University Open Days and Events

Durham University - Office Visit

Durham University is a collegiate public research university in Durham, England, founded in 1837. As a collegiate university, its main functions are divided between its academic departments and 17 colleges. In general, the departments perform research and provide teaching to students, while the colleges are responsible for their domestic arrangements and welfare.

The University is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of British research universities and is amongst the top 100 universities in the world, currently ranked 78th in the QS World Rankings 2024. Durham University's teaching quality is impressive, with 19 of its 25 academic departments ranking in the global top 100.

The University offers more than 200 undergraduate and 190 postgraduate programmes under four faculties – Arts & Humanities, Business, Social Sciences and Engineering & Science. The Business school is Triple Accredited, with the MBA program being ranked 2nd globally in the world for Value for Money as per Financial Times Ranking. Popular Durham University courses include physics, economics, law, psychology and geography.

Durham University offers students a wide range of facilities, including libraries, computer labs, sports facilities, and study spaces. The University also offers several specialised facilities, such as a planetarium, an observatory, and a botanic garden.

Durham is a World Heritage city, and the University’s Castle and Cathedral have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Durham University Rankings

• 7th in the Times University Guide 2024
• 7th in the Guardian University Guide 2024
• 78th in the QS World University Rankings 2024
• 174th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024

Over ninety-nine per cent of Durham's research was rated as being of international quality in the REF 2021, while 90 per cent was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.  Six Durham subject areas were in the UK top ten for the overall quality of their research, including Geography (1st), Archaeology (2nd), Education (2nd), Classics and Ancient History (4th), Theology and Religion (8th) and Sport and Exercise Sciences (10th).