Careers360 Logo

Access premium articles, webinars, resources to make the best decisions for career, course, exams, scholarships, study abroad and much more with

Plan, Prepare & Make the Best Career Choices

logoImg

Durham University, Durham

Durham, England | Estd in 1832 | Government University

THE Rank : 198 | QS Rank : 92

Updated onJan 16, 2024 09:09 AM IST
Interested in this College ?
Get updates on Eligibility, Admission, Placements Fees Structure
BrochureFees Structure

About Durham University

Durham University was founded in 1832 by an Act of Parliament and became a collegiate public research university in Durham, England, in 1837 after being granted a royal charter. Being one of the oldest institutions in England, it is sometimes called the "Oxbridge of the North" because of its esteemed academic standing and outstanding reputation.

Durham University is a highly selective university, with an acceptance rate of around 41%. Durham's acceptance rates have risen over the past few years, from 35% in 2015 to 41% in 2023. Students who have a high GPA, engaged in extracurricular activities, and strengthened their application with statement of purpose and letter of recommendation stand a better chance of being accepted into the institution.

Every year, Durham University accepts over 20,268 applicants, of whom 6,480+ are foreign students from more than 130 nations. Durham's staff comprises more than 40% of non-UK nationals, which enhances the overall learning experience of students. Durham University is frequently listed as one of the top public universities in the UK and the world.

For the academic year 2023–2024, Durham University's tuition fees for overseas students vary from INR 23.84 L – INR 1.07 Cr per year for undergraduate courses and from INR 21.81 L – INR 1.20 Cr per year for postgraduate courses. International candidates must have acceptance scores in IELTS or TOEFL to meet English proficiency requirement. 

Durham University offers more than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in a variety of fields. The university is especially well-known for its expertise in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. There are several top research institutions in the world located at Durham University. For interested students, the institution offers other choices such as certifications, online distance learning, and short courses.

 Durham University was placed 78th in the QS World University Rankings for 2024 and 174th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the same year. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the university is placed 27th in Europe. In the Times Good University Guide 2024 and Guardian University Guide 2024, Durham is ranked 7th in the United Kingdom.

Durham University is a collegiate university, which means that it is divided into 17 colleges. It is located in the city of Durham, England, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is situated in a beautiful countryside setting and is known for its stunning architecture and friendly atmosphere. Durham University has a vibrant student life, with a wide range of clubs, societies, and activities to choose from. The university also boasts a number of world-class sporting facilities.

Read more: Benefits of studying in UK 

Latest deadline at Durham University

All undergraduate applicants looking for admission to Durham University are required to apply through UCAS application. Candidates are required to fill out the application and submit it by January 31, 2024.

Durham University Highlights

not-found
Year of Establishment1832
not-found
Institute TypeUniversity
not-found
OwnershipPublic/Government
not-found
Number Of Students20645
not-found
Faculty Count4780
not-found
Acceptance Rate41%
not-found
Fee Range22.77 L - ₹1.28 Cr/yr
Bachelors vs Masters
Gender Ratio
Male: 46%Female: 54%
Male: 46%Female: 54%
Student Demographic
  • Asian:   4170
  • European union:   915
  • Others:   525
  • North American:   385
  • Indian:   190

Durham University Ranking and Stats

Durham University is one of the leading public universities in the United Kingdom, with a high ranking in the country and across the world. According to the QS World University 2024 Rankings, the university is rated 78th. The institution is ranked 174th in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University 2024 Rankings. Durham secured the 277th spot in the world rankings, in the U.S. World News & Report rankings for 2024. According to ARWU 2023, the institute is also ranked 301-400th. Durham is ranked 8th in the United Kingdom by the Complete University Guide 2023.

Ranking Body
THE
Subject
Overall

Parametric Score and Ranking 2024

Overall Score60.6
University rank174
Parameter Ranking
Citations
83.5
Industry Outcome
65.6
International Outlook
95.8
Research
44.5
Teaching
43.5

Ranking by year

Ranking

Show adjacently ranked institutions

Score
Rank
Durham University, Durham
Adjacently Ranked Colleges

Durham University Courses

Durham University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of fields of study. Here are some of the most popular undergraduate majors at Durham University including Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering and Science, Health and Social Care. All the courses at Durham University are accredited by various organisations such as EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Accreditations
EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Education Level
Select
Stream
Select
Mode
Select
LevelPG
Duration12 Months
Fees31.25 L/yr
LevelPG
MajorSociology
Duration12 Months
Fees25.21 L/yr
LevelPG
MajorInternational
Duration12 Months
Fees31.25 L/yr
LevelPG
MajorLaw
Duration12 Months
Fees26.37 L/yr
LevelPG
MajorForensic
Duration12 Months
Fees26.37 L/yr
LevelPG
MajorCivil
Duration48 Months
Fees31.78 L/yr

Durham University Fees

CoursesDurationInternational StudentLocal Student
B.A.(64 courses)3 years-4 years₹24.89 L - ₹1.11 Cr/yr₹9.80 L - ₹39.19 L/yr
M.Sc.(62 courses)1 year-4 years₹25.31 L - ₹1.25 Cr/yr₹9.80 L - ₹39.19 L/yr
M.A.(49 courses)1 year-3 years₹22.77 L - ₹79.12 L/yr₹10.49 L - ₹29.39 L/yr
B.Sc.(27 courses)3 years-4 years₹25.53 L - ₹1.11 Cr/yr₹9.80 L - ₹39.19 L/yr
L.L.M(8 courses)1 year₹26.37 L/yr₹12.82 L/yr

Durham University Cost Of Living

Tuition costs at Durham University are payable for every year of your course and are subject to annual change depending on any increments determined by the government. Durham University tuition fee for international students ranges from ₹23.84 L - ₹1.07 Cr per year for undergraduate courses and from ₹21.81 L - ₹1.20 Cr per year for postgraduate courses for the year 2023-2024. However, the tuition fee ranges vary depending on the level of study and course selection. For more information, overseas students can visit the official website of Durham University. 

Is it expensive to study at Durham University?

The cost of living in Durham, England, is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the United Kingdom. The average monthly cost of living for a student in Durham is around £900, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. The living expenses in the UK vary depending on an individual’s choices, budget, and lifestyle. A detailed list of expenses is tabulated below.

Durham University living expenses

Expense list 

Expense costs (per month)

Accommodation 

£500-£600

Food 

£200-£300

Transportation 

£50-£100

Course materials

£100-£200 

Laundry

£20-£30

Toiletries

£10-£20

Entertainment

£50-£100

Also read: Student loans for UK

Durham University Admission and Application

Durham University acceptance rate is approximately 41%, which means that almost 1 out of every 2 students are admitted to the university every year. Applicants looking for admission to Durham University are required to apply online by filling out an application form available on the official website of the university. A detailed procedure for undergraduate and postgraduate students is mentioned below.

How to Apply at Durham for Undergraduate students?

  • Visit the college website of Durham University.
  • Click on the study option present on the main homepage, followed by the international, and finally click on “How to apply” under application guidance.
  • Browse the preferred courses and select the mode of study.
  • Then, on the UCAS portal, register for a new application.
  • Enter the necessary details and the required documents must be attached to the new application.
  • Click on submit after entering all the required information.

How to Apply at Durham for Postgraduate students?

  • For postgraduates, finalize the format of the course: research or taught.
  • And the method of teaching, full-time or part-time, online or offline.
  • Students must look out for the scholarships available and the visa procedures to follow.
  • They must also check the requirements regarding the English proficiency examinations. (IELTS, and TOEFL).

Durham University application fee - Durham University application fee for undergraduates is INR 1890 (18 GBP) and for postgraduates is INR 6,302 (60 GBP).

Durham University application deadline - All applicants looking for admission to Durham undergraduate courses, must apply before January 31, 2024. 

Documents Required to apply to Durham University
Students must submit documents to support their application. To be considered for Durham University admission, candidates must present a specific set of documents as mentioned below. 

  • Attach copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
  • Copies of any previous visas and/or visa refusal letters.
  • A personal statement of purpose
  • English language qualifications and the scores of the tests (IELTS, TOEFL)
  • Two satisfactory references or letter of recommendation, if required for the application
  • A copy of the UK student visa
  • A copy of the students’ passport
  • Copies of the financial documents
  • Scholarship documentation.
  • Research proposal for PG research students.
  • Certified translations, if the original documents are not in English.

Durham University Scholarship

Durham University offers a variety of scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world. These scholarships are based on academic merit, financial need, or other factors. There are many undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships available at Durham University, including International Scholarships, North East Scholarships, Subject Specific Scholarships, Postgraduate Scholarships, and Durham Doctoral Scholarships. Students can apply for these scholarships by filling out an online application form along with supporting documentation, such as their academic transcripts and personal statement.

Read more about scholarships in the UK

Durham University Eligibility

Candidates from India looking for admission to Durham University must meet the following general eligibility requirements: 

  • The academic requirements are grade 10 and 12 marks from any board. And the applicants must have been placed in the first or second division to qualify.

  • Candidates must complete the English language requirements for their selected course if English is not their first language. To fulfil these criteria, one can take multiple types of English language examinations, such as the IELTS or TOEFL. 

  • Course - specific requirements stated by the university.

Durham University Campus Facilities

Hostel

Boys Hostel

Durham University offers accommodation in UK to all and has over 7,500-bed spaces and around 20,000 students. The accommodation is available in the university colleges or in purpose-built private student accommodation. Durham University has different types of rooms available for students like standard, en suite, and studio flats. The prices of the accommodation are

Catered accommodation costs for UG are above £2407 per week,
and Catered accommodation costs for PG are above £2656 per week.

Self-catered accommodation for UG costs £149 per week,
and self-catered accommodation for PG costs £138 per week.

Study Amenities

Library

Durham University students have access to a variety of library resources on-campus and offline. The university has one of the oldest libraries in the UK housing over 1.5 million printed items.

The Durham University facilities at the library include a wide range of electronic resources on its modern main site. The library at the Palace Green site houses extensive special collections including two which have gained designated status: the Sudan Archive and Bishop Cosin's Library. Altogether, there are over 70,000 books printed before the year 1850 and 3,400 meters of archives, 100 medieval manuscripts, 30,000 maps, prints, and over 100,000 photographs. The students also have study spaces for quiet and group study.

Durham University has five library and study space sites for students

  • Bill Bryson- open 24/7 term time
  • Barker Research Library at Palace Green- open from 10 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday)
  • International Study Centre (ISC) Library-open from 9 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday)
  • Leazes Road-open from 8:30 am to 6 pm (Monday - Friday)
  • Teaching and Learning Centre- open from 8 am - 10 pm (Monday to Sunday) term time.
Sports

Sports

The University of Durham emphasizes the need for sports for students and how it helps shape the individual and build teamwork. The University of Durham believes that being fit and healthy allows students to make a difference to those around them. 

The university offers sports scholarships and awards to students to encourage them. The team Durham sports has many options ranging from archery, athletics, and cue to futsal, golf, and judo. It also has an indoor fitness area to exercise and community sports programs during holidays. 

Transportation

Transport Facility

The transport is easily accessible for the students. If preferred the students can use public transport majorly consisting of buses, and trains.

Durham University students can travel using a valid Durham University campus card. They can commute within the Durham city area for just £1. This lets students have unlimited travel access in the Durham District ticket zone. The zone for students ends at Newcastle using the X12.

The students at Durham University can commute by train by buying a railcard or passes to reduce the rail fare. Students can also travel on foot or bike as most of the city is compact, which makes it easier to stroll around reaching venues within minutes.

Infrastructure

Cafeteria

Durham University London takes extra care of its students. This can be observed in the efforts the university put into the numerous varieties of food and drink available on campus grounds. There are many cafes and dining areas on the campus for students to eat, socialize and relax. 

They are:

  • Circolo Restaurant
  • Calman Cafe - Starbucks
  • Small Island Coffee
  • Chemistry Cafe
  • Zing Kitchen
  • Cafe and Clubroom @ Maiden Castle
  • Fusion Restaurant
  • Mathematical Sciences & Computer Science Cafe
  • Botanic Garden

Durham University International Office Details

Durham University is a highly-ranked university with a strong reputation for excellence. It is a good choice for students who are looking for a world-class education and who are interested in studying in the United Kingdom. Durham University has more than 20,268 students, among which there are 6,480+ international students. All overseas students can contact the Durham University on the following details:

Address: Durham University, The Palatine Centre, University, Stockton Rd, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom. 

Contact: +44 191 334 2000

Is it hard to get into Durham University as an international student? 

The acceptance rate at Durham University is around 41%. This means that 41 students out of every 100 who apply to the university are accepted. Acceptance rates have steadily increased in recent years, rising from 35% in 2015 to 41% in 2023. Students who have excelled academically participated in extracurricular activities, with letters of recommendation and personal statements have more chances of getting selected for the university.

Durham University Gallery

View All Photos And Videos

Gallery

View All Photos And Videos

FAQ's

Yes, Durham is one of the priciest university in the UK. Tuition fees for international students at Durham ranges between ₹23.84 L - ₹1.07 Cr per year for undergraduate courses and from ₹21.81 L - ₹1.20 Cr per year for postgraduate courses for the year 2023-2024. The average monthly living expenses for a student are around INR 81,423 (£900), which covers the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.

The entry requirements for an International Foundation program are good high school grades or equivalent with relevant subjects. However, the students will require a Maths paper in their most recent year of study for subjects like philosophy, politics, and economics BA (Hons). Durham uni also requires English proficiency test scores for international students.

Students can apply to Durham University via International Study Centre online or through a local agent. By using the online form, students can save the progress and edit it at their leisure before submitting it. Students applying with the help of an agent must contact the agent for an application form.

Yes, it is difficult to get into Durham University as it is a highly selective university, with an acceptance rate of around 41%. To be accepted into the institution, applicants must have a solid application that includes letters of recommendation and personal statements, a high cumulative grade point average, and participation in extracurricular activities.

Durham University is ranked 78th in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and 174th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. The university is ranked as one of the top universities in the world by ARWU, which ranks it 301-400th, and by US News & World Report, which ranks Durham 277th globally. 

Durham University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United Kingdom. According to the latest rankings, Durham University is ranked 8th by Complete University Guide 2023 and 7th by Guardian University Guide 2023.

Durham University has many courses for students, including physics, economics, law, psychology, geography, and more. Durham Uni is also a World Heritage City of Durham. Durham University's Castle and Cathedral have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Yes, Durham University is widely considered to be a prestigious university. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United Kingdom and the world. Durham University is considered to be prestigious because of its academic excellence, selective admissions, beautiful campus, and vibrant student life. 

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

  • student
    250M+

    Students

  • colleges
    30,000+

    Colleges

  • exams
    500+

    Exams

  • ebook
    1500+

    E-Books

  • certification
    12000+

    Cetifications

student
Mobile Screen

We Appeared in