Durham University
Durham, United Kingdom • Founded 1832 • World Rank #486
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1832, the Durham University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Durham (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), North East England.
This institution also has a branch campus in Stockton-On-Tees. Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, Durham University (DU) is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution.
Durham University (DU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 192-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
DU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Durham University's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Enrolment scale, staff balance, and accreditation context for Durham University are below. Female student percentage signals admissions reach and shapes the student-life environment.
Academic Structures
The departmental layout below shows how Durham University groups subjects, faculties, and teaching units. Subject grouping reflects institutional priorities, research strengths, and historical evolution.
Unit 3 items
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Health
Degrees
Durham University's qualifications, sorted by level, give a quick overview of study routes. Use this view to scan from foundation through to research-level options before drilling into specific names.
Master's 50 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Anthropology
- Applied Linguistics
- Archaeology
- Behavioural Sciences
- Bible
- Business Administration
- Christian Religious Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Classical Languages
- Commercial Law
- Criminology
- Developmental Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Finance
- Geography
- Government
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- International Business
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies
- Law
- Literature
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Mediterranean Studies
- Modern Languages
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Neurosciences
- Peace and Disarmament
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Primary Education
- Religion
- Social Work
- Sports
- Theology
- Translation and Interpretation
- Transport Management
- Visual Arts
- Writing
Doctoral 20 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Ancient Civilizations
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Chemistry
- Classical Languages
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- English
- Health Sciences
- History
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Psychology
- Religion
- Social Sciences
- Theology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Arts and Humanities (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ancient Civilizations
- Anthropology
- Arabic
- Arts and Humanities
- East Asian Studies
- Eastern European Studies
- Educational Sciences
- French
- History
- Italian
- Linguistics
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Russian
- Spanish
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Physical Therapy
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences and Health (Faculty) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Education
- Finance
- Geography
- Government
- Health Sciences
- Islamic Studies
- Law
- Medicine
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Social Policy
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Durham University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.
173 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 83 programmes
Showing 10 of 83.
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master of Philosophy 3 programmes
Master's Degree 70 programmes
Showing 10 of 70.
Doctorate 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes
How to apply to Durham University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Durham University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Identify the right programme
Durham University's catalogue includes 173 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Durham University's admissions process.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Submit via the institution
Submit your completed application through Durham University's official website at www.durham.ac.uk. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (191) 334 2000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Durham University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Durham University, drawn directly from institutional records.
How old is Durham University?
The institution opened in 1832 (approximately 194 years ago).
In which city is Durham University?
Durham University is based in Durham, United Kingdom.
Is Durham University a public or private institution?
Durham University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at Durham University?
Durham University has approximately 15,000-19,999 students.
Where does Durham University stand in university rankings?
Durham University holds rank #486 globally and #30 in United Kingdom.
What programmes are available at Durham University?
Durham University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Durham University's academic structure?
Durham University has 3 academic units.
Who recognises Durham University?
Durham University is accredited by Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about Durham University?
The institution's website is www.durham.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Looking for the strongest names in the United Kingdom? These are the highest-ranked institutions nationally — useful context for benchmarking Durham University against the country's most established universities. National benchmarks also signal the upper bound of academic prestige in the United Kingdom.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Sabbatical exchange agreements among European University Association (EUA) members create faculty mobility patterns. Students benefit indirectly through visiting-faculty courses and cross-institutional supervision arrangements.
Faculties at nearby universities
Other institutions in Durham University's region offer similar admissions cycles and overlapping subject areas, listed below for comparison. Regional clusters often share employer networks and post-study career pathways.
Where Else to Study Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Below: institutions across the United Kingdom that offer Natural Sciences & Mathematics, providing comparison points for Durham University's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.
Universities Compared with Durham University
Faculty mobility between Durham University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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