Durham University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Durham University's campus is uniquely integrated with the historic city of Durham and is primarily divided into two main sites: the City Centre campus and the Hill campus. This structure provides students with two distinct living and learning environments, from ancient, cobbled streets to modern, purpose-built facilities.

Below is a closer look at these two distinct campus sites.

• Durham City Centre (The Bailey)
  • This campus is situated on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominated by the iconic Durham Cathedral and Castle. The colleges located here are known as the "Bailey Colleges."
  • It is home to the university's humanities and social science departments, with lecture halls and libraries housed in historic, centuries-old buildings.
  • The area contains some of the university's oldest colleges, including University College (housed in the castle itself) and Hatfield College, creating a unique academic atmosphere steeped in history.
• The Hill
  • It features modern, purpose-built research facilities, including the Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics, an architecturally striking building dedicated to space science research.
  • This campus hosts the majority of Durham's colleges, known as the "Hill Colleges," which offer modern accommodation and are close to the university's Botanic Garden and sports facilities at Maiden Castle.

After examining the university's distinct campus areas, let's explore its rankings.

Durham University rankings consistently hold a strong position in major global league tables, reflecting its high-quality teaching and research impact. 

In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is ranked 94th globally, while the Times Higher Education (THE) places it at 172nd for 2024. Its standing is further recognized by the U.S. News Best Global Universities, which ranks it at #292.

Below is a summary of its recent rankings:

These rankings underscore Durham's prestigious position in the global academic community. Now, let’s check out its subject-wise performance.

Durham University: Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

Durham University performs exceptionally well across several key subjects, particularly in the humanities and sciences. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, it has three subjects in the global top 10: Theology & Religion (6th), Classics & Ancient History (9th), and Archaeology (6th). 

Similarly, it shows strong performance in Arts & Humanities and Law in the THE rankings, reflecting its deep academic expertise.

Here are the subject-wise rankings for Durham University:

Durham's strong performance across various subjects reflects its academic excellence. Let's discuss the admission requirements for becoming a student at Durham.

Gaining admission to Durham University is a competitive process, with an overall acceptance rate of approximately 41%. The main intake for most courses is the Michaelmas (October) term. You will need to demonstrate strong academic ability and meet specific entry requirements for your chosen program.

To begin, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific qualifications and standards expected by the university.

Admission Requirements

Entry requirements at Durham vary by course, but all demand high academic achievement. For Postgraduate study, a strong undergraduate degree is essential. International students must provide proof of English language ability and, once accepted, secure a Student Visa in the UK.

Below are the general admission requirements to study at Durham University.

Academic Qualification

Durham accepts a wide range of UK and international qualifications. For undergraduate courses, typical offers are based on A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB), while postgraduate programs require a strong bachelor's degree.

Here are the academic qualifications required.

Now, let’s check out the English language proficiency required for Durham University.

Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate proficiency through a recognized test. The scores required can vary slightly between departments.

Below are the accepted tests.

Note: EU students need competence in English at the C1 standard 

Next, let’s discuss the competitive exams accepted for admission.

Competitive Exams

For most undergraduate programs, Durham's offers are not based on competitive exams like the SAT or ACT. However, for some postgraduate courses, such as the MBA, a GMAT or GRE score is required.

Here are the accepted tests.

Now, let’s understand the visa requirements to study at Durham University.

Visa Requirements 

International students who are not UK nationals must apply for a student visa to study at Durham. You will need to submit several key documents to the UK Home Office as part of your application.

Below are the admission requirements for studying at Durham University.

The above criteria generally apply to different programs at Durham University. For program-specific requirements, check out the official Durham University Admissions page.

Having understood the admission prerequisites, it's equally important to be aware of the application timelines to ensure a timely submission.

Durham University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its faculties of Arts and Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences & Health. 

The courses are designed to provide in-depth academic knowledge, with programs ranging from globally ranked degrees in archaeology and law to specialized courses in finance and physics.

Below are some popular programs available at Durham University:

• MSc in Finance: Examine the complexities of financial theory and practice, with pathways in areas like corporate finance, investment, and banking.
• LLM (Master of Law): Specialize in a particular area of law, such as International Trade and Commercial Law or Corporate Law, to advance your legal expertise.
• BSc in Physics: Explore the fundamental principles of the universe, with opportunities to engage with research from world-leading institutes like the Institute for Computational Cosmology.
• BA in History: Investigate diverse historical periods from the ancient to the contemporary world, developing critical analysis and research skills.
• BSc in Computer Science: Learn the core foundations of computing and specialize in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, or Scientific Computing.

Now, let’s check out the tuition fees for different programs at Durham University.

Understanding the total cost of studying at Durham is essential for your financial planning. This includes both your annual tuition fees and your day-to-day living expenses. 

Tuition fees for international students vary by program; for instance, a classroom-based degree in business costs around £26,500 (INR 31.24 L), while a laboratory-based science course is approximately £32,250 (INR 38.04 L).

The table below outlines the estimated cost of studying in the UK for international students.

Note: Tuition fees may vary by course and are based on 2024/25 entry. The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate. Check the course page for accurate information.

Beyond tuition, it's important to consider the cost of living in Durham to budget effectively.

Durham University offers a range of financial awards to help you fund your studies. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from around the world and are awarded based on academic merit, potential, and sometimes, financial need.

Below is a breakdown of internal and external scholarships available for students.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships are provided directly by Durham University, often funded through the university itself or by generous donors. These awards typically offer a reduction in tuition fees for eligible international students.

Here are some internal scholarships:

Now, let’s discuss some external top UK scholarships for Indian students to reduce study costs.

External Scholarships

External scholarships offer significant financial support from government bodies and international foundations. Suppose you are planning to study at Durham. In that case, you can apply for prestigious awards like the Chevening scholarship, which can cover the full cost of a one-year master's degree, including tuition and living expenses.

Here are some external scholarship options:

After exploring financial aid options, let’s now look at how Durham University supports your employment outcomes.

Durham University is recognized globally by employers for producing high-caliber graduates. The university's dedicated Careers & Enterprise Centre provides comprehensive support that results in excellent career outcomes. 

Within 15 months of graduating, 94.8% of Durham leavers are in work or further study, a testament to the value of a Durham degree in the competitive job market.

Key highlights of Durham's placement success include:

• Top Employer Reputation: The university is ranked in the World Top 100 for Employer Reputation by the QS World University Rankings 2024.
• Strong Graduate Prospects: Durham is ranked 8th in the UK for graduate prospects according to the Complete University Guide 2024.
• Competitive Salaries: The average salary for graduates 15 months after leaving Durham is approximately £32,000 (INR 33.6L).
• Global Opportunities: Graduates secure roles with leading national and international companies across finance, consulting, technology, and engineering sectors.

These outcomes highlight the university's commitment to preparing you for a successful professional life through internships and co-op opportunities. Now, let’s find out the top recruiters hiring Durham University graduates.

Top Recruiters

Durham’s strong industry links attract a wide range of global firms that actively recruit students and graduates for their UK and international offices. The university hosts numerous recruitment fairs and employer events throughout the year, connecting you directly with these companies.

Here are some of the top recruiters hiring from Durham University:

• PwC: Opportunities for graduates to solve complex business challenges in sectors like strategic consulting, audit, and technology transformation.
• Deloitte: Graduate schemes focusing on critical business functions, including risk advisory, human capital consulting, and corporate finance.
• KPMG: Roles that help shape global business through audit, tax strategy, and deal advisory services across diverse industries.
• L'Oréal: Offers positions in brand management, digital marketing, and international supply chain logistics within the consumer goods sector.
• HSBC: Provides careers in commercial banking, wealth management, and financial technology, where employees assist clients with global financial activities.
• Rolls-Royce: Pioneering engineering and business roles at the forefront of aerospace innovation, working on next-generation power systems and sustainable manufacturing.

This practical experience is a key part of the Durham education, preparing you for life after university. Next, let’s explore the energetic student life on campus.

At Durham University, student life is uniquely shaped by its collegiate system, providing a rich and supportive environment beyond academics. 

With over 200 student-run societies and a community representing more than 120 countries, the campus offers a diverse and engaging experience for every student.

Here are some key highlights of student life at Durham:

• Collegiate System: Each of the 17 colleges offers a cohesive community, providing accommodation, pastoral support, dining, and a calendar of social events that create a strong sense of belonging.
• Societies and Clubs: You can explore interests with over 200 societies, from the historic Durham Union Society for debate to a wide array of arts, music, and cultural groups.
• Sports: Represented by Team Durham, the university is consistently ranked among the top in the UK for sports. Rowing is iconic, with the annual Durham Regatta being a major event, and teams excel in sports like cricket, lacrosse, and rugby.
• Cultural Events: Traditional college formals, college days, and major university events create a memorable social calendar, blending centuries of history with modern student celebrations.
• Support Services: The university offers comprehensive support through its various channels. These include college and central services like Disability Support, Counselling and Mental Health Service, and faith support, all focused on your well-being.

This enriching student experience prepares graduates for successful futures, as seen in the achievements of the university's notable alumni.

Durham's global network of over 230,000 alumni features influential figures in almost every courses, including broadcasting, Sports, Politics, and literature.

Graduates from the university have gone on to lead and innovate, with their achievements reflecting the quality of a Durham education. 

The list below highlights a selection of these distinguished individuals.

These alumni exemplify the diverse paths and significant impact of Durham graduates worldwide. Now, let’s see how Durham compares to other similar universities.

Choosing between top UK universities requires you to evaluate which institution best aligns with your academic and personal goals. All three universities, Durham, St Andrews, and Bristol, are highly respected, but they offer distinct environments and areas of specialization. 

The University of Bristol has the highest average placement salary at about £33,000 (INR 34.6L), followed by Durham at roughly £32,000 (INR 33.6L), and St. Andrews at £30,000 (INR 31.5L).

Here's a comparison to help you make an informed decision by evaluating key factors like rankings, fees, and graduate outcomes.

Prospective students applying to Durham University must adhere to specific timelines, particularly for undergraduate courses submitted through UCAS, which had a deadline of January 29, 2025, for 2025 entry. The university's academic year is structured into three terms: Michaelmas, Epiphany, and Easter.

The key dates for the undergraduate application cycle are outlined in the table below:

Note: Deadlines for postgraduate programs can vary, and popular courses may close early. Therefore, it is recommended to check the individual course page for the latest updates.

With a clear understanding of the admission criteria and timelines, you can now explore the diverse range of programs offered at Durham University.

Living expenses cover your accommodation, food, personal items, and social activities. Durham's collegiate system offers a range of catered accommodation, which can help in managing your budget. 

The university estimates that you will need between £10,215 and £14,190 (INR 10.7L - 14.9L) per year to cover your cost of living comfortably.

The table below provides an estimated monthly breakdown based on a medium budget.

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

To support students financially, Durham University offers various scholarships.

Program fees at Durham University vary depending on the type of course, such as classroom-based, laboratory-based, or a premium program like an MBA. International undergraduate fees typically range from £26,500 to £32,250, while Master's programs have a similar range, with some specialized courses having higher costs.

Here are the estimated annual program fees for international students at the University of Durham.

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Now, let’s explore how much it takes to study at Durham University for international students.