Durham University is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and received university status in 1837, making it the third oldest higher education institution in the UK. It is ranked 5th in the country and 61st in the QS World University Rankings 2015/2016. The Research Excellence Framework 2014 rated 83% of the university's research as world-leading or internationally excellent. Departments highly rated for their research include anthropology, archaeology, chemistry, education, English, law, music, physics and theology. It is the only university in the UK whose subjects all rank in the top 10. The university's business and economics programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Association of MBAs and the European Quality Improvement System. Other accredited courses include engineering (Engineering Council) and psychology (British Psychological Society). Many courses offer the opportunity for an Erasmus exchange abroad. Durham University is ranked 25th in the world for graduate employability. 96% of students graduate successfully, and 87% of all graduates go on to work or further study. And 91% of students are satisfied with their experience at Durham University.
Durham is one of the UK's major cultural and historic cities, called by some "the perfect little city". With its ancient cobbled streets, the city sits on a bend of the River Wear. It is famous for its iconic Norman cathedral and 11th-century medieval castle, which were granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1986. The histories of the castle, the cathedral and the university are intertwined, turning Durham into a picturesque old English university town. But despite its historic character, the city has everything today's young students need - restaurants, pubs, cinemas, cafes and clubs.
Main programs and majors (For a detailed list, ask one of our advisors)
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Biological Sciences
- Business & Management Studies
- Chemistry
- Classics & Ancient History
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- English
- French
- General Engineering
- Geography & Environmental Science
- Geology
- German
- History
- Iberian Languages
- Italian
- Law
- Mathematics
- Middle Eastern & African Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Physics & Astronomy
- Politics
- Psychology
- Russian & East European Studies
- Sociology
- Sports Science
- Theology & Religious Studies
Key information
Duration of study:
3-4 years for Bachelor's programs
1-2 years for Master's programs
Academic year:
2 semesters - September and January
Start of the year:
September and January (for some programs only)
Application deadline:
January 15 is the recommended deadline for most majors. The final cutoff is June 30, but those applications will not be given priority.
There is no deadline for Master's and PhD/doctoral programs, but the university advises applying as early as possible
Admission requirements:
High school diploma with a minimum GPA of 5.0, depending on the major. For Master's programs, a minimum grade of 5.0, depending on the major.
IELTS
For Bachelor's and Master's programs, a minimum of 6.5, depending on the major
Cambridge English: Advanced/Proficiency
For Bachelor's and Master's programs, a minimum of Cambridge Proficiency - C or Cambridge Advanced - A, depending on the major. For Master's programs, a minimum of 169 (C).
Scholarships and loans
The tuition fee for Bachelor's programs is £9,000. The UK government provides student loans with favorable repayment terms. Students only start repaying the loan once they earn an annual salary of more than £21,000. For more information, ask one of our advisors.
Master's and doctoral programs cost between £4,052 and £7,500, and the MBA costs £19,000. Getting a loan for them is more difficult, but not impossible.
Accommodation:
University residence halls cost between £4,521 and £7,100 per year, depending on the hall and room type. Accommodation in a house or apartment outside the university residence halls costs between £3,270 and £4,400 per year.