Durham University question

Hi, so I have an offer from Durham university, I originally applied for Biology, but was given an offer for Psychology instead. Does anyone know if they allow you to transition from psychology to biology in the second year? Maybe like doing a 1st year of psychology and then switching to 1st year biology the next year, or something like that?
I've got another offer from University of Leeds and my requirements are the same for both.
If anyone studies at Durham or Leeds what are the departments for sciences like? I want to consider which city is best for me (I'm not really fussed about the night life, I am very introverted).

Thank you for any help ☺️.

Reply 1

random_matt

20

So you would entertain the idea of wasting one year studying psychology? Seems pointless and Durham may still not give you an offer for Biology next year. Besides, Leeds is a very good university and taking up their Biology offer is the most bright idea. (Assuming Leeds offered Biology, maybe wrong).

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by random_matt

So you would entertain the idea of wasting one year studying psychology? Seems pointless and Durham may still not give you an offer for Biology next year. Besides, Leeds is a very good university and taking up their Biology offer is the most bright idea. (Assuming Leeds offered Biology, maybe wrong).

Yeah they did. I've only seen this offer today so I haven't really had too much time to think about it. It was an avenue I was considering, but not very likely to take. I'm not passionate about it, nor do I study it at A level. It seems stupid but I really needed to process all of that to make such an obvious decision.

Reply 3

random_matt

20

Original post by Anonymous

Yeah they did. I've only seen this offer today so I haven't really had too much time to think about it. It was an avenue I was considering, but not very likely to take. I'm not passionate about it, nor do I study it at A level. It seems stupid but I really needed to process all of that to make such an obvious decision.

Yeah, do not accept their offer of psychology unless you like the subject and want to study it. Odd offer from Durham to be honest.

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by random_matt

Yeah, do not accept their offer of psychology unless you like the subject and want to study it. Odd offer from Durham to be honest.

It is what it is, Leeds is a good university, so I still have a great place to study.

Reply 5

random_matt

20

Original post by Anonymous

It is what it is, Leeds is a good university, so I still have a great place to study.

Good luck.

Reply 6

Anonymous #2

It’s odd to me that Durham would offer you a different course to the one you applied for. I’d maybe contact them first to ensure it wasn’t a mistake before rejecting them

Reply 7

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by Anonymous

It’s odd to me that Durham would offer you a different course to the one you applied for. I’d maybe contact them first to ensure it wasn’t a mistake before rejecting them

I was thinking of contacting them to ask about it, and to see if I did do the year of psychology would they then let me transfer. I'm just procrastinating doing that, I have anxiety over talking to people on the phone. I think regardless of what they tell me I would probably now put them as a second choice, either way, I'd have to do a year of something I do not have particular interest in. I'm happy they at least gave me an offer than flat out rejecting me.

Reply 8

DurhamRep Lesath

Official Rep

6

Original post by Anonymous

Hi, so I have an offer from Durham university, I originally applied for Biology, but was given an offer for Psychology instead. Does anyone know if they allow you to transition from psychology to biology in the second year? Maybe like doing a 1st year of psychology and then switching to 1st year biology the next year, or something like that?
I've got another offer from University of Leeds and my requirements are the same for both.
If anyone studies at Durham or Leeds what are the departments for sciences like? I want to consider which city is best for me (I'm not really fussed about the night life, I am very introverted).
Thank you for any help ☺️.

Hello!

I've looked a little bit into Durham's regulations on programme transfers and generally, changes in courses are approved at the board of studies/management committee level in the university and are decided by a case by case basis. Generally, you would have to meet the same pre-requisites of any applicant for Biology (i.e. the same A Level grades or equivalents) and the university would not consider any transfer requests if the quota for the number of students that can take up Biology set by the university has already been met.

It is definitely possible though and I do personally know people who have changed programmes and departments before but it does come with some risk. If you do have an interest in Psychology though, I would say in my personal experience that I have really come to love Durham and hope you would too.

I'd recommend contacting Durham directly though. They have an online form you can fill out here (or you can call them too)!

I hope this helps :smile:

– Lesath (DU Rep.)

Durham University question

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