University of Durham, details of Durham university

Durham 

University ranking

• 2010  5
• 2009  6
• 2008  10

History

• Established in 1832, Durham University is England’s third oldest Higher Education Institute after Oxford and Cambridge.
• In 1987 Durham Cathedral and Castle became a World Heritage Site, of which the university is a joint guardian.
• In 2005 the writer, Dr Bill Bryson was appointed as the university's Chancellor.

Location and Transport

• The university operates in two locations: in the city of Durham and at Queen’s Campus, Stockton-on-Tees, both of which have excellent transport links to the rest of north east England.
• Both are located 2¾ hours from London and have two international airports close by: Newcastle International and Durham Tees Valley.
• Local amenities are within walking distance at both locations.

Accommodation

• The distinctive college system offers a range of accommodation options for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• The colleges provide activities and facilities for study, sports, the arts, socialising, relaxation and welfare.
• The colleges are able to offer accommodation for most first years as well as finalists.
• More information about accommodation at Durham University is available here.

Entry standards 

League Table

• Durham’s students have consistently been in the top ten of English institutions in terms of their entry qualifications.
• Entry requirements vary from course to course.
• More information on entry standards at Durham University is available here.

Bursaries and Scholarships

In receipt of full Maintenance Grant £1,300 Durham Grant

• Tuition fees (2009–10): £3,225.
• Placement year and year abroad tuition fee will be 50%.
• Durham Grant Scheme: Durham grant scheme (Band 1). Awards will be made to all eligible full-time home undergraduate with a household income of below £18,500 per annum.
• Durham grant scheme (Band 1 NE). Awards will be made to all eligible full-time home undergraduate students. A supplement of £1,285 on top of the Band 1 award of £1,285 payable to students with a household income of below £18,500 per annum and residing in the north east (i.e. have a home postcode starting with DH, DL, NE, SR or TS).
• Durham grant scheme (Band 2). Awards will be made to all eligible full-time home undergraduate students. To be awarded £525 per year, the student will have a household income of below £18,500 per annum.
• Durham grant scheme (Band 2 NE). Awards will be made to all eligible full-time home undergraduate students. To be awarded a supplement of £225 on top of the Band 2 award of £525, making a total award of £750 a year, the student will have a household income of below £18,500 per annum and be from the north east (i.e. have a home postcode starting with DH, DL, NE, SR or TS).
• Twemty-five vice-chancellor's scholarships for sport, music and the arts, valued at £3,000 each, will be awarded on entry to full-time home undergraduate students who have demonstrated excellence in the fields of sport, music and the arts.
• For more information on bursaries and scholarships at Durham, click here.

Student mix

• 50–50% split of  female and male.
• 54% of undergraduates are from state school.
• Overseas students make up 16% of our total student body.
• Applications to places ratio 7:1.

Course flexibility

• Over 200 undergraduate degree programmes in arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences.
• Several degree routes including Single or Joint Honours, named routes in Natural Sciences, Combined Honours and four-year honours programmes in some sciences.
• The modular degree system enables students to tailor degrees to meet their needs by combining subjects or studying one or more subjects in depth.

Teaching standards

League Table

•  In the 2008 National Student Survey, Durham University achieved 11th place amongst English universities for overall satisfaction.
• Durham is one of the UK's top teaching universities as assessed by the QAA, with an average of 22.2 out of 24.
• Five of the subject areas achieved full marks.
• 6^th – The Independent/Complete University Guide 2009.

Research standards 

League Table

• In 2008 the university was placed fourth in the world and the leading institution in Europe in the rankings for Space Science Research. 
• 85% of our staff are carrying out research that is ‘internationally excellent'.

Academic strengths

• English, History, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography, Theology and Religion, and Archaeology.
• Durham attracts the high quality students, bucking the trends for recruitment in areas such as Modern Languages and core Sciences.

Student facilities, including Library and Computing

League Table

• A wide range of support services, including student financial support, Careers Advisory Service, Durham University Service for Students with Disabilities and the University Nursery.
• Librarries are located throughout the university with generous opening times, 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.

Disability Services

• For information on disability services at Durham University, telephone 0191 334 8115, email or visit the website.

Students’ Union

• Cafés, shops and events on both campuses.
• As well as representing students, the union organises social events, including the Freshers Fair and Ball, live music, BBQs and comedy.
• The union Advice Centre, staffed by professional advisors and the student Education and Welfare Officer, offers academic, financial, personal and health related support.
• More information about the students' union at Durham University is available here.

Sport

• Durham is consistently in the top eight of the BUCS league table.
• 85% of students participate in university sport.
• There are over 50 affiliated clubs, from rowing to croquet, football to trampolining.
• More information about sport at Durham University is available here.

Recent/prospective new builds

• The Durham Project: £60 million project that will transform and enhance the university and the city, and result in a brand new student services building, with a library extension and pedestrianisation of the science site.
• Calman Learning Centre: £12 million lecture theatre complex on the science site opened in April 2008. 

Availability of part-time work

• Our Student Employment Service assists students with securing part-time work during study.
• Guidelines are provided and agreed between the service, students and employers to ensure that work does not affect academic performance.

For further information

• www.durham.ac.uk
• admissions@durham.ac.uk
• Durham University, University Office, Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HP 
• +44 (0) 191 334 2000
• Travel and maps