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Ranked among the world's best

Durham has performed exceptionally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with a record 21 subjects ranked among the world's top 100.
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Postgraduate programmes in Sustainability

Find out more about our range of exciting and innovative Master's programmes across many subject areas.

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Inspiring Excellence Scholarships

Outstanding international students looking to start a postgraduate programme in September 2025 are invited to apply for scholarships of £10,000 and £5,000.

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Events in the Middle East: support and assistance for students and staff

Read our statement and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Research Impact at Durham

We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.

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Scientists help create biggest 3D map of the universe and it’s changing what we know about Dark Energy

Our scientists have played a leading role in creating the largest-ever 3D map of the universe, using data from 15 million galaxies and quasars.

Global research
DESI maps distant objects to study dark energy. The instrument is installed on the Mayall Telescope, shown here beneath star trails.

Spotlight on: Professor Karen Johnson – advocating for the importance of soil health

Our Spotlight On series celebrates our academics’ global impact. Karen Johnson is a Professor of Environmental Engineering and a passionate advocate for soil health. She believes soil is an under-appreciated resource that can help address a range of environmental challenges.
Global research
Professor Karen Johnson smiling into the camera against a neutral backdrop

Ilona Maher and the myth of feminine fragility – how one rugby player is reshaping sport

Professor Stephen Mumford from our Department of Philosophy and Associate Professor Sheree Bekker discuss the impact that Ilona Maher is having on women's sports and perceptions of femininity, fragility.
Research news
White and blue rugby ball resting on the grass, with a sunny sky

Report calls for more creativity in schools to boost opportunities for all

A new report warns that the UK’s creative industries are at risk because arts education is being neglected.
Research news
Close up of a child holding a guitar as an adult points to where he should put his fingers

Spotlight on: Professor Carlos Frenk – shaping modern cosmology

Welcome to the next instalment of our ‘Spotlight on’ series where we celebrate the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Carlos Frenk’s pioneering work on dark matter has fundamentally shaped modern cosmology and our understanding of the Universe.
Global research
Professor Carlos Frenk smiling into the camera with a the a radio microphone in the foreground and the edge of some blue branding behind him

‘Undercover anthropologist’ recognised for exceptional potential

Dr Sheina Lew-Levy, from our Department of Psychology, has been awarded a prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize for Psychology.
Global research
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Durham awarded prestigious arts and humanities research grant

We are one of 50 UK higher education institutions to receive funding to support PhD students in the arts and humanities.
Research news
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More news

Pioneering research to support digital innovation in pharmaceuticals

We along with Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) have secured funding as part of an Innovate UK grant to advance sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Digital tools help scientists to predict crystallisation outcomes

Bonobos and chimps give insight into early human sexual behaviour

Using sex to manage social tension dates back over six million years to humans’ common ape ancestor, according to a new study.
A group of bonobos at Lola ya BonobA group of bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo.o Sanctuary, DR Congo.

Archaeologists discover ancient irrigation network in Mesopotamia

Researchers have uncovered a vast and well-preserved network of ancient irrigation canals in the Eridu region of southern Mesopotamia, shedding new light on early farming practices.
A desert landscape with a faint channel running through it and a person walking along it

Durham subjects among world top 100

Four of our subjects have been ranked among the world’s top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

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New online hub provides EDI careers advice and support

Careers & Enterprise has launched a new, online 'EDI and your Career' hub, providing tailored careers information and support for students and graduates from diverse backgrounds.
Careers EDi Hub, students and employees meeting around a table and meeting with a whiteboard in the background

Choral Society set to fill Newcastle Cathedral with the sounds of Baroque masterpieces

Our critically acclaimed student Choral Society and conductor, John Forsyth MBE, will bring a programme of energetic Baroque music to audiences in Newcastle Cathedral for the first time.

How our bodies react when we use social media – and when we stop

Dr Niklas Ihssen, from our Department of Psychology, explores what happens to our bodies when we social media - and what happens when we stop.

Several hands holding mobile phones

Two great war leaders united by American isolationism: Charles de Gaulle and Volodymyr Zelensky

Tim Luckhurst of ºÚÁÏÍø explores the parallels between political leaders Charles de Gaulle and Volodymyr Zelensky and their relations with USA presidents.
The USA flag fluttering in the wind with patches of blue sky

Why incest porn is more common and harmful than you think

Law professor Clare McGlynn explains why it matters that incest porn has become so popular online, and what can be done about it.
A man sits in the dark in front of a computer with a glass of wine

Opening doors to talent with new student support initiatives

We are opening our doors to an ever greater range of students. In her monthly column, our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O’Brien explores some of the student support packages recently launched to make Durham even more accessible.

Vice Chancellor Karen O'Brien wearing a green top smiling at the camera

Durham City Run Festival: preparing to welcome a big summer of sport

The annual running festival will return to Durham City streets from Wednesday 16 to Saturday 19 July this year with our support as a major partner.

Explore March's Community Newsletter

Want to know more about how we interact with our local community? Our monthly Community Newsletter explores the news, events, and research both at ºÚÁÏÍø and in the city itself.
James Corden poses for a photo with three Durham community members

Upcoming events

Shakespeare Recovered: Durham's First Folio

Friday 4 April 2025 - Sunday 2 November 2025
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Palace Green Library Palace Green Durham DH1 3RN
Portrait of William Shakespeare

Easter Chick Hunt

Sunday 20 April 2025 - Monday 21 April 2025
10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Botanic Garden
Chick in a field of lavender

ºÚÁÏÍø Business School MBA Q&A (online)

Tuesday 8 April 2025 - Tuesday 8 April 2025
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
This session will take place online.
The Durham MBA OIS event

Celebrating Eid Al-Fitr

Saturday 5 April 2025 - Saturday 5 April 2025
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Image of a mosque in a crecent moon with the words Eid Mubarak written across
See all events

From our Student Blogs:

How to make the most of your Post Offer Visit Day

Final year Modern Languages and Cultures student Mia gives you her top tips on how to make the most of our visit days for offer holders. We have three post offer visit days coming up between February and April - if you're thinking of attending, read on to find out how to get the most out of your day!