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Programme Information

Here you will find out information about: Modules; Language requirements; Visa information; Dates; Fees & finance; and Healthcare
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Module Handbooks

*Whilst we do not foresee any major changes to the information provided below, please be aware that some information may be subject to changes*

The handbooks contain information on departments, modules and credits and specific study information. 

Number of modules Full time students would usually take 6 modules across the academic year.
Number of credits A full time course load would be 120 UK credits, 60 ECTS.
Departments Students may choose modules from up to 3 departments.  A minimum of 50% of modules needs to be taken within the department with which your home university has an agreement.
Exclusions Classes within the English Studies department are only available to students coming on a direct link.

 

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Did you know?

Durham has 27 different academic Departments where incoming exchange students can study. Exchange students should choose modules from a maximum of three different subject areas.

Explore our Departments

 

Language Requirements

As teaching at Durham is in English all students must be able to prove they have a sufficient level of English to be able to cope with the course from the beginning.

If you are an exchange student from a European partner and not from an English speaking country you will be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. To do this, you will need to have a Statement of Language Proficiency Form completed by the (European) Exchange Coordinator or an academic member of staff from their home university. This form should be submitted with the application form.

 

 

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Visa Information

We recommend that all exchange students visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) 'Do I need visa?' website to check whether you need a visa to study in the UK. Whether you need a visa will depend on your nationality, the length of your intended stay and other factors.

Check the UKVI 'Do I need visa? website here

 

Should you have questions or uncertainty after checking the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) 'Do I need visa?' website Durham's Student Immigration Service will be able to assist. You can contact them via the website if needed.

Two common visa routes for exchange students are:

  • the Standard Visitor visa for students undertaking a programme, which is less than six months in duration
  • the Student visa route for students staying for longer than six months

Please, however, be aware that:

  • these rules may change and will vary depending on your individual circumstances. Check with our Student Immigration Service
  • visas for visits above six months require a mandatory £470 Immigration Health Surcharge in addition to the cost of the visa application
  • students are unlikely to be eligible for the Short-term study visa, as this requires you to be specifically and only undertaking and English language programme, i.e. not an English language programme combined with another degree programme.

Some postgraduate programmes may require approval from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Please be aware that if you are not an EU national, you will need to provide evidence of English Language proficiency in order to obtain a visa. Please use the guidance given here or in the main Learning and Teaching Handbook.

Should you have any questions please contact the Student Immigration Service

 

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Calendar and Important Dates

The academic year at Durham runs from October to June. We recommend that you arrive in time to attend the Orientation Session, see above for further details.

Dates for all years can be found here

Induction/Term Dates

Academic Year 2023/2024  
Induction Week 25 September 2023 - 1 October 2023
Michaelmas Term 2 October 2023 - 8 December 2023
Epiphany Term 8 January 2024 - 15 March 2024
Easter Term 22 April 2024 - 21 June 2024

Postgraduate Business students only, exams will take place in early January (Dates TBC) (Michaelmas Term) and early/mid May (Epiphany Term).  These dates are only provisional and are subject to change.

Orientation Session

The International Office will hold an in person compulsory Orientation Session for all incoming exchange students. All new incoming exchange students are expected to attend. The session covers important information such as registration, module enrolment and other practical arrangements.

Michaelmas arrivals

Friday 22nd September 2023
(Time TBC)

Epiphany arrivals

Monday 8th January 2024
(Time TBC)

University Induction Planner

Each student can create a personal induction planner to help you plan when, where and what you need to be doing in your first week. The university will release an Induction Planner nearer to the time of your arrival.

 

 

 

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Costs

County Durham is one of the most affordable places to live in England but we recommend applicants consider costs when applying to study in the UK.

Find out more about living costs here

Living Costs

While County Durham is one of the most affordable places to live in England, you should consider living costs (in addition to your tuition and accommodation costs). We recommend a further £5,000 - £6,000 per year to cover the costs of books, clothing, socialising etc.

Approximate weekly/monthly living expenses are highlighted in the table below.

  Weekly Monthly
Phone £10 £40
Travel £12.50 £50
Leisure / Sport £37.50 £150
Clothing / Shoes £12.50 £50
Misc. course expenses e.g. Books £12.50 £50
Social Activities £25 £100

 

 

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Healthcare

The National Health Service (NHS) is the means by which healthcare is provided in the UK. The level of cover will depend on reciprocal arrangements with your home country.

Please click here for more guidance