Study at Durham University
Study at one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious Russell Group universities, internationally recognised for academic excellence, collegiate life, law, business, engineering, artificial intelligence, and globally impactful research.
Third-Oldest in England & World-Class Research
Durham University, founded in 1832 by Act of Parliament, is the third-oldest university in England after Oxford and Cambridge. A collegiate university set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site β Durham Cathedral and Castle β it combines centuries of tradition with cutting-edge research and modern facilities across its stunning city-centre campus.
With over 22,000 students from more than 150 countries, Durham is consistently ranked among the world's top 100 universities. It is internationally renowned for its collegiate system, exceptional teaching quality, and research strengths in law, business, computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, earth sciences, archaeology, theology, and the natural sciences.
The university's collegiate structure provides an intimate, supportive community within a world-class research institution. Each of Durham's 17 colleges has its own identity, traditions, and social life β including formal dinners, college sports, and societies β creating an unparalleled student experience. Graduate employability is outstanding, with 96% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months.
Academic Programmes
4 faculties with triple-accredited Business School, world-leading Science & Humanities
Durham University Business School (triple-accredited: AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB)
Mill Hill Lane
Faculty of Science (Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Biosciences)
Science Site / Mountjoy
Faculty of Social Sciences & Health (Law, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, Sport)
Elvet Riverside / Stockton Road
Faculty of Arts & Humanities (Archaeology, History, Theology, English, Philosophy, Languages, Music)
Palace Green / Elvet
Investment in Your Future
Indicative fees for international students (2024β2025)
Undergraduate
- science engineering: GBP 29,500β33,000/year
- computer science ai: GBP 29,500β31,000/year
- business economics: GBP 26,500β29,500/year
- law: GBP 23,500β26,500/year
- arts humanities: GBP 23,500β25,000/year
- medicine not offered: N/A (Durham does not offer undergraduate Medicine)
Postgraduate
- taught masters business mba: GBP 29,500β39,000/year
- taught masters science engineering: GBP 29,500β33,000/year
- taught masters law: GBP 23,500β27,000/year
- taught masters arts humanities: GBP 23,500β25,000/year
- research phd: GBP 23,500β29,500/year
Living in Durham
- college accommodation: GBP 5,500β9,500/year (college residences, catered & self-catered)
- food if self catered: GBP 2,000β3,000/year
- transport: GBP 200β500/year (compact city β most walk)
- personal leisure: GBP 1,500β2,500/year
- books materials: GBP 300β600/year
- total estimate: GBP 12,000β15,000/year (approx.)
Fees shown are indicative for international students (2024β2025 entry). Actual fees vary by programme and are reviewed annually. College fees/charges may apply in addition. Always verify the latest fees on the official Durham University website before applying.
Funding Your Durham Education
From Inspiring Excellence awards to fully-funded PhD studentships
Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarship
GBP 5,000β7,500/year fee reduction
Eligibility: High-achieving international students demonstrating academic excellence and wider contribution.
Competitive; automatically assessed upon application to most programmes. Multiple award levels.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship
Up to GBP 25,000/year
Eligibility: Exceptional international students with outstanding academic records and evidence of leadership.
Highly competitive β very limited number of awards. Application required.
GREAT Scholarships
GBP 10,000 towards tuition fees
Eligibility: Students from eligible countries applying to specific postgraduate taught programmes.
Funded by the British Council and the university. Country-specific eligibility applies.
Business School Scholarships
GBP 5,000β15,000
Eligibility: International students applying to Durham University Business School programmes (triple-accredited).
Various scholarships available β merit-based and programme-specific. MBA scholarships also available.
Commonwealth Scholarships (via CSC)
Full tuition + living expenses
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries β typically for Master's or PhD study. Nominated by home country.
External scheme β apply through your home country's nominating body. Highly competitive.
PhD Studentships & Research Council Funding
Full tuition + stipend (GBP 18,600+/year)
Eligibility: Outstanding research applicants in funded areas β science, engineering, social sciences, arts, humanities.
Funded through UKRI (EPSRC, ESRC, AHRC, NERC, STFC), N8 partnerships, and university-funded studentships.
How to Get In
Deadlines: UCAS: 31 January (equal consideration) | 15 October (Medicine-related where applicable)
- A-Levels: AABβA*A*A typical (Durham is highly selective; varies by programme)
- International Baccalaureate: 36β39 points (programme-specific subject requirements)
- Foundation programmes available via Durham University International Study Centre (ISC)
- GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above (most programmes)
- Personal statement demonstrating academic passion and wider engagement
- Contextual admissions: some offers adjusted based on educational background
- Relevant work experience valued for professional programmes
- Academic reference from school or college
Durham is one of the most selective UK universities. Entry requirements are high and competitive. International qualifications are widely accepted β check equivalencies on the official Durham website. The International Study Centre (ISC) offers foundation pathways.
English Language Requirements
- ielts: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component) β standard; some programmes require 7.0+
- toefl: TOEFL iBT: 92+ overall (minimum 23 in each section) β programme-dependent
- pte: PTE Academic: 65+ overall (minimum 60 per component) β varies by programme
- cambridge: Cambridge English: C1 Advanced (CAE) β minimum score 176+ overall
- other: Durham also accepts Duolingo English Test (120+), Trinity ISE, and various country-specific qualifications. Pre-sessional English courses available for students close to meeting requirements.
Life at Durham
A UNESCO World Heritage city with 17 distinctive colleges
Durham Cathedral & Castle
Durham's iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. University College is housed in Durham Castle β students live and dine in a Norman castle. Palace Green is the historic heart of the university.
Collegiate Life
17 distinctive colleges each with their own identity, traditions, formal dinners, bars, common rooms, sports teams, and societies. An intimate community within a world-class university.
Students' Union & Societies
Over 200 student societies and 50+ sports clubs through Durham Students' Union and college JCRs/MCRs. From rowing on the Wear to theatre, music, debate, and volunteering.
Sports & Outdoors
World-class sports facilities at Maiden Castle β gym, swimming pool, outdoor pitches, courts, and running trails. Strong inter-college and university-level competition. BUCS top-10 institution.
Libraries & Study
Bill Bryson Library (the main library, named after Durham's former Chancellor), Palace Green Library (historic collections), and multiple subject libraries. 24/7 study spaces during term.
River Wear & Green Spaces
The campus winds around the River Wear with riverside walks, college boathouses, green spaces, and stunning views of cathedral and castle. A compact, walkable city.
Innovation & Enterprise
Durham has strong industry links, the Careers & Enterprise Centre, startup support, and connections to the North East business community. SETsquared partnership for student entrepreneurs.
International Community
Students from 150+ countries creating a diverse global community. International events, cultural societies, buddy schemes, and comprehensive support services.
Career Outcomes
Research Strengths
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
Cutting-edge research in AI, machine learning, algorithms, and computational modelling. The Department of Computer Science is ranked among the UK's best.
Archaeology & Heritage
World-leading archaeology department β research across all periods from prehistoric to medieval. Durham's own UNESCO setting is a living laboratory for heritage science.
Energy & Climate
Research in clean energy, carbon capture, climate modelling, and sustainable development through the Durham Energy Institute and Earth Sciences department.
Advanced Materials & Physics
Research in soft matter, condensed matter physics, astronomy, and quantum technologies. The Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics is internationally recognised.
Business & Economic Innovation
The triple-accredited Business School leads research in finance, management, marketing, accounting, and entrepreneurship β informing global business practice.
Law & Justice
Durham Law School is internationally recognised for research in human rights, commercial law, criminal justice, environmental law, and international governance.
International Student Support
Over 5,000 international students from 150+ countries
- International Student Support Team
- Immigration & visa guidance
- Pre-arrival orientation programme
- Airport meet-and-greet service
- International Study Centre (ISC) pathway programmes
- English language support & pre-sessional courses
- International buddy scheme
- Careers & enterprise support
- Counselling & mental health services
- Multi-faith chaplaincy
- Healthcare registration support
- Cultural events & international societies
Your Path to Durham
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate Durham's strengths β the triple-accredited Business School, Computer Science/AI, Law, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Archaeology, and Natural Sciences β identifying the best programme for your goals.
UCAS & Application Strategy
Durham is highly selective (AABβA*A*A). Expert guidance on UCAS applications, writing a compelling personal statement, college preference selection, meeting deadlines, and standing out in a very competitive applicant pool.
Scholarship Guidance
Support with Inspiring Excellence Scholarships, Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Business School funding, Commonwealth/Chevening Scholarships, and PhD Research Council studentships.
Research & Supervisor Matching
For PhD applicants, we help identify potential supervisors at Durham, craft research proposals aligned with strengths in AI, energy, archaeology, law, physics, and earth sciences.
Visa & Accommodation
UK Student Route visa guidance, CAS support, Immigration Health Surcharge, college residence applications, and advice on Durham's distinctive collegiate accommodation system.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing, Newcastle Airport meet-and-greet coordination, bank account setup, GP registration, ISC pathway guidance, and ongoing support throughout your Durham experience.
Apply to Durham
Free expert guidance β no hidden fees
Hear From Durham Students
βDurham's triple-accredited Business School opened doors I never imagined. The collegiate atmosphere and formal dinners create lifelong friendships. Educational Hub guided me through every step of the application.β
βThe AI and data science modules are outstanding. Living in a Norman castle as part of University College is an experience unlike any other university in the world.β
βDurham is simply the best place in the UK to study archaeology β the cathedral, castle, and surrounding landscape are your classroom. The research opportunities are extraordinary.β
Frequently Asked Questions
Durham is ranked #78 globally (QS 2025) and consistently in the UK top 7 (Guardian #5, CUG #6). It's the third-oldest university in England with a unique collegiate system (17 colleges), a triple-accredited Business School, and outstanding research in AI, law, archaeology, engineering, and sciences. The UNESCO World Heritage campus and 96% graduate employability make it exceptional.
Undergraduate fees range from approximately GBP 23,500β33,000/year (science/engineering higher; arts/humanities lower). Postgraduate taught fees are approximately GBP 23,500β39,000/year (MBA at the higher end). PhD fees range from GBP 23,500β29,500/year. College fees may apply additionally. Fees are reviewed annually β always verify on the official Durham University website.
Durham offers Inspiring Excellence Scholarships (GBP 5,000β7,500/year), Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships (up to GBP 25,000/year), GREAT Scholarships (GBP 10,000), Business School Scholarships (up to GBP 15,000), and fully-funded PhD studentships through UKRI Research Councils. Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarships are also available.
Standard requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each component. Some programmes require 7.0+. TOEFL iBT 92+, PTE Academic 65+, Cambridge C1 Advanced 176+, and Duolingo 120+ are also accepted. Pre-sessional English courses available for students close to meeting requirements.
Durham has 17 colleges β each providing accommodation, social life, pastoral care, and a strong sense of community. Colleges have their own traditions, formal dinners, bars, common rooms, and sports teams. You belong to both your academic department and your college β it's similar to Oxford and Cambridge but with a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Durham is one of the most selective UK universities, typically requiring A-Levels of AABβA*A*A (or equivalent). Competition is high for popular programmes like Law, Business, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences. Strong personal statements and academic profiles are important.
Durham is a compact, beautiful, safe cathedral city in North East England. The university IS the city β everything is walkable. It has a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Cathedral & Castle), the River Wear, independent shops and cafΓ©s, and a strong student community. Newcastle and the coast are nearby. London is 2.5 hours by train.
Educational Hub provides free expert guidance including programme selection, UCAS application strategy, personal statement writing, college preference advice, scholarship applications, International Study Centre pathway guidance, visa support, accommodation assistance, and comprehensive pre-departure briefing.