University of Durham: Entry Requirements and Student Guide
The University of Durham, usually known as Durham University, is a research-intensive university in north-east England. Its academic reputation and college communities attract students exploring a wide range of undergraduate courses. However, choosing Durham means looking beyond its name to consider entry requirements, course content, accommodation and everyday student life.
For parents and applicants, the most useful question is whether Durham matches the student’s interests, grades and preferences. This guide explains what to compare, how to interpret admissions figures and where to find information about open days, term dates and Clearing.
University of Durham at a Glance
Durham combines university study with membership of a smaller college community. Therefore, applicants should research both their academic department and the college experience before making a decision.
| Feature | What applicants should know |
| Location | Durham, north-east England |
| University structure | Academic departments alongside college communities |
| Undergraduate application route | UCAS |
| Qualifications considered | A-Levels, the IB and other accepted qualifications |
| Entry requirements | Depend on the course and applicant’s circumstances |
| Student accommodation | Catered and self-catered options are available |
College membership extends beyond accommodation. All Durham students belong to a college, including those who live elsewhere. This gives applicants another aspect of university life to explore alongside lectures, assessments and facilities.
Is Durham a Good University?
Yes, Durham is a respected university with a strong academic reputation. However, the right choice depends on what you want to study, how you like to learn and where you feel at home.
Start by looking at the course. Check the core topics, how your work is marked and the chances to gain work experience or study abroad. Courses with the same title can cover different topics at each university.
Think about daily life too. Would you enjoy living in Durham and being part of a college community? An open day can help you explore the city, meet students and get a feel for the university.
Durham University Ranking
Durham ranks 85th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027. This ranking covers the university as a whole. It does not show its UK position or rank each course.
To compare universities fairly, use the same ranking guide and year. Then look at the course content and subject rankings. These can help you choose, but you should also think about your interests and how you prefer to learn.
University of Durham Courses and Entry Requirements
Durham University entry requirements vary by course. Applicants need to check the grades, required subjects and any additional selection requirements for their chosen degree.
The examples below show typical A-Level offers listed for 2027 entry.
| Course | Typical A-Level offer | Additional requirements to check |
| Law LLB | A*AA | Applicants must sit the LNAT |
| Psychology BSc | AAA | GCSE Maths at grade 5/B; science practical conditions apply where relevant |
| Computer Science BSc | A*AA | A-Level Mathematics is required; science practical conditions apply where relevant |
These are standard published offers, rather than guarantees of admission. Applicants should check the full course conditions before applying.
For example, a prospective Computer Science student should check their Mathematics preparation alongside their overall grades. Support from an A-Level Maths tutor can help address gaps in understanding and develop problem-solving skills.
Similarly, students already studying Psychology may benefit from an A-Level Psychology tutor. However, studying a subject at A-Level and meeting a university’s required subject conditions are separate questions.
Durham also accepts the International Baccalaureate. IB applicants must check both the overall points requirement and Higher Level subject conditions for their course. Eligible applicants may receive contextual offers, which consider their educational and personal circumstances. Subject requirements can still apply.
Before choosing your UCAS options:
- Read the requirements for your exact course and entry year.
- Check required subjects, GCSE conditions and admissions tests.
- Review contextual-offer eligibility.
- Compare the offer with your predicted grades.
For wider subject comparisons, explore our guide to the top UK universities for Computer Science.
University of Durham Acceptance Rate
There is no single Durham University acceptance rate that shows your chance of getting in. Durham publishes the percentage of applications that receive an offer. These figures vary by subject and applicant group.
For the 2024/25 admissions cycle, covering 2025 entry, the Home/Islands figures show:
| Department | Offered the programme applied to |
| Law | 31% |
| Computer Science | 36% |
| Psychology | 95% |
| All departments combined | 74% |
Across all departments, 76% received an offer for either their original or an alternative programme. These are offer rates, not the percentage who accepted an offer or eventually enrolled. Durham calculates percentages before rounding its published application counts.
The differences show why course-level information matters. A university-wide figure cannot replace checking your chosen degree. Use the official Durham admissions statistics as background, rather than a prediction of your personal outcome.
University of Durham Colleges and Accommodation
Durham University colleges help students feel part of a smaller group. Your course should come first when choosing where to study. However, college life matters too.
Compare where each college is, what it offers and which clubs you could join. Think about where you would feel at home. You still belong to a college even if you live in private housing.
Useful questions include:
- How far is the college from your department?
- Which activities and facilities interest you?
- Would you prefer catered or self-catered accommodation?
- What support would help you settle in?
Durham University Accommodation
Durham University accommodation includes catered and self-catered options. Room arrangements can also differ, including standard rooms and en-suite accommodation.
Compare the total contract cost rather than the weekly room charge alone. Check the contract length, catering charges and arrangements during vacations. Catering charges are compulsory for residents in catered colleges, so include them in your budget.
Before accepting accommodation, review the current undergraduate residence charges, application conditions and room details.
How Edumentors Can Help You Prepare for Durham
Preparing for university starts with understanding your subjects and building effective study habits. Edumentors offers personalised one-to-one online tutoring to help students work through difficult topics, practise exam questions and develop confidence.
Our A-Level tutors can tailor lessons to the student’s current knowledge and goals. For students taking English Language, an A-Level English Language tutor can support analysis and written responses.
Preparing for Your University Applications?
Identify the topics that need attention and build a manageable plan for improvement. Book a free 15-minute trial to explore suitable support. Tutoring can strengthen academic preparation, although it cannot guarantee a Durham offer.
University of Durham Open Days and Term Dates
Durham University open days help applicants explore their options, while term dates support practical planning. Check the event year and academic year carefully, as these serve different purposes.
Durham University Open Days
Use the official open-days and visits page to check available events and booking information. During a visit, prioritise your department, accommodation and the places you would use regularly.
Ask about teaching, assessment and student support. Speaking to current students can also help you understand the experience beyond the prospectus.
Durham University Term Dates
Durham’s published 2026/27 term dates are:
| Term | Start | End |
| Michaelmas | 5 October 2026 | 11 December 2026 |
| Epiphany | 11 January 2027 | 19 March 2027 |
| Easter | 26 April 2027 | 25 June 2027 |
These dates relate to 2026/27, not the following academic year. Arrival, induction and individual course commitments may differ, so confirm your arrangements before booking travel.
Does Durham University Offer Clearing Places?
Durham publishes details of any available Clearing opportunities on its website when Clearing is open. However, applicants should not assume that a particular course will have places or that entry requirements will be reduced.
If you are considering Durham uni Clearing:
- Check the university’s current course availability.
- Read the course content and entry requirements.
- Have your qualifications and application details ready.
- Follow Durham’s published application instructions.
Availability can change quickly. Therefore, use the official Durham Clearing guidance and compare any opportunity carefully before making a decision. A suitable course matters more than securing a particular university name.
Conclusion
Choosing the University of Durham means considering more than rankings. The right course, achievable entry requirements and a student environment that suits your child should guide the decision. Compare modules, explore the colleges and use an open day to ask questions before making your UCAS choices.
Once you have a clear goal, focus on the academic preparation needed to work towards it. Edumentors offers personalised one-to-one online support to strengthen subject knowledge, improve exam technique and build confidence. Find a tutor and book a free 15-minute trial to explore the right support for your child.
You might be interested in
Comparing your university options? Explore these guides:
- University of Warwick: What Do You Need to Know?
- Bath University: What Do You Need to Know?
- St Andrews Acceptance Rate and Entry Requirement
FAQs
Is Durham University Good?
Yes, Durham has a strong academic reputation and ranks 85th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027. However, students should also compare course content, assessments and the environment they prefer. Look closely at your chosen department and consider whether college life suits you. Visiting and asking questions can help you make a more informed choice.
Is Durham a Russell Group University?
Yes, Durham University belongs to the Russell Group, which represents 24 research-intensive UK universities. This provides useful context about the institution’s research activity. However, membership is not a course-specific ranking or a guarantee that Durham is the best option for every student. Compare teaching, modules, support and opportunities for your chosen subject alongside the university’s broader reputation.
Is Durham University Hard to Get Into?
Durham can be competitive, but the level of competition varies considerably between departments and applicant groups. Published offer rates provide some background, while course requirements show the academic conditions applicants need to meet. Check required subjects and admissions tests as well as predicted grades. Meeting a standard offer level does not guarantee that you will receive an offer.
Where Is the University of Durham?
The University of Durham is based in Durham in north-east England. When exploring the location, consider more than the city centre. Check the distance between your department, potential accommodation and everyday facilities. A visit can help you judge walking routes, transport and whether the setting suits you. These practical details can influence your university experience alongside the course itself.
How Do You Apply to Durham University?
For standard undergraduate entry, apply through UCAS using the correct course details. First, check your qualifications, required subjects and any additional selection requirements. Then prepare your application and arrange your reference before the relevant deadline. The checked Law, Psychology and Computer Science listings give 13 January 2027 as their equal-consideration deadline for 2027 entry; admissions tests have separate requirements.
