Durham University Applicant Thread 2026
The Official Durham University 2026 Applicant Thread
Hi
This is the thread for people who are thinking of applying to Durham for 2026!
Meet and chat to other people applying here.
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Durham!
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Durham do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE and Sixth Form?
4) Why Durham specifically?
5) Will you be attending any Open Days?
6) How are you feeling about starting University?
7) Other unis you're interested in?
You can find a directory linking to all of the other university applicant threads here
Website:
General TSR rules (read before posting in this thread):
(1) Please don't ask for or post group chat links along with any social media contact details both in this thread and via PM. Such posts will be caught by our automatic system and removed.
(2) Please don't ask for or post interview questions.
(3) Be kind and supportive to each other
You may be watching this thread automatically because of the details you gave us when you registered. To unwatch this thread just hit the unwatch button at the top of the page.
Hi
This is the thread for people who are thinking of applying to Durham for 2026!
Meet and chat to other people applying here.
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Durham!
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Durham do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE and Sixth Form?
4) Why Durham specifically?
5) Will you be attending any Open Days?
6) How are you feeling about starting University?
7) Other unis you're interested in?
You can find a directory linking to all of the other university applicant threads here
Website:
General TSR rules (read before posting in this thread):
(1) Please don't ask for or post group chat links along with any social media contact details both in this thread and via PM. Such posts will be caught by our automatic system and removed.
(2) Please don't ask for or post interview questions.
(3) Be kind and supportive to each other
You may be watching this thread automatically because of the details you gave us when you registered. To unwatch this thread just hit the unwatch button at the top of the page.
(edited 1 month ago)
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
12
hi <3
1) maths, further maths, physics, chemistry
2) natural sciences!!! i really couldn't make myself choose between physics or chemistry so thought why not do both!
3) 999999998 in gcse's, A*A*A*A* at a level 🙏🏻
4) old and pretty, and the course is very flexible and prestigious, which is exactly what i want. also offer a year abroad, which is so lovely
5) unfortunately not - a bit too far to justify travelling for an open day
6) i can't wait! applying is scary but it'll be lovely to get there, sixth form is painful
7) cambridge and lancaster for sure - maybe ucl? leeds, bath and nottingham are also nice
i'm wondering about college because i haven't looked into them yet - does anyone know what to do about choosing them? and good luck to anyone else who's applying!!!
1) maths, further maths, physics, chemistry
2) natural sciences!!! i really couldn't make myself choose between physics or chemistry so thought why not do both!
3) 999999998 in gcse's, A*A*A*A* at a level 🙏🏻
4) old and pretty, and the course is very flexible and prestigious, which is exactly what i want. also offer a year abroad, which is so lovely
5) unfortunately not - a bit too far to justify travelling for an open day
6) i can't wait! applying is scary but it'll be lovely to get there, sixth form is painful
7) cambridge and lancaster for sure - maybe ucl? leeds, bath and nottingham are also nice
i'm wondering about college because i haven't looked into them yet - does anyone know what to do about choosing them? and good luck to anyone else who's applying!!!
Reply 2
13
Hi all!
1) A-levels econ, politics, and sociology.
2) Politics & International Relations BA
3) A*A*A* predicted... but only got majority 6s at GCSE unfortunately 😭
4) very reputable and I do rather like the city
5) Went to an open day a few months ago
6) Cliché, but excited
7) Manchester, Lancaster, and a few others
Good luck everyone!
1) A-levels econ, politics, and sociology.
2) Politics & International Relations BA
3) A*A*A* predicted... but only got majority 6s at GCSE unfortunately 😭
4) very reputable and I do rather like the city
5) Went to an open day a few months ago
6) Cliché, but excited
7) Manchester, Lancaster, and a few others
Good luck everyone!
Reply 3
13
Original post
by ♡₊˚ ୨୧・₊✧ hi <3
1) maths, further maths, physics, chemistry
2) natural sciences!!! i really couldn't make myself choose between physics or chemistry so thought why not do both!
3) 999999998 in gcse's, A*A*A*A* at a level 🙏🏻
4) old and pretty, and the course is very flexible and prestigious, which is exactly what i want. also offer a year abroad, which is so lovely
5) unfortunately not - a bit too far to justify travelling for an open day
6) i can't wait! applying is scary but it'll be lovely to get there, sixth form is painful
7) cambridge and lancaster for sure - maybe ucl? leeds, bath and nottingham are also nice
i'm wondering about college because i haven't looked into them yet - does anyone know what to do about choosing them? and good luck to anyone else who's applying!!!
1) maths, further maths, physics, chemistry
2) natural sciences!!! i really couldn't make myself choose between physics or chemistry so thought why not do both!
3) 999999998 in gcse's, A*A*A*A* at a level 🙏🏻
4) old and pretty, and the course is very flexible and prestigious, which is exactly what i want. also offer a year abroad, which is so lovely
5) unfortunately not - a bit too far to justify travelling for an open day
6) i can't wait! applying is scary but it'll be lovely to get there, sixth form is painful
7) cambridge and lancaster for sure - maybe ucl? leeds, bath and nottingham are also nice
i'm wondering about college because i haven't looked into them yet - does anyone know what to do about choosing them? and good luck to anyone else who's applying!!!
I believe if we get an offer we then submit our preferences, then we get a preliminary allocation. If we meet our offer, or get admitted on a discretionary basis, a college is then confirmed. Usually, this will be the one allocated previously, but they do reserve the right to change the allocation.
You can read about it here 😀 : https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/durhams-colleges-and-your-application/
Reply 4
12
Original post
by Jaa_I believe if we get an offer we then submit our preferences, then we get a preliminary allocation. If we meet our offer, or get admitted on a discretionary basis, a college is then confirmed. Usually, this will be the one allocated previously, but they do reserve the right to change the allocation.
You can read about it here 😀 : https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/durhams-colleges-and-your-application/
You can read about it here 😀 : https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/durhams-colleges-and-your-application/
thank you so much this is so helpful!!
Reply 5
1) English Literature, History and Drama
2) English Literature
3) 9999999998 in GCSE and predicted A* A* A* at A-level
4) The reputation of the English department and the feel of the uni and town
5) already attended
6) Excited!
7) Exeter, Bristol, York, Leeds
Hopefully see some of you in Sept 26!
2) English Literature
3) 9999999998 in GCSE and predicted A* A* A* at A-level
4) The reputation of the English department and the feel of the uni and town
5) already attended
6) Excited!
7) Exeter, Bristol, York, Leeds
Hopefully see some of you in Sept 26!
Reply 6
Original post
by Evil HomerThe Official Durham University 2026 Applicant Thread
Hi
This is the thread for people who are thinking of applying to Durham for 2026!
Meet and chat to other people applying here.
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Durham!
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Durham do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE and Sixth Form?
4) Why Durham specifically?
5) Will you be attending any Open Days?
6) How are you feeling about starting University?
7) Other unis you're interested in?
You can find a directory linking to all of the other university applicant threads here
Website:
General TSR rules (read before posting in this thread):
(1) Please don't ask for or post group chat links along with any social media contact details both in this thread and via PM. Such posts will be caught by our automatic system and removed.
(2) Please don't ask for or post interview questions.
(3) Be kind and supportive to each other
You may be watching this thread automatically because of the details you gave us when you registered. To unwatch this thread just hit the unwatch button at the top of the page.
Hi
This is the thread for people who are thinking of applying to Durham for 2026!
Meet and chat to other people applying here.
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Durham!
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Durham do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE and Sixth Form?
4) Why Durham specifically?
5) Will you be attending any Open Days?
6) How are you feeling about starting University?
7) Other unis you're interested in?
You can find a directory linking to all of the other university applicant threads here
Website:
General TSR rules (read before posting in this thread):
(1) Please don't ask for or post group chat links along with any social media contact details both in this thread and via PM. Such posts will be caught by our automatic system and removed.
(2) Please don't ask for or post interview questions.
(3) Be kind and supportive to each other
You may be watching this thread automatically because of the details you gave us when you registered. To unwatch this thread just hit the unwatch button at the top of the page.
Hi!
I would love to go visit Durham open day but the train costs are crazy!! Travelling from London btw. I dont think Durham are having any online sessions for the courses I'm interested in - Primary education/Education w sociology. If anyone here is going to visit and see these courses, please tell me how it is!!
Sadly, my parents r very against me leaving London
Reply 7
•
math chem and further math
•
BSc econ
•
9-7’s at GCSE, predicted A*A*A in the respective order above
•
Very prestigious uni with a great econ department + a large number of grads in IB which is what I’m aspiring to break into
•
Maybe an online one
•
Really excited!
•
LSE, UCL, Manchester, and Bath or Bristol
Reply 8
Original post
by Anonymous•
math chem and further math
•
BSc econ
•
9-7’s at GCSE, predicted A*A*A in the respective order above
•
Very prestigious uni with a great econ department + a large number of grads in IB which is what I’m aspiring to break into
•
Maybe an online one
•
Really excited!
•
LSE, UCL, Manchester, and Bath or Bristol
Quick question, I'm thinking of applying for accounting and finance at Durham. In ur opinion will I have similar chances of getting into IB as someone like you who’s doing econ?
Reply 9
Yes, for sure! You don’t necessarily need to do econto get into IB. Durham is a high semi target/low targetso any degree related to finance is fine 
)
)Reply 10
I am wandering, after all the publicity about ranking (them being higher then oxbridge this year), university of the year 2026, etc.. it will make this years intake extra competitive!
Reply 11
Original post
by th3rambl3rI am wandering, after all the publicity about ranking (them being higher then oxbridge this year), university of the year 2026, etc.. it will make this years intake extra competitive!
Yes, I’d say so. Everyone falls for the university ranking “propaganda” 😭
Reply 12
Original post
by Evil HomerThe Official Durham University 2026 Applicant Thread
Hi
This is the thread for people who are thinking of applying to Durham for 2026!
Meet and chat to other people applying here.
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Durham!
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Durham do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE and Sixth Form?
4) Why Durham specifically?
5) Will you be attending any Open Days?
6) How are you feeling about starting University?
7) Other unis you're interested in?
You can find a directory linking to all of the other university applicant threads here
Website:
General TSR rules (read before posting in this thread):
(1) Please don't ask for or post group chat links along with any social media contact details both in this thread and via PM. Such posts will be caught by our automatic system and removed.
(2) Please don't ask for or post interview questions.
(3) Be kind and supportive to each other
You may be watching this thread automatically because of the details you gave us when you registered. To unwatch this thread just hit the unwatch button at the top of the page.
Hi
This is the thread for people who are thinking of applying to Durham for 2026!
Meet and chat to other people applying here.
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Durham!
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Durham do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE and Sixth Form?
4) Why Durham specifically?
5) Will you be attending any Open Days?
6) How are you feeling about starting University?
7) Other unis you're interested in?
You can find a directory linking to all of the other university applicant threads here
Website:
General TSR rules (read before posting in this thread):
(1) Please don't ask for or post group chat links along with any social media contact details both in this thread and via PM. Such posts will be caught by our automatic system and removed.
(2) Please don't ask for or post interview questions.
(3) Be kind and supportive to each other
You may be watching this thread automatically because of the details you gave us when you registered. To unwatch this thread just hit the unwatch button at the top of the page.
1. Maths, further maths, chemistry and physics
2. Geophysics
3. 4A*, 999999999887
4. I like the city (and not many places do geophysics)
5. I came a few months ago and have visited Durham in general a few times
7. Leeds and Edinburgh
Reply 13
1.
Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry.
2.
Biochemistry. I wish they had an MSci option but a BSc is fine 
3.
9999999887 at GCSEs, 3A*s predicted+A* achieved at A-Levels.
4.
I love the hills :drooling_emoji:
5.
I attended the one last week with my friends, sorta fun. I really should've attended more sessions though (although it was rainy).
6.
Somewhat stressed, but atleast I'll have more freedom to do stuff.
7.
Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, and KCL
Reply 14
Original post
by AnonymousQuick question, I'm thinking of applying for accounting and finance at Durham. In ur opinion will I have similar chances of getting into IB as someone like you who’s doing econ?
Yes, for sure! You don’t necessarily need to doeconto get into IB. Durham is a high semi target/lowtargetso any degree related to finance is fine
Reply 15
14
1) History, English Lit and Politics (+EPQ)
2) Combined Honours in Social Sciences - I have always loved learning in an interdisciplinary way, and the chance to develop this is exciting.
3) GCSE - 99999998888
A-Level - A* A* A* (A* in EPQ)
4) The collegiate system and the course
5) No unfortunately not, though I am going to look around the area.
6) Nervous, but also really excited to learn so many new things
7) Cambridge, UCL, Warwick and Lancaster
2) Combined Honours in Social Sciences - I have always loved learning in an interdisciplinary way, and the chance to develop this is exciting.
3) GCSE - 99999998888
A-Level - A* A* A* (A* in EPQ)
4) The collegiate system and the course
5) No unfortunately not, though I am going to look around the area.
6) Nervous, but also really excited to learn so many new things
7) Cambridge, UCL, Warwick and Lancaster
Reply 16
1) English Literature, Biology and Chemistry
2) Law LLB and Politics. I want to hopefully go on to specialise as an environmental lawyer, eventually going into politics!
3) 9877766655 and predicted A*AB.. 😬
4) Its absolutely stunning, I work best in aesthetically pleasing places and this university will motivate me to learn!!! My gran is also from Durham as well!
5) I’ll try to but its very far!
6) Apprehensive but I honestly think I’m ready!
7) Manchester, Royal Holloway, QMUOL, Cardiff and UCL. Not chosen yet!!
2) Law LLB and Politics. I want to hopefully go on to specialise as an environmental lawyer, eventually going into politics!
3) 9877766655 and predicted A*AB.. 😬
4) Its absolutely stunning, I work best in aesthetically pleasing places and this university will motivate me to learn!!! My gran is also from Durham as well!
5) I’ll try to but its very far!
6) Apprehensive but I honestly think I’m ready!
7) Manchester, Royal Holloway, QMUOL, Cardiff and UCL. Not chosen yet!!
Reply 17
Original post
by Evil HomerThe Official Durham University 2026 Applicant Thread
Hi
This is the thread for people who are thinking of applying to Durham for 2026!
Meet and chat to other people applying here.
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Durham!
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Durham do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE and Sixth Form?
4) Why Durham specifically?
5) Will you be attending any Open Days?
6) How are you feeling about starting University?
7) Other unis you're interested in?
You can find a directory linking to all of the other university applicant threads here
Website:
General TSR rules (read before posting in this thread):
(1) Please don't ask for or post group chat links along with any social media contact details both in this thread and via PM. Such posts will be caught by our automatic system and removed.
(2) Please don't ask for or post interview questions.
(3) Be kind and supportive to each other
You may be watching this thread automatically because of the details you gave us when you registered. To unwatch this thread just hit the unwatch button at the top of the page.
Hi
This is the thread for people who are thinking of applying to Durham for 2026!
Meet and chat to other people applying here.
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Durham!
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Durham do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE and Sixth Form?
4) Why Durham specifically?
5) Will you be attending any Open Days?
6) How are you feeling about starting University?
7) Other unis you're interested in?
You can find a directory linking to all of the other university applicant threads here
Website:
General TSR rules (read before posting in this thread):
(1) Please don't ask for or post group chat links along with any social media contact details both in this thread and via PM. Such posts will be caught by our automatic system and removed.
(2) Please don't ask for or post interview questions.
(3) Be kind and supportive to each other
You may be watching this thread automatically because of the details you gave us when you registered. To unwatch this thread just hit the unwatch button at the top of the page.
1.
archaeology. I love history so much but decided I wanted a more hands on role in it
2.
history, english lit, and sociology
3.
predicted A*A*A at alevel
4.
it's rated very highly for archaeology (top 5) and has a good academic reputation. it also helps that it's very pretty
5.
No. I live in the south so Durham is quite far to go for an open day
6.
Kinda nervous. I feel like everything's moving too quickly but I also think i'd really enjoy uni life once i've settled in
7.
i've also applied to Cambridge, York, Southampton, and Manchester
Reply 18
Original post
by mayabaton1) English Literature, Biology and Chemistry
2) Law LLB and Politics. I want to hopefully go on to specialise as an environmental lawyer, eventually going into politics!
3) 9877766655 and predicted A*AB.. 😬
4) Its absolutely stunning, I work best in aesthetically pleasing places and this university will motivate me to learn!!! My gran is also from Durham as well!
5) I’ll try to but its very far!
6) Apprehensive but I honestly think I’m ready!
7) Manchester, Royal Holloway, QMUOL, Cardiff and UCL. Not chosen yet!!
2) Law LLB and Politics. I want to hopefully go on to specialise as an environmental lawyer, eventually going into politics!
3) 9877766655 and predicted A*AB.. 😬
4) Its absolutely stunning, I work best in aesthetically pleasing places and this university will motivate me to learn!!! My gran is also from Durham as well!
5) I’ll try to but its very far!
6) Apprehensive but I honestly think I’m ready!
7) Manchester, Royal Holloway, QMUOL, Cardiff and UCL. Not chosen yet!!
Hi, you mentioned doing a Law LLB and Politics at Durham - I didn’t think they offered anything joint with law? I’d love to do that but thought it wasn’t possible!
Reply 19
Original post
by ♡₊˚ ୨୧・₊✧ hi <3
1) maths, further maths, physics, chemistry
2) natural sciences!!! i really couldn't make myself choose between physics or chemistry so thought why not do both!
3) 999999998 in gcse's, A*A*A*A* at a level 🙏🏻
4) old and pretty, and the course is very flexible and prestigious, which is exactly what i want. also offer a year abroad, which is so lovely
5) unfortunately not - a bit too far to justify travelling for an open day
6) i can't wait! applying is scary but it'll be lovely to get there, sixth form is painful
7) cambridge and lancaster for sure - maybe ucl? leeds, bath and nottingham are also nice
i'm wondering about college because i haven't looked into them yet - does anyone know what to do about choosing them? and good luck to anyone else who's applying!!!
1) maths, further maths, physics, chemistry
2) natural sciences!!! i really couldn't make myself choose between physics or chemistry so thought why not do both!
3) 999999998 in gcse's, A*A*A*A* at a level 🙏🏻
4) old and pretty, and the course is very flexible and prestigious, which is exactly what i want. also offer a year abroad, which is so lovely
5) unfortunately not - a bit too far to justify travelling for an open day
6) i can't wait! applying is scary but it'll be lovely to get there, sixth form is painful
7) cambridge and lancaster for sure - maybe ucl? leeds, bath and nottingham are also nice
i'm wondering about college because i haven't looked into them yet - does anyone know what to do about choosing them? and good luck to anyone else who's applying!!!
Make sure you have a good look at colleges and what they offer. It is not easy to change colleges (having done this, it is not easy) so be sure your choice college offers what you are looking for. Durham's website will show what colleges offer. If you want gowned or not gowned (gowned is fun and traditional, but you might not like that), catered or not catered (do you want to pay for food in your rent, or be able to cook yourself?), location (Hill colleges can be a bit of a walk from lectures depending on degree), and of course, accommodation cost. It is well worth the investigation.
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