World-Class Teaching

Durham University is the 5th ranked UK university according to the Guardian University Guide 2022, and 6th by The Complete University Guide.

Durham delivers cutting-edge, research-led education, with 92% of graduates receiving a First Class or Upper Second Class degree. This means that our academic staff are more than lecturers; the research they conduct shapes and inspires the academic structure of our departments and it directly informs our teaching, ensuring that academic course content is up to date with current developments.

High Performance Rowing

Durham is one of only five universities which are designated British Rowing High Performance Centres. This is because of Durham University’s track record of coaching athletes which reach the GB Senior and U23 teams. This scheme is funded by Sport England and The National Lottery. This means that we can offer world leading facilities, coaching and athlete support.

Since 2018, DUBC has had 8 appearances at the U23 World Championships, bringing home two Golds and two Silver medals.

Our College System

Durham boasts a unique college system where degrees are not taught in college, but in academic departments. College therefore provides an informal setting outside of your academic course for the whole time you are studying at Durham. Unlike at Oxford and Cambridge, you do not apply to a college directly, but you state a preference and the university will take that into consideration. Statistics for each college are available here.

All first year undergraduates are guaranteed accommodation in college. Second and third year undergraduates usually live out but are still fully involved in college life, returning to participate in societies, use the library and sports facilities, and to enjoy formals and events.

There are 17 colleges located across Durham which can be split into “Hill” colleges and “Bailey” colleges (this split is solely based upon location). More information about colleges is available here. The colleges are listed below (self-catered are in italics)

Bailey Colleges

Hatfield
St. Chad’s
St. Cuthbert’s Society (Cuths)
St. John’s
University College (Castle)

Other

St. Hild and St. Bede (Hild Bede) - Gilesgate
Ustinov - Sheraton Park (Postgrads only)

College Formals

All colleges hold 'Formals', an opportunity for staff and students from the college to enjoy dinner together. Formals often have a theme such as Burn's Night, Valentine's Day, or Harry Potter. In some of our college's students wear gowns to Formals and in others wearing black tie or smart evening wear is part of the occasion. As well as Formals, colleges hold other fun events throughout the year such as College Balls and annual College Days held at the end of the academic year (like mini-festivals!).