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Durham University, UK

  • Durham, England
  • Rank

    92

  • Established

    1837

  • Programs

    -+

Overview

Durham University is one of the leading universities located in Durham, England. It is the third oldest university in England after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is a part of the prestigious Russel Group of British research universities. Durham University is top in the UK for English and Music. The university ranks second for French, Geography & Environmental Science, Iberian Languages, Middle Eastern & African Studies, and Theology & Religious Studies. Third for Archaeology, Chemistry, Classics & Ancient History, German, History, Italian, and Russian & East European Languages. 17 colleges come under the university, offering different subjects. it is home to more than 21,000 students with over 30% of non-UK origin.

 

Why Choose Durham University?

The University is located in Northeast England, a region known for its rich heritage and natural beauty. The university is the third oldest in England. The university aims to provide its students with practical and research-oriented knowledge to help them excel in their chosen careers. The university has over 128,000 alums as members of the Dunelm Alumni Community. 19 Durham subjects are ranked in the world's top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022, including 12 in the world's top 50. Two subjects are in the world's top ten – Theology and Religion (seventh) and Archaeology (eighth).

Two reasons Bristol is an excellent choice for international students:

Ranking and Reputation

Durham University is one of the world’s leading universities and is 92nd in the QS World University Rankings 2023. The university is among the top institutions for 19 individual subjects and the top 10 for Theology & Religion and Archaeology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022.

2023 Sports University of the Year

Durham University made a £47 million investment in its athletic facilities in 2012. The University was named Sports University of the Year in 2023 by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide following a successful athletic year in 2021–2022.

Nearly 75% of students at Durham University participate in sports and other physical activities, which shows how strongly the university supports sports. Durham is also the leading team sports university in the United Kingdom, sponsoring more than 50 capped international athletes annually. Students at Durham have weekly access to 18 sports across 700 special teams, making it the largest internal sports programme in Britain.

Excellent Career Prospects

Being one of the top universities in the UK, Durham graduates have excellent career prospects. Many employers consider the university as a mark of excellence. The university is ranked 56th in the world for employer reputation. Besides this, courses like Theology & Religion and Archaeology rank in the top 10 leading to wider recognition and job opportunities. The University has the highest graduate employment rate of any UK university, with 97.9 per cent of its graduates in work or further study three and a half years after graduation (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2016/17).

Career Support

The university offers lifelong support to all Durham graduates regardless of their career stage. This includes career advice as well as access to many other online resources.

Collegiate Settings

There are 17 colleges in Durham where students can join a unique community. These are residential and educational settings that support the growth of intellectual curiosity and personal effectiveness.

Colleges offer a relaxed environment where students can learn outside of their academic course, even though all instruction is done in academic departments. The many groups shape students' college experiences, which foster the growth of leadership, self-awareness, and problem-solving abilities.

World-Class Facilities

At Queen’s Campus and Durham City, you will have access to facilities that include state-of-the-art lecture theatres, IT rooms and laboratories. The University Library in Durham City has an Archives and Special Collections section that attracts scholars worldwide. When you complete your course and progress to your degree, you will study at a world top 100 university with a global reputation for teaching and research. Lecturers are world leaders in their fields, and students benefit from cutting-edge facilities.

 

Key Features

Durham University is a prestigious university, ranking 6th in the Guardian University UK Rankings. It is known for being in the top three UK institutions by citations per academic staff member. The university ranks in the top 10 for excellent research-based programmes. Here is the list of some more key features below:

  • Third oldest university after Cambridge and Oxford

  • Offers over 100 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate courses

  • Over 4,300 faculty members

  • Over 40% of academic staff are non-UK origin

  • Ranked 56th in the world for employer reputation

  • Around 30% international students from more than 120 countries

  • 17 colleges with distinctive residential and educational communities

Durham University Courses & Fees

Durham University Courses

The institution offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate-level courses in various areas. The students can participate in various research-oriented courses that combine classroom instruction with real-world applications. In addition to the degree programmes, the students have access to various learning opportunities and tools to aid in their academic and personal growth.

The list of most of the courses available at Durham University is mentioned below.

Durham University Fees

Education is an asset that comes in handy throughout life. No amount of money spent on it is a waste of money.

The Durham University fees range from £7,400 to £33,500. The Undergraduate degree is for 3 years, and some are available for 4 years.

Moreover, postgraduate programmes are also offered by this university. The postgraduate courses are mostly one year full-time with a few one-year part-time.

Students can check the scholarship page below to learn about the scholarships available to international students at Durham University. Check the fee structure below:

 

Durham University Fees and Cost of Living

Courses

Fees

Undergraduate

£24,500 - £31,250 per year

Postgraduate

£8,000 - £34,500 per year

Living Expenses

£10,000 (approx.)

Durham University Ranking & Intakes

Durham University Rankings

Durham University’s ranking is the key attraction for international students. It ranks in the top 10 universities in the UK and the top 200 worldwide. The QS ranking and the Times Higher Education provide a high world ranking to the University.

On the other hand, the Complete and the Guardian ranking provide the ranking on a national basis. Durham University ranks in the top 10 most competitive universities in the UK.

Check the exact ranking below:

 

Durham University Ranking

Ranked By 

Ranking 

The QS World Ranking

92nd

Times Higher Education World University Rankings

198th

The Guardian University UK Rankings

6th

The Complete University Guide UK Rankings

6th

US News & World Report

277

 

Apart from the world ranking, the university also has top ranking courses. The Complete University Guide and The Guardian rank the higher education institutes and their courses in the UK. The rankings are based on various indicators. The ranking of some courses provided by The Guardian and The Complete University Guide ranking is below:

 

Complete University Guide UK Rankings 2023 for Courses 

Ranked By

Ranking

Accounting & Finance

3

Business & Management Studies

13

Computer Science

6

Biological Sciences

5

Physics & Astronomy

6

Psychology

9

Sociology 

5

Law

5

 

The Guardian UK Rankings 2023 for Courses

Ranked By

Ranking

Accounting & Finance

8

Business, Management & Marketing

16

Economics 

7

Physics 

Politics

19

Sociology and Social Policy

6

Law

6

 

Times higher Education Rankings 2023 for Courses

Ranked By

Ranking

Business and Economics

101-125

Engineering 

301-400

Computer Science

301-400

Life Sciences

251-300

Psychology 

151-175

Arts & Humanities

33

Law

42

 

QS Rankings 2023 for Courses

Ranked By

Ranking

Global MBA

94

Masters in Business Analytics

51-60

Supply Chain Management

21

 

Durham University Intakes

Some of the greatest and brightest students from all over the world and from all walks of life are drawn to Durham University for its resources. The university typically only accepts international students for two intakes. Beginning in September and January, it holds its sessions. Students should follow the deadlines listed below to ensure the timely delivery of the subsequent process described below.

 

Durham University Intakes

Intakes

Month of Intake

Application Deadline

Autumn

September

End of June

Spring

January

End of October

Admission Criteria

To secure your seat at the Durham University, one of the most prestigious Russell Group institution, one must have a high academic profile. Durham University is very challenging to get into, with many international students applying for it annually. It accepts students having more than 80% in their higher secondary for undergraduate and more than 60% in postgraduate courses.

Also, the English proficiency test score is mandatory for the application. Work experience in relative fields boosts the application. It increases the application shortlisting chances and receiving an offer letter from the University.

Students can check the table below to know the admission criteria of Durham University:

 

Durham University Entry Requirements

Eligibility

Undergraduate

Post Graduate

PostGraduate Research

Academics

80-90%

60-70%

Good grades in PG

IELTS

6.5 minimum

6.5 minimum

6.5 minimum

TOEFL

Between 90-95 overall score

Between 90-95 overall score

Between 90-95 overall score

PTE

60-65 overall score

60-65 overall score

60-65 overall score

LOR 

Requires one

Requires two

Requires two

Work Experience

Accepted

Accepted

Accepted

 

  • IELTS (6.5), TOEFL (92), SAT (1300), GMAT (600), and PTE (62) test takers are accepted at Durham University with acceptance rates of 72%.

Durham University Scholarships

Durham University supports its students irrespective of financial circumstances. The following scholarships and bursaries are either funded by the University, through partnerships with external organisations or through generous donations from alums and friends of the University. Some of the best Scholarships provided by the university for undergraduate and postgraduate students are mentioned below:

1. Commonwealth Split-Site PHD Scholarships
Scholarship Name Commonwealth Split-Site PHD Scholarships
Scholarship amount Tuition fee, airfare, living expenses of £1,516 per month, additional costs, and child aid for single parents and divorcees.
Details Funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
2. International Scholarships 2022-2024
Scholarship Name International Scholarships 2022-2024
Scholarship amount The scholarship will consist of a £5,000 per year tuition fee discount.
Details The University offers a range of new International Scholarships to students from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Vietnam looking to start their undergraduate or postgraduate studies in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
3. Chevening Scholarships (PGT 2023 Entry)
Scholarship Name Chevening Scholarships (PGT 2023 Entry)
Scholarship amount Tuition fee and all the other living expenses
Details Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The programme awards outstanding scholars with leadership qualities from around the globe to study postgraduate courses at universities in the UK. Durham University is a partner with Chevening in 2023/24. In addition to the Open Awards, the University have 10 Partnership Awards open to applicants from all Chevening-eligible countries.
4. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships COMMONWEALTH MASTER’S SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship Name Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships COMMONWEALTH MASTER’S SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship amount Tuition fee, airfare, living expenses of £1,516 per month, and additional costs.
Details The agency-nominated Master’s programme is one of all 3 Master’s programmes presented Scholarship Commission. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission withinside the UK (CSC) affords the UK authorities a scholarship scheme led with the aid using worldwide improvement objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and demonstrates the UK’s enduring dedication to the Commonwealth.
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