Durham University is a public university located in the northern part of England in the town of Durham, near the border with Scotland. The institution grew out of a medieval theological college and was granted university status by Durham Archdeacon Charles Thorpe in 1832. It was the third university in England. To this day, Durham University retains its status as the third most important and prestigious university in the UK.
Durham University has traditionally been strong in the humanities, thanks to its origins as a college of divinity and theology. According to rankings, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities has remained one of the strongest faculties for a century. Particularly noteworthy are the programs in English Philology and Literature, Archaeology, and Geography. The faculties of Business Management (particularly the Department of Financial Analytics) and the School of Law are also highly regarded. Incidentally, the Faculty of Theology is still active and has an excellent reputation in its field.
Durham University is the center of many significant research projects. Among the most sought-after are the development of new methods for helium extraction, proposed by Diveena Danabalan, and the development of new energy systems and biofuels that allow for more efficient use of hydrocarbons. Research in geography and archaeology is also noteworthy – both faculties have high citation indexes.
Studying at Durham University requires a financial commitment, costing between $15 and $20. The cost of living in Durham University residence halls varies by college: on the main campus, housing costs approximately $6 per year, while accommodation in other colleges is slightly more expensive, around $7.
A number of faculty scholarships are available for research master's degree students and future PhD students. The Faculty of Humanities offers approximately 50 scholarships per year, each worth $7. To receive one, you must justify the importance of your research project to a faculty jury. The science faculties do not have their own scholarship programs, but they partner with a dozen foundations that offer scholarships to students in their faculties. The Faculty of Social Sciences offers small NEDTC scholarships, starting at $361. To be considered for funding, you must submit your application by the end of July.
Durham University's undergraduate program boasts a smaller number of scholarships. These include the BP Scholarship, the Choral and Organ Scholarship, and the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, awarded at the end of the year based on academic achievement. Research and expedition grants, as well as grants to cover international travel expenses, are also available. The amounts of these scholarships range from $1 to $2.
Admission to Durham University requires a foundation degree of A-level or its equivalent (International Baccalaureate or GCSE). Therefore, international applicants with other school backgrounds are strongly encouraged to take foundation courses at the university. A Russian secondary school diploma is not sufficient, as the Russian school system differs from the English one. However, if you have completed the first year of a Russian university, you can confidently apply for admission.
To apply to the university, in addition to your high school education, you must also prove your English language proficiency. This requires taking the TOEFL or IELTS tests. An IELTS score of 6.5 is sufficient, while a TOEFL score of 79 to 95 is required.
Applicants must submit their application through the UK application system UCAS. Applications are due by early June. However, international students are advised to submit their applications by early May to ensure time to apply for a visa if their application is successful.
Durham University occupies a vast site in the southern part of the city and part of Durham's historic center. Here, faculty buildings, student residences, and a botanical garden with a couple of small ponds are located within a short distance of one another. The main campus, located in the heart of the city within Durham Castle, is an impressive example of medieval Norman architecture. The main campus houses 14 colleges. The remaining buildings are more recent and designed in a contemporary style.
The campuses offer all the necessary facilities for study and recreation. The main campus's amenities include extensive research libraries, fitness centers, cafes, and green parks for relaxation.
Notable alumni and faculty
John Barrow is a renowned physicist, winner of the Templeton Prize and several other awards, and currently a professor at Cambridge. He is the author of several works on the relationship between science and religion, as well as human perception and cosmology.
Justin Welby is the current Archbishop of England, known for his advocacy for LGBT rights within the church. He studied theology at Durham University, specializing in ethics.
Roger Moore is an actor known worldwide for his role as James Bond, the British intelligence officer 007.
Jonathan Edwards is a track and field athlete, winner of numerous World Championships and several Olympics, who achieved an unrivaled triple jump of 18.43 meters, earning him a record that remains unbroken to this day.
Bill Bryson is an American writer and traveler, whose guidebooks are considered among the most detailed and engaging. He is the author of British and international bestsellers on travel, language, and science, including the brilliantly humorous history of science, A Brief History of Nearly Everything. He was Chancellor of Durham University from 2005 to 2011.
Durham Castle is one of the oldest buildings in England, built in 1072. This university building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a highly revered cultural site. Perhaps more interesting for today's youth is the fact that Durham Cathedral, or more specifically its courtyard, was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films and is actually part of the nonexistent Hogwarts Castle.
