Durham University

Durham University is a collegiate public research university located in Durham, England, established by an Act of Parliament in 1832 and officially founded in 1837. As a collegiate university, its main functions are divided between its academic departments and 17 colleges. While the departments are responsible for research and teaching, the colleges provide accommodation, pastoral care, and a strong sense of community, supporting students' overall well-being and personal development. Durham is a member of the Russell Group, an association of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. Durham is now ranked in the UK’s top five across all three major national university league tables for 2026. In The Guardian University Guide, Durham rose to fifth place, securing top subject results including first in Theology & Religious Studies, second in Biology and English, and third in Accounting & Finance, Marketing & Public Relations, and Criminology. In the Complete University Guide 2026, the university also moved up to fifth. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Good named it the University of the Year for 2026. Durham University offers over 200 undergraduate and 190 postgraduate programmes across its four faculties: Arts and Humanities, Business, Social Sciences, and Engineering and Science. The Durham University Business School holds the prestigious "Triple Crown" accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS), a recognition held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. The school’s MBA programme is particularly noteworthy, ranked 2nd globally for "Value for Money" by the Financial Times. Popular courses at Durham include physics, economics, law, psychology, and geography, which consistently rank highly both nationally and internationally. The University provides students with a wide range of facilities, including modern libraries, computer labs, sports complexes, and numerous study spaces. It also offers several specialised resources, such as a planetarium and an observatory, which enhance the learning experience for students in science and astronomy. Durham is also home to a botanic garden, adding to its rich academic environment. Located in a historic city, Durham is one of the few universities with UNESCO World Heritage status. The University’s Castle and Durham Cathedral, both integral parts of its estate, have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, reflecting their historical and cultural significance.