Durham University was founded in 1837 as a collegiate public research university in Durham, England. "Fundamenta eius super montibus sanctis," the university's Latin motto, means "Her foundations are upon the holy hills" (Psalm 87:1). After Oxford and Cambridge, it was the first recognised university to open in England in more than 600 years, and it is thus one of the institutions to be described as England's third-oldest university.

The University's academic departments and its 17 colleges share the essential functions of a collegiate university.In general, departments do research and teach students, whereas colleges are responsible for their housing and care..

The University is a member of the elite Russell Group of British research universities and is currently rated 82nd in the QS World Rankings 2022, placing it among the top 100 universities in the world. Durham has also received Gold Status from the Teaching Excellence Framework for consistently excellent teaching, learning, and student results.

Durham has 25 academic departments, 19 of which are among the top 100 in the country. Under the four faculties of Arts & Humanities, Business, Social Sciences, and Engineering & Science, the university offers over 200 undergraduate and 190 postgraduate programmes. The business school is triple-accredited, and the MBA programme is ranked second in the world for value for money by the Financial Times.

Durham has been labelled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and so have the University's Castle and Cathedral.

Services for International Students

At the start of each semester, the University provides a complimentary coach transfer service from Newcastle Airport, with a welcome team on hand to assist students. The International Office offers an introduction programme at the start of the semester, which includes seminars on study skills, orientation, and English language abilities.

A variety of general support services are available, including student financial aid, the Durham University Service for Students with Disabilities, and a university nursery. Libraries are spread around the institution and are available seven days a week with extended hours.

RANKING

• 6th in the Times University Guide 2022
• 5th in the Guardian University Guide 2022
• 82nd in the QS World University Rankings 2022
• 162nd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022

Accommodation

For undergraduate and postgraduate students, the college system provides a variety of housing options. Durham University colleges offer academics, athletics, the arts, socialising, recreation, and welfare activities and facilities. Students will often reside in their college for the first year, then move into private housing for the second year, with the option of returning to the college halls for their final year of study.

All undergraduate students at Durham University are totally guaranteed housing in the college or in the society from which they have accepted an offer in their very  first year. Nearly all Durham University colleges offer fully catered housing with really outstanding academic, social, and fitness facilities. Living near your chosen college fosters a sense of community and provides  excellent opportunities to participate in the area's organisation and responsibilities.

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)