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Welcome to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

We nurture thoughtful, critical and engaged citizens for a rapidly changing and complex world.

We are proud to be recognised as a leading Faculty of Arts and Humanities worldwide and to exercise the responsibilities that this position brings with it. We set out to provide leadership in the Arts and Humanities nationally and internationally; our work is intended to enrich, shape and transform lives. We nurture thoughtful, critical and engaged citizens for a rapidly changing and complex world.
Vision and mission
Prebends bridge with Cathedral in background
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Explore our Departments

If you are considering studying one of our undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, then we’d invite you to explore our website to find out more about our Departments and the innovative research-led education that we offer.

See all Arts and Humanities Departments

Welcome to new and prospective students

If you are joining us this year, we know you’ve worked really hard for this. We’ve also worked hard to provide an intellectually challenging programme of studies for your time with us and are looking forward to welcoming you to our academic community. Congratulations and welcome to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Durham!
Welcome to Durham
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What's new?

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Durham Professor takes research to Hollywood

Professor Santiago Fouz Hernández, from our School of Modern Language and Cultures, will showcase his specialist research on the film director, designer and artist Bigas Luna at The Bigas Luna Tribute in Los Angeles, USA, from 17-24 March 2023. 
A scene from the Bigas Luna movie Jamón, jamón

How Shakespeare was inspired by controversial student theatre

Student theatre may be a staple of undergraduate life today, but in Shakespeare’s time it was controversial and provocative, and may have inspired some of ‘The Bard’s’ most important pieces.
Image showing book of Shakespeare plays open with image of Shakespeare

New study sheds fresh light on how emotions are expressed in music

In a new study, Durham researchers have investigated how a vast number of musical cues can help shape different emotions in music.
A person sitting at a laptop displaying the Emote Control programme

Understanding how music can influence children’s emotional recognition

A new study led by Dr Paddy Ross in our Psychology Department has shown that music can significantly influence emotion recognition in children.
Child listening to music on headphones

Food history research leads to chocolate-themed events in the run-up to Valentine’s Day

Staff and students are planning chocolate-themed events in the lead up to Valentine’s Day in connection with a research project about the origins and history of chocolate.
A bar of chocolate

Durham University and partners create first international network for Nineteenth-Century Studies

Durham University and over 30 partner organisations have created an international network that will open new research and collaboration opportunities for Nineteenth-Century Studies.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien and Professor Bennett Zon, Director of CNCS, holding the Memorandum of Understanding
  • Talking Ukraine with Dr Markian Prokopovych

    We continue to be deeply concerned and saddened by the war taking place in Ukraine. We are an international university, committed to social responsibility and democratic values. As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Dr Markian Prokopovych, Associate Professor at our History Department, discusses a series of topical webinars, and the global significance Ukraine has become.
    Ukraine flag and Dr Markian Prokopovych
  • National Storytelling Week: I am Waiting for You

    During National Storytelling Week, we hear from Abir Hamdar, Professor in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University, and also playwright and author of short stories.
    I am Waiting for You
  • Students Share their Stories during National Storytelling Week

    During National Storytelling Week, 30 January – 5 February, we have been hearing from three budding writers who are currently studying for an MA in Creative Writing in the Department of English Studies.
    Kings Cross Station

National Storytelling Week: I am Waiting for You

During National Storytelling Week, we hear from Abir Hamdar, Professor in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University, and also playwright and author of short stories.
I am Waiting for You

Students Share their Stories during National Storytelling Week

During National Storytelling Week, 30 January – 5 February, we have been hearing from three budding writers who are currently studying for an MA in Creative Writing in the Department of English Studies.
Kings Cross Station

Get in touch

Contact the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Faculty Office 
Elvet Riverside Block 2 
New Elvet 
Durham DH1 3JT

Questions about studying here?

Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.

Your Durham prospectus

Order your personalised prospectus and College guide here.