Durham University

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Open Days

When deciding on whether Durham is right for you, we recommend you think about the degrees we offer, our Colleges, and the wider student experience such as sport, theatre, music and volunteering.  All of this, along with the support that is available to you as a student, will help you decide whether to apply to us.

We highly recommend visiting on one of our Open Days if you get the chance, so that you can explore Durham and get a feel for what studying here might be like.

Find out more about Open Days

Catch up on what happened at our last Open Day

Courses and fees

Tuition fees

The ‘Home’ fee for 2023 is £9,250 per annum. Fees for 2024 are awaiting approval. For information on tuition fees for international and EU students, click here.

College costs

College charges vary depending on the accommodation you choose and the duration of the letting.

College fees usually range from £5,370 to £9,741 depending on whether you choose catered or self-catered accommodation, a single or shared room, and whether you opt for an ensuite or shared bathroom facilities. All bills are included in your college fees.

Remember – if you’re living in a self-catered college, you’ll need to budget for the cost of your meals. As a rough guide, our current students spend up to £40 a week on food.

Loans

• Tuition Fee Loans are available to eligible students. You won’t need to start paying your loan back until you’re earning over £27,295 per year.

• Maintenance Loans to cover your living costs are also available to UK students. Your eligibility and the amount you will receive depends on whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland and on your ‘household income’ (the income of the adult(s) on whom you are financially dependent).

• If you’ve got a disability or dependents, you might be entitled to additional funding. Find out more at gov.uk/student-finance/extra-help

Durham University funding

We’re committed to supporting students from lower-income backgrounds. A Durham Grant is available to full-time students who don’t already have an undergraduate degree. Those with a household income of less than £30,000 will receive £2,500 and those with a household income of between £30,001 and £47,200 will receive between £2,495 and £780 (reducing as the household income increases).

Scholarships

We also offer a number of scholarships to support our students, including:

• Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for Sport, Music and the Arts

• The Robert Young Scholarship

• Durham Inspired North East Scholarships

• Weldon-le Huray Scholarship – Music, Sport, and Artsand Humanities.

The availability of these scholarships varies from year to year.

Find out more about scholarships

Financial support network

When you join a college, you’ll become part of a supportive and caring community. So, if money worries are having an impact on your wellbeing or your studies, you’ll always have someone to talk to. Your college’s Student Support Officer will be your first point of contact if you have any concerns.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability. This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance you get.

The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs – not your household income.

Term dates (and any other term info)

For information on Term dates, please visit durham.ac.uk/dates

Facilities

Our continual investment ensures that you have access to exceptional lecture theatres, seminar rooms and subject-specific facilities, such as science laboratories and dedicated libraries.

In 2019 we opened our brand new, state-of-the-art Teaching and Learning Centre, with cutting-edge lecture theatres, teaching rooms and education labs. We have invested £40m in the development of a new building for Computing and Mathematics and are also investing £70m in a new home for Durham University Business School. These developments will provide exceptional spaces for learning, teaching and research.

Durham University Library and Collections offer a fantastic range of resources and study facilities, with staff on hand to help you find what you need. The University has many rare and internationally renowned special collections and archives, and the University Museums also provide a unique research resource for study.

As a Durham student, we will ensure you’ve got access to the latest in digital technology, with wireless coverage across campus and in study bedrooms, a free Microsoft Office 365 account, 1TB of cloud storage, lecture capture technology, and access to our virtual learning environment.

At Durham you will also have access to an extensive support network to help you make the most of your time at University. We have a number of professional support services, including counselling, disability support, faith provision, careers and childcare.

Accommodation

The college experience

In your college, you can take part in sport, music, theatre or volunteering. You can join clubs and societies, enjoy parties and dinners, and make friends for life. Your college will be your home from home, the centre of your life at Durham and a constant source of opportunities, challenges and lasting memories.

You will be a member of your college throughout the whole of your time in Durham, and beyond. Students choosing to live in private accommodation at any point during their studies are still involved in college life, enjoying societies and events, making use of facilities, and benefitting from the support and guidance of college staff.

Every college provides:

• A character and spirit all of its own

• Sports, clubs, societies and associations

• Gym

• Library or study space

• Events and activities

• Dedicated Student Common Rooms

• Dedicated staff and support close at hand if you need it

• Accommodation within Durham City, either catered or self-catered.

An inspiring place to live and learn

In your college, you’ll be surrounded by all sorts of different people, studying a wide range of subjects. So you’ll meet people who share your interests, and others who’ll inspire you to develop new ones.

Each college includes students at all stages, from newly arrived undergrads, to graduates and professors. They’re strong, supportive, multi-generational communities.

There are 17 colleges in total, including Ustinov, our postgraduate only college. Each offers the full range of facilities you’d expect to find at a university and more. That means 17 times as many opportunities to develop your team-working, leadership and problem-solving skills. And 17 more chances to get involved in sports, societies, music, arts, associations, and committees.

No two colleges are the same – their architecture and settings are as distinct as their histories and traditions. One thing every college has in common, however, is its commitment to offering support, challenge, participation, teamwork, and leadership opportunities. All of our colleges embrace the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Your college has its own Student Support Office, acting as a point of contact for any welfare and pastoral support you might need during your time here.

A grant of £250 – funded jointly by the University and an alumni donation - is paid automatically to lower-income students from the North-East of England, and to lower-income students from the rest of the UK with disabilities or from Black or minority ethnic backgrounds, to support with the costs of the wider student experience.

A lifelong connection

College membership doesn’t end at graduation. Our students often tell us that their college experience was one of the most important parts of their time at Durham. Friendships made at college often last a lifetime. Many of our alumni return to share their skills and experience long after they have left. Colleges frequently arrange for current students to benefit from the support of alumni through things like careers advice, scholarships, mentoring and internships.

Find out more about our Colleges

Living here

Durham is no ordinary county, and as we prepare for a year of cultural celebrations in 2025, the region is buzzing with creativity and inspiring places to visit.

From world-class museums and attractions, to beautiful coastline and countryside, there’s never been a better time to explore, discover and learn in the stunning surroundings that wait for you here.

The historic city of Durham is compact, yet varied. Easy to get around, it offers a wide range of cultural and sporting pursuits, as well as a huge number of places to eat, drink and meet friends. So whatever your interests, you are certain to find your place here.

Durham City

Durham is a friendly and welcoming city, with the famous Cathedral and Castle at its very heart.

In the ancient, cobbled streets, you’ll find shops and boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants, and plenty of culture. From walks and boat trips along the River Wear, to street markets and museum visits, there’s no shortage of things to do!

No matter where you are in the City, you’ll never be far from one of our colleges, academic departments, or facilities. The historic city also offers a huge range of attractions, places to visit and activities, including:

• Sports and Wellbeing Park

• Botanic Garden

• Oriental Museum

• Palace Green Library and Gallery

• Assembly Rooms Theatre

• Gala Theatre and Cinema

• The Riverwalk leisure complex.

Just 17 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England, it’s also easy to hop on a train to London, Edinburgh, or Manchester. Newcastle International Airport is also close by if you want to explore the rest of the UK and beyond.

What students have to say

“With Durham, the emphasis was on potential. Rather than seeing me as a finished product I was able to make mistakes and learn in the process.” Emily Smith, English Literature

“The best thing about my placement was the opportunity to delve into an industry that is very different to my degree.” Shoaib Ahmed, Geography

“Before joining my college rowing team I had never even seen an oar – I can’t recommend it enough!” Katie Vause, Liberal Arts

“Every member of staff I’ve come across has been so lovely and always willing to help!” Rebecca Cabrera, Modern Languages

“I have learnt from some of the top minds in my field.” Sarah Ellington, Politics

“I never thought that I would be able to write long articles or engage in discussions with some of the best classical researchers.” James Hua, Classics

The Durham Student

To find out more about what Durham Students have to say, check out The Durham Student where you’ll find a wide range of blogs and videos on all aspects of Durham student life, all from a student point of view. You can also follow @thedurhamstudent on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube.

Visit The Durham Student

Travel information

Find out more about how to visit Durham

https://www.durham.ac.uk/visit-us/

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