University of Durham

Overview

Durham University was established in 1832, making it the third oldest in England. Since then Durham University has grown in size and prestige to its current position as one of the UK's leading universities, regularly placed in the top 10 UK universities by league tables. Durham University is a world-class university engaged in:

• high-quality teaching and learning
• advanced research and partnership with business
• regional and community partnerships and initiatives
• services for conferences, events and visitor accommodation.

Recent independent research exercises have put twenty of Durham University 's thirty-three subject areas into the top grade 5 and 5* categories and 85% of Durham University staff are carrying out research of national or international excellence. Durham University sets high standards for entry, the result of which is high levels of achievement from graduates. Indeed, 95 per cent of Durham University students complete their period of study and gain a degree, 98 per cent at first or second class honours level, which makes its graduates very attractive to employers.
Durham University is collegiate, with colleges providing residential, social and welfare facilities for their student members, and creating a sense of community for staff and students together. Its academic teaching and research programmes are delivered through departments contained within three faculties: Arts and Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences and Health. Durham University was founded in 1832, and developed in Durham and Newcastle until 1963, when the independent University of Newcastle upon Tyne came into being. The University's Queen's Campus, Stockton opened in 1992. Over 2,000 full-time students are now studying in purpose-built accommodation 23 miles south of Durham, on the banks of the River Tees.
• Durham University has over 15,000 students (of whom 3,500 are postgraduates and 1,900 international students from over 120 countries)
• An annual turnover of £160 million
• Over 3,000 staff
• Durham University is organised into three academic faculties: with 25 departments or schools
• Durham University students are heavily involved in voluntary activities in the community. The number of projects has grown significantly from 23 to 77 in the last 8 years and there are currently 730 students across both campuses involved as volunteers working on community projects.

Ranking

Durham University ranked 8th in The Times Good University Guide ranking (last year).
Durham University students have consistently been in the top ten of English institutions in terms of their entry qualifications. Entry requirements vary from course to course.
www.dur.ac.uk/yourprospectus

Services for International Students

There is a wide range of support services, including student financial support, a Careers Advisory Service, the Durham University Service for Students with Disabilities and a University nursery. Libraries 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.

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. www.dur.ac.uk/colleges/accommodation
All undergraduate students at Durham University are guaranteed accommodation in their first year in the college or society from which they have received an offer. Nearly all colleges at Durham University provide fully catered accommodation.

Campus

Durham is relatively small and all university departments, colleges and facilities are within easy walking distance. Likewise if students live in university accommodation at Queen's Campus, the academic buildings are within a five minute walk.

Health centre

University Health Centre
Green Lane
Durham
DH1 3JX
Telephone: (0191) 386 5081
Fax: (0191) 3751099

Location

Durham is situated in North East England, and is one of the north’s most picturesque cities. The skyline is dominated by the 11th Century cathedral and castle, which is a UNESCO world heritage site and is at the heart of this university town.
Durham has a range of shops and restaurants. There is a daily indoor market and a much larger outdoor market twice a week. The Queen's Campus is located 20 miles from Durham, at Stockton. A free bus service runs daily between the two campuses.
URL: www.durham.ac.uk