University Profile
Durham University
Durham Castle — a university college
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
About Durham University
Durham University, founded in 1832, is England's third oldest university after Oxford and Cambridge. It shares their collegiate model — 17 colleges serve as the social and residential base of student life. Set around a medieval cathedral and Norman castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Durham offers an Oxbridge-style experience in the north of England.
Durham consistently ranks in the UK top 10 and is known for particular strength in humanities, social sciences and sciences. Its collegiate system creates strong community bonds, and the university's relatively small size (around 20,000 students) means it retains a personal feel.
For North American students who are drawn to the Oxbridge model but find those institutions too competitive or too southern, Durham is often described as the best alternative. It offers the same collegiate experience at a more accessible entry point, in a dramatically beautiful setting.
Key Highlights
- 1England's third oldest university — collegiate system modelled on Oxbridge
- 217 colleges, each with distinct character and traditions
- 3UNESCO World Heritage Site campus (cathedral and castle)
- 4Consistently ranked in the UK top 10 across all league tables
- 5One of the UK's most competitive universities for undergraduate admissions
- 6World-renowned archaeology and ancient history departments
Campus & Student Life
Durham's college system is the heart of student life. Each college has its own bar, common rooms, sports teams and formal dinners (called 'formals'). The city is small — you can walk end to end in 20 minutes — and dominated by the university. College rivalries play out on the sports field and in inter-college competitions. The surrounding countryside offers hiking, rowing on the River Wear and easy access to the Northumberland coast.
For North American Students
Min. GPA (indicative)
3.6 / 4.0
SAT/ACT Accepted
Yes
Application Route
Via UCAS
English Requirement
6.5 overall (no component below 6.0)
Durham has a growing North American student community, though smaller than St Andrews or London institutions. AP scores of 5,5,5 or IB 36-38 are typically required. The collegiate application process (you rank college preferences) can feel unfamiliar to North American applicants, but the university provides clear guidance. Durham's relatively low profile in North America makes it a well-kept secret for students seeking a traditional English university experience.
Research Strengths
Notable Alumni
Justin Welby
Archbishop of Canterbury
Andrew Strauss
Former England cricket captain
Harold Evans
Pioneering investigative journalist and editor
Gabby Logan
Television sports presenter
Key Facts
- Founded
- 1832
- Total Students
- 22,000+
- International Students
- 27%
- Tuition (Int'l UG)
- £22,250 – £35,450/yr
- Campus Setting
- Historic / Cathedral City
📍 About Durham
Durham is a small cathedral city in north-east England, about 3 hours from London by train but only 15 minutes from Newcastle (a lively student city). The surrounding countryside is dramatic — the Durham Dales, Hadrian's Wall and the Northumberland coast are all within easy reach. Living costs are significantly lower than London or the south of England, making it one of the more affordable top-tier university locations.
Ready to Apply?
UK undergraduate applications are made through UCAS. Postgraduate applications go direct to the university.
Visit University Website →Check UCAS Points →