2027 Entry · Russell Group

How to get into Durham

A collegiate university combining academic excellence with a close-knit community.

Course guides

Subjects at Durham.

Pick a subject for the full 2027-entry breakdown — grade requirements, test strategy, interview questions, personal-statement angles.

Official Durham links

Always verify requirements on the official site.

Overview

Durham in a nutshell.

Durham University, founded in 1832, is one of England's oldest and most respected universities. It is the third-oldest university in England after Oxford and Cambridge, and — like them — operates a collegiate system where students belong to a college that provides accommodation, pastoral support, and social life.

01
Durham is consistently ranked in the UK's top 10 and is particularly strong in sciences, humanities, law, and business. Its unique collegiate system gives it a close-knit community feel that is rare among large research universities. Durham colleges are not just halls of residence — they are genuine communities with their own facilities, events, and traditions.
02
The university is situated in the historic city of Durham, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated by its Norman cathedral and castle. The city is compact and walkable, creating a focused academic environment quite different from London universities.

Why here

What makes Durham different.

01
Collegiate system: genuine community belonging within a research-intensive university
02
Consistently ranked in the UK top 10 across multiple league tables
03
Historic UNESCO World Heritage city — stunning setting for study
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Third-oldest university in England with a strong academic tradition
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Small, walkable city creating a focused, immersive university experience
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Exceptionally strong student satisfaction and graduate employment rates

Application process

Application process & key deadlines.

The essential steps for a Durham application, in order.

01
Apply via UCAS by 29 January
02
No admissions tests for most courses
03
Most courses do not interview — selection based on UCAS application
04
Some courses (e.g. Education, Music, some languages) may have interviews or auditions
05
College preference submitted separately after UCAS application
06
Offers typically conditional on A-Level or IB grades

FAQ

Durham admissions, answered.

How does Durham's college system work?

Durham's 17 colleges provide accommodation, social life, and pastoral care. Unlike Oxbridge colleges, Durham colleges do not conduct teaching — all teaching is done by academic departments. You submit a college preference after your UCAS application.

Is Durham like Oxbridge?

Durham shares the collegiate structure with Oxford and Cambridge, and has a similar focus on traditional academic excellence. However, the colleges do not teach, there are no college-based interviews, and the admissions process is more straightforward.

Does Durham interview?

Most undergraduate courses at Durham do not require interviews. Selection is primarily based on predicted grades, personal statement, and teacher references.

What is the Durham student experience like?

Students consistently rate Durham highly for overall satisfaction. The compact, historic city creates an immersive university experience. College life provides a strong social foundation, and the city offers excellent sports, music, and cultural activities.

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