Durham University

Durham University is a collegiate public research university in Durham, England. It was founded in 1832 by an Act of Parliament and incorporated by royal charter in 1837 and is the third-oldest university in England. It opened in 1832, the first recognized university to open in England for more than 600 years, after Oxford and Cambridge.

As a collegiate university, its main functions are divided between the academic departments of the university and its 17 colleges. The colleges provide students with accommodation, social activities, and pastoral support. Durham University is located in the beautiful city of Durham, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its Norman cathedral and castle, as well as its picturesque riverbanks.

Durham University is a popular choice for both domestic and international students. The university has a strong student community, with students from over 120 countries. There is a wide range of student clubs and societies to get involved in, as well as a number of sports teams.

Durham University is also known for its interdisciplinary programs, which combine elements from different disciplines to create unique and innovative courses of study. For example, the university offers programs in Archaeological Science, Business Management and Economics, and Geography and Environmental Science.

In addition to its traditional academic programs, Durham University also offers a number of professional programs, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the Master of Laws (LLM). These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in specific fields.

Durham University's programs are taught by world-leading academics and researchers. The university has a strong focus on research-led teaching, which means that students are taught by academics who are actively involved in research in their field. This ensures that students are exposed to the latest knowledge and developments in their field of study.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Durham University is positioned as the #89 top university in the world. The rank decreased by 11 points from last year.

University Profile

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2025 Ranking	#89
University Name	Durham University
Acronym	DU
Year Established	1832
Motto	Fundamenta eius super montibus sanctis
Motto in English	Her foundations are upon the holy hills
Governing Type	Public
Student Body	Co-education
Highest Degree	Doctorate
Campus Type	Urban
Colors	Palatinate Purple

Location

The university is located in Durham. Find the address and map of the university below.

Address	The Palatine Centre, Stockton Road, Durham, United Kingdom

Contact

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Phone	+44 (191) 334 2000
Fax	+44 (191) 334 6250
Website
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Programs and Courses

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	Bachelor's Degrees	Master's Degrees	Doctorate Degrees	Diplomas
Arts & Humanities	n/a			n/a
Business & Social Sciences	n/a			n/a
Engineering	n/a			n/a
Language & Cultural Studies	n/a			n/a
Medicine & Health	n/a			n/a
Science & Technology	n/a			n/a

Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.

View Course List

Global Ranking History

The following chart shows how the global ranking of this university has changed over the last 5 years.

Admission Info

Undergraduate applications to Durham University are submitted through UCAS, the centralized UK application system. Applicants are assessed on their academic performance, personal statement, and references, with some courses requiring specific entrance exams or interviews. Postgraduate applications are made directly to the university and typically require a relevant undergraduate degree, references, and a statement of purpose. International students must meet English language requirements, often through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

Accepts International Students	Yes
Undergraduate Admission Info	Click here

Scholarship and Financial Aids

Durham University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options, including merit-based awards and need-based support. The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for Academic Excellence and Durham International Scholarships are designed to attract talented students globally. Additionally, the university collaborates with organizations such as the Chevening Scholarship Program and the Commonwealth Scholarships, providing further funding opportunities for international students.

Scholarship Info	Click here

Stay informed with the following articles related to the university or higher education in United Kingdom.

Brexit has significantly affected international students in the UK, with changes in tuition fees, visa requirements, and immigration policies making the country a less attractive destination. The decline in international student enrollment poses concerns for the UK's higher education sector. [Read More]

The main and safest way foreign students can meet their academic costs is by gaining scholarships. This has been given a lot of names like bursaries, grants, awards, sponsorship, etc. but they perform one essential duty, pay all or part of the cost of your studies. Studying in the UK is a noble experience. [Read More]

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Information on Durham University was last updated on January 20, 2025.