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Posted Oct. 30, 2024

Durham University

Nestled in an enchanting cathedral city that’s bursting with charm, character and medieval history, Durham University certainly has the surroundings to impress. Behind closed doors, there is more to celebrate, with the university itself globally revered as an outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a community of extraordinary people, and a unique setting that’s like no other.

Undergraduates and postgraduates flock to Durham University in search of an inclusive and inspiring environment that helps its students achieve outstanding outcomes. But, why is Durham University the perfect place for you to pursue your postgraduate studies?

Introducing Durham University

Durham University was established in 1832 making the institution one of the oldest in the country, second only to Oxford and Cambridge. It was initially founded to provide northern England with a centre of academic excellence, and has since gone on to impress students all over the globe.

Its collegiate system, inspired by the Oxbridge model, means postgraduate students can expect a close-knit academic community across its 17 colleges, not to mention a leading institution for education and research with outstanding facilities, incredible teaching staff and a reputation for breaking boundaries.

Durham University is one of the newest members of the Russell Group. This expanding collection of universities is well known for providing enviable bases for research excellence and innovation across a diverse range of disciplines.

Rankings and reputation

This Russell Group university has an outstanding global reputation which attracts students from all over the world.

It was ranked 5th best in the UK by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and in the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The university also rose higher than ever before in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings:

“The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are among the most prestigious global university rankings. In the THE Impact Rankings 2024, we’re ranked joint 36th – up from joint 77th in 2023… Our research strengths in energy span all four of our faculties and sustainability is embedded across our teaching and learning.”

Course options and opportunities

Durham University currently has 148 postgraduate taught degrees, research opportunities and doctoral training partnerships to choose from, including their recently launched Executive MSc in Behavioural Science.

Funding postgraduate study is also made simpler, with the university offering a selection of scholarships and bursaries to enable students to access world-class education. Durham University scholarships available for admissions for the academic year 2025/26 include but are not limited to Chevening Scholarships, Chinese Scholarships Council, Colfuturo, Commonwealth Scholarships (Masters, Shared, PhD and Split-Site Doctoral), Conacyt, and Fulbright.

Life as a Durham University postgrad

Life at Durham extends beyond academics, with the university’s sense of community just one of the many perks that’s remarked on and embraced by its postgraduate student population.

Every student belongs to a college, each of which offers its own social activities, networking opportunities and pastoral support. Off campus, the historic city of Durham – complete with iconic cathedral and castle – offers a unique backdrop, and it’ll make for a balanced and fulfilling student life.

Discover what life is really like for a Durham University postgraduate by reading this student city guide.

Find out more today

You can explore all the postgraduate courses on offer at Durham University right here at Postgrad. Browse postgraduate programs at Durham today.

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