History

Durham University was founded in 1832 and is one of the oldest universities in England. It occupies a distinctive place in British higher education history as one of the earliest universities established after Oxford and Cambridge. Its long development has combined collegiate tradition, academic distinction, and a strong sense of community, helping Durham build a reputation as one of the UK’s most respected universities.

Notable Alumni

Durham University has a strong and influential alumni tradition across politics, literature, business, broadcasting, law, and public life. Its alumni community includes major figures in government, media, academia, and international affairs, reflecting the university’s long-standing influence in both the UK and globally.

Strong Subjects

Durham is especially well known for history, English, theology and religion, philosophy, law, business, economics, politics and international relations, geography, archaeology, education, mathematics, computer science, and a range of sciences. It combines particular strength in the arts, humanities, and social sciences with a respected science profile.

Academic Structure

Durham University is organised into four faculties: Arts and Humanities, Business, Science, and Social Sciences and Health. Across these faculties, the university has 27 academic departments as well as research institutes and centres, supporting both disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Distinctive Features

One of Durham’s defining features is its collegiate system, which creates a strong sense of belonging and community alongside academic study. The university combines historic tradition, research excellence, and a distinctive student experience shaped by its colleges. Compared with some larger urban institutions, Durham is particularly known for its close-knit academic environment and strong collegiate identity.

Admissions

Undergraduate admission to Durham is competitive and course-specific. The university considers applications individually and may take into account academic qualifications, predicted grades, personal statements, references, and contextual information, depending on the course and admissions policy. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer.

Summary

Durham University is a historic, collegiate, research-intensive university with strong academic breadth and a distinctive student experience. It is especially attractive to students seeking academic challenge, a strong sense of community, and the traditions of a leading UK university.

What are Durham University looking for?

Durham University is looking for applicants with strong academic ability, appropriate preparation for their chosen course, and clear evidence that they are ready to succeed in a demanding university environment.

First, Durham places significant importance on academic achievement and course-specific entry requirements. Applicants need to meet, or be predicted to meet, the standards for their chosen programme, including any required subjects.

Second, the university considers applications individually and in context. Its admissions policy states that applications may be assessed using some or all of the information provided, together with the wider context of the applicant.

Third, Durham values genuine interest in the chosen subject. A strong application should show that the applicant understands the course, has engaged seriously with the subject, and is well prepared for degree-level study.

Fourth, depending on the course, selectors may consider academic qualifications, predicted grades, the personal statement, references, and contextual information. Some programmes may also have additional requirements.

Finally, Durham is looking for students who can thrive in a collegiate, research-led, and intellectually demanding environment. Strong applications usually show academic readiness, subject commitment, and the ability to contribute positively to university life.

In summary, Durham is looking for students who are academically capable, well prepared for their chosen subject, genuinely motivated, and able to demonstrate their potential through a thoughtful and relevant application.

Admissions Statistics

ADMISSION INFORMATION

APPLICATION DATES & DEADLINES

Additional essay questions of the application.