounted travel passes through university partnerships.

Local bus network covers the city and campus
Train station links to Newcastle, Edinburgh, and London
Student travel cards for cheaper fares

How safe is Durham for international students?

Durham is a secure university city in the UK. Students have a secure environment due to the tight city center, high campus security, and warm reception of the local community. The university also provides 24 hours security staff and student welfare services in case of an emergency.

Are part-time jobs available for international students in Durham?

Yes, international students can work part-time during their studies under UK visa rules. Most work around 10-20 hours a week in roles such as retail, cafés, or university support positions, especially within Durham’s city center and campus facilities.

Can students stay in the UK after graduation?

Yes, graduates can apply for the UK Graduate Route Visa to stay and work in the UK. This allows them to gain professional experience and explore career opportunities.

2 years post-study stay (3 years for PhD)
No job offer required to apply
Great for building UK work experience

What kind of food options are available on campus at Durham University?

Durham offers both catered and self-catered housing. On-campus cafés, dining halls, and nearby restaurants provide a range of cuisines, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and international options for diverse student preferences.

How early should students arrive before the semester begins at Durham University?

It’s best to arrive 1-2 weeks before classes start. This allows time to attend orientation, set up housing, register for courses, and adjust to life in Durham. Orientation week is highly recommended for new international students.

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