We have impressive graduate prospects, and strongly emphasise employability and career development. Many Durham graduates secure positions in top companies across various industries, reflecting our strong reputation among employers. Additionally, Durham’s global alumni network offers valuable connections and opportunities for recent graduates.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 87% in work or further study.

Of those in employment:

• 92% in high and medium skilled employment
• £30,000 is the average salary.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)

Our Foundation Programme has been delivering high-quality academic preparation for undergraduate study since 1992.

Our staff, from the Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD), are experts in teaching foundation level courses and are engaged in a wide range of scholarship activities, adding to the body of knowledge within their respective discipline areas and in the field of learning and teaching.

In your Foundation Year (Year 0), you will study modules that add up to 120 ‘credits’, learning both core general academic skills and subject-specific content that will enable you to enter and thrive in Year 1 of your degree subject. Our courses are fully integrated elements of Durham University degree programmes and students are full members of the University, which means you become a member of a college and enjoy full access to the extensive extracurricular opportunities at the University from day one. If you successfully reach the progression standard by the end of your Year 0 you will automatically gain entry to Year 1 of your registered degree course without the need for a further UCAS application.

We are committed to making our degrees accessible and inclusive. Our programme is designed to support UK students (including those with Settled Status in the UK) from some under-represented groups in Higher Education to access and succeed in studying an undergraduate degree at our University. If you are a talented individual, who has not been able to achieve your academic potential and is therefore unable to meet the standard direct entry offer, and you meet our entry criteria, we welcome an application from you.

Rankings

• 90% of Durham courses are in the UK Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025.

• 65th in the world for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Facilities

Durham University’s departments and services are spread across the historic city. As a Foundation student, you will have access to a wide range of facilities across the University.