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University of the Year 2026

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  • Welcome and Orientation Week

    We’re here to help you with the essential next steps as you start your Durham journey.

  • Shaping your future career

    We prepare our graduates for exciting and fulfilling careers around the world. Whether you are looking to stay in the UK after graduation or want to explore global opportunities, we will help you stand out.

    Young man in a business suit stands in front of a digital screen. The screen shows a collage of images and the words

Welcome and Orientation Week

We’re here to help you with the essential next steps as you start your Durham journey.

Shaping your future career

We prepare our graduates for exciting and fulfilling careers around the world. Whether you are looking to stay in the UK after graduation or want to explore global opportunities, we will help you stand out.

Young man in a business suit stands in front of a digital screen. The screen shows a collage of images and the words

Your next steps

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

Read our statement and answers to frequently asked questions.

Find out more
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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.

Discover more about our research impact

  

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DESI team wins prestigious 2026 Berkeley Prize

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) collaboration has been awarded the 2026 Lancelot M. Berkeley–New York Community Trust Prize for Meritorious Work in Astronomy.

Global research
DESI Y3P Datapoints Flat

Durham University named The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year 2026 

We have been named the UK’s University of the Year 2026 by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide.
Durham news
Three students outside in the sun chatting and smiling with the cathedral in the background

Scientists discover unexpected twist in cosmic wind speeds

An international team of scientists, led by Professor Chris Done of our Physics Department, has made a surprising discovery about powerful winds blasting from around a neutron star.
Global research
A generated image of a swirling cosmic wind with a sun

Durham University to play key role in North East England AI Growth Zone

Durham University welcomes the UK Government’s announcement (Wednesday 17 September) that North East England will become an AI Growth Zone. It is a considerable boost for Durham City and our wider region.
Durham news
Computer generated image of a computer circuit board

Middle East’s Bronze and Iron Age cultures were committed to wine production

Ancient plant samples have shown that farmers in the Middle East prioritised wine production over olive growing during times of climatic change.
Global research
A bunch of red grapes on a metal table top

Durham University Business School celebrates QS 2026 success in milestone year

The School has achieved strong results in the QS 2026 Global MBA and Business Masters rankings, highlighting our industry links and commitment to graduate employability.
Business School news
Smiling students sitting in casual meeting area at Waterside building, Business School

IPPP marks 25 years of world-leading particle physics research

Our Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP) will celebrate its 25th anniversary next week, recognising a quarter-century of innovative research, global collaboration, and academic excellence.
Research news
IPPP group photo
More news

Simulations solve centuries-old cosmic puzzle – and reveal new class of ancient star systems

Astronomers have solved a centuries-old puzzle surrounding one of the Universe’s oldest and densest star systems.

A strip of stars runs from top to bottom of the picture against a black background and shrouded by purple clouds

Visiting New Zealand professor to study Britain’s ‘skeletons in the closet’

A New Zealand researcher is joining us on a four-year professorship to study the bioethics of the use, curation, and repatriation of anatomical skeletal collections.
Professor Siân Halcrow smiling wearing a dark green blazer and leaning on a table in a seminar room

Polar geoengineering ideas will not help and could harm, experts warn

Five of the most-publicised polar geoengineering ideas are highly unlikely to help the polar regions, according to a new study involving our geographers.
An ice sheet juts out into the ocean.

Renowned conductor Tim Burke named as Principal Conductor of our Choral Society

Newcastle-based conductor and composer, Tim Burke, takes the reigns of our Choral Society (DUCS) following the retirement of John Forsyth MBE.

Hitting a home run for baseball and softball at Durham

Our student baseball and softball club recorded their most successful season this past academic year. We catch up with the club’s outgoing President, Jaryd Mercer, to find out more.
A baseball team wearing medals posing in two lines for the camera

Beyond the runway: flagship student charity fashion show invites alumni to reconnect

Durham University Charity Fashion Show returns for its 43rd year with a renewed focus on alumni engagement, philanthropy, and community.

Call to build asylum housing 'that works'

Professor Jonathan Darling, from our Department of Geography, says that after the Epping Forest case, the UK Government needs to be bold and build asylum housing that works.

A group of women standing around with bags on the floor.

Has immigration led to a new form of labour market protectionism in Europe?

Drawing on a study of legislative changes in Austria, Germany, Ireland and the UK, Omar Hammoud-Gallego, Pat McGovern and Eiko Thielemann identify a new development in immigration control that extends beyond borders into the workplace.
A welder at work wearing a visor with sparks showing.

Enslaved Africans, an uprising and an ancient farming system in Iraq: study sheds light on timelines

Written accounts tell the story of the Zanj rebellion – a slave revolt that took place in the late 9th century in southern Iraq. Some of the rebels were enslaved Africans working in various sectors of the local economy. Here Honorary Fellow in Archaeology, Peter Brown sheds new light on the timelines.
In southern Iraq, a massive agricultural system was likely built by enslaved Africans who ended up staging a revolt. Courtesy the authors/Cambridge University Press

Welcome to September’s community newsletter

In the September edition of our community newsletter, we celebrate the achievements of our students, share opportunities to get involved, and highlight University research and outreach that makes a difference.

Parents and young children outdoors at a flower stall

Heritage and renewal at Durham Castle: step into history this autumn

Find out about the latest at Durham Castle, including celebrations for this year’s Heritage Open Days, and an update on the revitalisation of the historic Fellows’ Garden.

New partnership brings Durham University research to life at Raby Castle

We’ve formalised our already productive collaboration with Raby Castle, connecting world-class research with one of the North East’s most iconic heritage sites.
Lord Barnard and Karen O'Brien sitting at a table signing the MoU document

Upcoming events

University College Chapel Choir Concert

Monday 22 September 2025 - Monday 22 September 2025
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
St Bartholomew the Great, Cloth Fair, London, EC1A 7JQ
Student choir

The 5th Collegiate Way International conference, CWI 2025 - booking now open

Tuesday 2 December 2025 - Friday 5 December 2025
12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Durham City, UK.
Aerial View of Palace Green, Durham Castle, and Durham Cathedral

Beasts and Legends: Adventures Through North East Folklore

Saturday 14 June 2025 - Sunday 2 November 2025
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Palace Green Library, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RN
A shadow silhouette of a person with a sword fighting off a group of shadowy monsters

Undergraduate Open Day

Friday 19 September 2025 - Friday 19 September 2025
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Durham University
Image of a student ambassador holding an ask me sign during an open day
See all events

From our Student Blogs:

Finding support when moving away from home

Archaeology and Ancient Civilisations student, Alex, from Collingwood College, talks about how colleges provide an incredible network of support; so when her Freshers' Week came to an end, she had already made so many new friends.
Read Alex's blog
Students sat chatting in a college junior common room

 

 

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What is life like at Durham University?

At Durham, academic success is only half the story. Our transformative wider student experience will also help you develop as a person. Discover the range of opportunities at Durham University and get an insider's look at the celebrated wider student experience. Whatever you love doing, whatever you might like to try, you will find support and inspiration here.

Join us and be inspired. Be you.

Find out more