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

Welcome and Orientation

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Durham ranked in the UK top 10

We're pleased to share these excellent results, which consistently place us among the top 10 universities in the UK.

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Durham ranked top 30 in Europe

We’re at the forefront of academic excellence and our global rankings reflect that status.

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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

  

What's new?

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Matariki Network call for seedcorn funding for research

On September 25, the Matariki Network of Universities (MNU) launched a call for research seed funding. This funding will develop a stronger relationship between the Network partners in globally relevant fields of research.
MNU Members

New simulations shed light on origins of Saturn’s rings and icy Moons 

A new series of supercomputer simulations has offered an answer to the mystery of the origins of Saturn’s rings - one that involves a massive collision in the recent history of the 4.5 billion year old Solar System.
A simulation of an impact between two icy moons in orbit around Saturn, ejecting debris that could evolve into the planet's iconic and remarkably young rings

Defining what makes the best virtual first impression

A new study by psychologists at Durham has found the answers to creating the best first impression in a virtual meeting, such as Teams or Zoom, is a visual background of house plants and books.
Image contains three people pictured against three backgrounds, including a man with a background of books, a woman with a background of house plants and a man with a background of a walrus

Professor Graham Towl appointed to key crime reduction role

Professor Graham Towl has been appointed as the new chair of the Scottish Advisory Panel on Offender Rehabilitation (SAPOR) which is a key role to help reduce crime in Scotland.
Graham Towl leaning against a fence

Probability in our Mathematical Sciences

Probability is one of the research groups within our Department of Mathematical Sciences. The group is actively involved in research in many areas of probability and its applications.
Graph on an ipad

Championing students in high-performance computing with Student Cluster Competitions

In our top-rated Department of Computer Science, we offer an unparallel support and opportunities for our students to excel in the world of complex computing.
Computer science students

Understanding early human cave art

A psychological phenomenon where people see meaningful forms in random patterns, such as seeing faces in clouds, may have stimulated early humans to make cave art.
A Palaeolithic painting of an aurochs from the cave of La Pasiega. The artist traced the natural cracks in the cave wall when painting the head, horns, and back leg of the animal

Bank branches closer to their headquarters have greater performance and efficiency

Bank branches geographically closer to the bank’s headquarters have greater levels of output and efficiency, performing better than branches further away, according to new research from our Department of Finance.
Plane in the sky surrounded by skyscrapers

Our Maths and Computer Science graduates are ready for the AI challenge

In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, future university graduates must harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to thrive in their respective fields.
AI

Teaching excellence endorsement in National Student Survey

Students’ positive experiences of teaching, learning and academic support at Durham University are reflected in the latest National Student Survey (NSS).
Students sitting on steps in Durham City
  • Should you send your child to an academy or a council-run school? Why Ofsted results don’t mean much

    Should you send your child to an academy or a council-run school? Stephen Gorard, Professor of Education and Public Policy, in our School of Education, explains why Ofsted results are not that useful to parents when making this decision.
    Primary school children in a classroom
  • How a pioneering academic is making classics cool in schools

    Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded research has contributed to more young people studying ancient history and classical civilisation in secondary schools across England. Arlene Holmes-Henderson, an award-winning Associate Professor in our Department of Classics and Ancient History, has been at the forefront of widening access to the subject. Here she examines the surge in popularity of classics in education.
    Arlene Holmes-Henderson MBE pictured outside the Department of Classics and Ancient History
  • Could a new Action Plan help Canada foster the self-determination of Indigenous peoples?

    Giuseppe Amatulli, is an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Anthropology and a post-doctoral fellow at Carleton University, Ottawa. Here he discusses the potential benefits of an Action Plan, recently approved by the Canadian Federal Government, to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
    Image showing discussions with members of the Doig River First Nation

How a pioneering academic is making classics cool in schools

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded research has contributed to more young people studying ancient history and classical civilisation in secondary schools across England. Arlene Holmes-Henderson, an award-winning Associate Professor in our Department of Classics and Ancient History, has been at the forefront of widening access to the subject. Here she examines the surge in popularity of classics in education.
Arlene Holmes-Henderson MBE pictured outside the Department of Classics and Ancient History

Could a new Action Plan help Canada foster the self-determination of Indigenous peoples?

Giuseppe Amatulli, is an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Anthropology and a post-doctoral fellow at Carleton University, Ottawa. Here he discusses the potential benefits of an Action Plan, recently approved by the Canadian Federal Government, to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Image showing discussions with members of the Doig River First Nation

Ukraine Independence Day: we stand with Ukraine

On Ukraine Independence Day, our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien explores how we are standing with colleagues and friends in Ukraine.
Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University, stood smiling with arms folded, in front of bookshelves

Apprentice of the Year award for University electrician

Our electrical apprentice Reece Spurdens is celebrating after winning an Apprentice of the Year award.
Sue Snowdon presents certificate to Reece Spurdens

Upcoming events

Where Are We Now? Exhibition

Thursday 1 June 2023 - Sunday 31 December 2023
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ground floor, Elvet Riverside, 83 New Elvet, Durham DH1 3AQ
Where are we now exhibition students talking

Durham Book Festival 2023

Friday 13 October 2023 - Sunday 15 October 2023
5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Gala Durham, Clayport Library and Collected Books
Durham Book Festival 2023 logo

Voices: contemporary art and craft from the Middle East and North Africa

Friday 29 September 2023 - Sunday 12 May 2024
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
photographic artwork

QS World Grad School Tour - Athens

Tuesday 10 October 2023 - Tuesday 10 October 2023
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Athens
Athens

Student results and UCU’s marking and assessment boycott

Read the latest update and our Durham University statement.

 

 

From our Student Blogs:

Advice to freshers - academia edition

Liberal Arts student Amy shares her top tips for getting settled into academic life and answers some common questions about what freshers can expect when starting at university.
View our student blog
A group of students in the library at St Chad's College
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Defining what makes the best virtual first impression

Psychologists at Durham University have found the answers to creating the best first impression in a virtual meeting, such as Teams or Zoom. The team of researchers, led by Associate Professor Paddy Ross at Durham’s Department of Psychology, were interested to investigate what is really contributing to best, and worst, first impressions in a virtual environment. Discover more in this latest video.

Read more about virtual first impressions