Durham University (DU)

Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research based in historic Durham City in the UK. A member of the member of the UK Russell Group, we are a collegiate university, ranked as a world top 100 university with an international reputation in research and education (QS World University Rankings 2025).
University Overview
Founded in 1832 Durham is England’s third oldest university and our focus remains on carrying out world-leading research and engagement, inspiring our staff and students to create and translate knowledge, and providing an inclusive education that promotes social wellbeing and prosperity for the benefit of present and future generations. Our student body is 21,588 of which 40% are international. Our staff and students come from more than 120 different countries.
Our university is structured into four faculties; Arts & Humanities, Social Science and Health, Science and our triple accredited Business School.
International partnerships are a core part of Durham’s outstanding research and vibrant learning
communities. We value international collaboration as central to enhancing global knowledge and
developing global citizenship. In Europe, in addition to our longstanding bilateral partnerships with the Universities of Uppsala (Sweden) and Tübingen (Germany) and we are active members of the Coimbra Group and Matariki network and are proud to be an associate member of the Arqus European university alliance.
Fields of world leading research and teaching
There is a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research at Durham and we house 10 research
institutes bringing together staff to work collaboratively across departments and with external
partners, to develop new ways of thinking that contribute positively to societal challenges, such as
preparing for natural hazards, developing cleaner energy, enhancing physical and mental wellbeing, and using AI to interpret large datasets. Details can be found here: Institutes and Centres – Durham University
Durham has made significant, strategic investment in our research capability, community, and
infrastructure to stimulate significant growth in research income for the University. Current focus of this strategic investment is in:
- Smart Soils
- Just Transitions to a Net Zero World
- Durham University Space Centre for a sustainable future in Space
- Heritage 360
Our research-led education has produced strong results in the QS World University Rankings by
Subject 2024. Three of our subjects rated in the global top ten: Archaeology (=5), Classics and Ancient History (6) and Theology and Religion (7). A further seven of our subjects rank highly in the World Top 50: Geography (16), Anthropology (28), English Studies (29), Philosophy (29), History (42), Earth Sciences (=48) and Law (48)
For more info about Durham University: Durham University