Durham University is the third-oldest university in England, after Oxford and Cambridge. It is a proud member of the Russell Group and currently ranks 92nd in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Durham is a friendly city with UNESCO Heritage sites and beautiful landscapes dominating the entire city. There are plenty of high-street shops, theatres, festivals, and nature trails to explore; the city is a popular destination. By studying here, you’ll join over 18,700 students from over 130 countries.
College communities are at the heart of the distinctive Durham student experience, each offering a diverse, multidisciplinary community of academics, students and staff from different backgrounds and cultures. With this, and the excellent support systems in place at the university, students can expect a warm welcome.
Learn more about why you should consider studying at the 2023 Sports University of the Year (Times and The Sunday Times University Guide 2023) below and, if you wish to begin your Durham application, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Five Reasons to Choose Durham University
1. The Collegiate System
All Durham students are a member of one of 17 residential colleges. Durham Colleges offer a place for students to live, socialise and study, and create a close sense of community. You can study any subject at any college and all colleges offer a diverse student community.
All colleges have their own individual traditions, from college mascots to annual black tie balls. Many hold regular gowned formal dinners, while others offer less formal events like music performances and costume parties. Research what is the perfect for your lifestyle before applying.
2. Historic Location and Small City Atmosphere
The University is spread throughout the centre of the city of Durham, and is within easy walking distance of all colleges. You can walk from one end of Durham to the other in around 45 minutes, meaning you are never far away from home and friends.
Durham University is centred on a UNESCO World Heritage Site which covers Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, home to University College. The Castle and Cathedral are nearly 1000 years old and remain a working and central part of university life. The history continues outside of the World Heritage Site, with traditional cobbled streets and ancient buildings throughout the town.
3. Global Ranking
Durham University is a world top 100 university, ranked overall at 92nd in the QS World University Rankings 2023. 19 individual subjects also regularly rank within the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 world top 100, with Theology & Religion and Archaeology both in the global top 10.
Durham is regularly ranked in the top 10 UK universities, and is currently 6th in the Times Good University Guide 2023.
4. Sports University of the Year 2023
Durham University has been top three in the BUCS table since 2012, over 75% of Durham students engaged in sport and physical activity while studying here, and a staggering £47 million has been invested in sporting facilities since 2012. Those are just three reasons why Durham University was named Sports University of the Year 2023 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
In total Durham Colleges have more than 700 sports teams between them, with alumni including Olympians and professional athletes.
5. Variety of Courses
Durham offers one of the broadest ranges of courses in the UK covering the Arts & Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences with over 200 undergraduate and 100 taught postgraduate courses, and many research programmes. Popular Durham courses include degrees in physics, economics, law, psychology and geography.
Entry for courses is competitive though, and the Durham acceptance rate is currently 41%, indicating that applicants need to have excellent academic transcripts and a personal statement which stands out.
Study at Durham University
Are you interested in studying at Durham University? Begin your journey by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK London today.