durham uni teaching methods
15
hi all (current and past durham uni students), I'm considering applying to durham uni and one of the important factors to me is the teaching methods. I just want honest student opinions as well as factual information about how subjects are taught at durham. how are the lectures, seminars and tutorials (if at all for undergraduate courses). are there lots of discussion and groupwork, etc. specifically if anyone has studied/is studying english lit (the subject I'm applying to) I'd greatly appreciate specific advice/info!
additionally if anyone has anything relevant to add about durham uni that'd be much appreciated. thanks in advance.
additionally if anyone has anything relevant to add about durham uni that'd be much appreciated. thanks in advance.
Reply 1
Hey! I am a languages graduate from Durham and can give you an idea of what teaching has been like for me.
Teaching is a mix of lectures and seminars. Lectures give you the context and big-picture ideas, while seminars (smaller groups) are where you discuss texts in detail, debate interpretations, and sometimes do group presentations.
I had an academic advisor who was happy to meet whenever and discuss texts, exams and any other questions I had. This is in a 1-1 format.
Durham is independent-study heavy, especially for humanities subjects, but this tends to be guided. Also, the variety of formats keeps things engaging, and you really do get the chance to develop your own voice as a thinker.
In my experience, academics are always happy to meet in their office hours to give feedback and answer questions.
Let me know if you have any other Durham questions! I’d be happy to help
Teaching is a mix of lectures and seminars. Lectures give you the context and big-picture ideas, while seminars (smaller groups) are where you discuss texts in detail, debate interpretations, and sometimes do group presentations.
I had an academic advisor who was happy to meet whenever and discuss texts, exams and any other questions I had. This is in a 1-1 format.
Durham is independent-study heavy, especially for humanities subjects, but this tends to be guided. Also, the variety of formats keeps things engaging, and you really do get the chance to develop your own voice as a thinker.
In my experience, academics are always happy to meet in their office hours to give feedback and answer questions.
Let me know if you have any other Durham questions! I’d be happy to help
Reply 2
based_J
OP
15
Original post
by DurhamRep MiaHey! I am a languages graduate from Durham and can give you an idea of what teaching has been like for me.
Teaching is a mix of lectures and seminars. Lectures give you the context and big-picture ideas, while seminars (smaller groups) are where you discuss texts in detail, debate interpretations, and sometimes do group presentations.
I had an academic advisor who was happy to meet whenever and discuss texts, exams and any other questions I had. This is in a 1-1 format.
Durham is independent-study heavy, especially for humanities subjects, but this tends to be guided. Also, the variety of formats keeps things engaging, and you really do get the chance to develop your own voice as a thinker.
In my experience, academics are always happy to meet in their office hours to give feedback and answer questions.
Let me know if you have any other Durham questions! I’d be happy to help
Teaching is a mix of lectures and seminars. Lectures give you the context and big-picture ideas, while seminars (smaller groups) are where you discuss texts in detail, debate interpretations, and sometimes do group presentations.
I had an academic advisor who was happy to meet whenever and discuss texts, exams and any other questions I had. This is in a 1-1 format.
Durham is independent-study heavy, especially for humanities subjects, but this tends to be guided. Also, the variety of formats keeps things engaging, and you really do get the chance to develop your own voice as a thinker.
In my experience, academics are always happy to meet in their office hours to give feedback and answer questions.
Let me know if you have any other Durham questions! I’d be happy to help
Thank you so much for your reply! You've been really helpful! I do in fact have a few other questions if you don't mind - firstly are there tutorials for undergraduate courses? I know tutorials are kind of more an Oxbridge thing, but since Durham is also a high-ranking uni I was wondering if they have something similar as well. Also, would you say the teaching at Durham is more UK traditional or slightly more modern?
Second question - what was it like living and studying in Durham, and did you like it?
Final question - I know there are hundreds of student societies at Durham, (amongst other things), so obviously student life is very diverse. It would be really nice to know what your experience was like!
Thanks again.
Reply 3
Durham does not offer many contact hours for humanities/social sciences courses; I cannot say the same for other courses though. You have lectures and seminars/tutorials with the latter being every two weeks or so (probably course dependent), I have no idea what you mean by modern.
Living in Durham was OK, nothing special; if you like a quieter life then it is probably up your street. Although, it terms of diversity; I mostly noticed white middle class students to be honest, with a few Asian students.
Living in Durham was OK, nothing special; if you like a quieter life then it is probably up your street. Although, it terms of diversity; I mostly noticed white middle class students to be honest, with a few Asian students.
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Law uni opinions
- Warwick / Durham Law offers
- UCL or Durham for Physics BSc?
- experience with english lit at durham?
- Law contact hours
- Durham Vs Edinburgh Uni?
- Honest review of Durham teaching quality/academics (esp. Politics/Philosophy depts)?
- Help from Durham history students
- Sheffield Philosophy Degree
- Your experience in law (Durham) ISC foundation progression.
- interview help!!
- Warwick vs. Durham for engineering
- Poor LNAT score - what now?
- Edinburgh LLB vs Durham LLB
- Gap year and apply for Durham or go to Southampton
- Worried over degree option. Please help
- nat sci; durham or ucl?
- Feeling hopeless about my ucas application and uni choices, what should I do?
- UCL or Durham Law?
- York Uni?
Latest
Trending
Last reply 11 hours ago
Official Durham University Offer Holders Thread 2025 entryDurham University
194
269
Articles for you
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
