About us

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.
World Top 100
in the QS World University Rankings 2026
Over 330
undergraduate and postgraduate courses
17 colleges
in our distinctive collegiate system
Bill Bryson Library at night

Inspiring the Extraordinary

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world.

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other.
View our Annual Reports
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  • Access and Participation Plan

    The Access and Participation Plan sets out how Durham University will improve equality of opportunity for underrepresented groups to access, succeed in and progress from higher education.

    Three students smiling

  • University Strategy

    Our University Strategy 2017-2027 sets ambitious targets for growth and development, to ensure that we remain at the cutting edge.

    Students walking on a cobbled street

Access and Participation Plan

The Access and Participation Plan sets out how Durham University will improve equality of opportunity for underrepresented groups to access, succeed in and progress from higher education.

Three students smiling

University Strategy

Our University Strategy 2017-2027 sets ambitious targets for growth and development, to ensure that we remain at the cutting edge.

Students walking on a cobbled street

Sustainability at Durham

We are committed to delivering solutions to the net-zero transition. We are well-placed to contribute to delivering solutions in the broad areas of energy, food, health, social impact and water.

The Greenspace Movement brings together Durham University's environmental initiatives and activities. The University’s Energy and Sustainability team delivers Greenspace, which promotes all of the University’s Environmental Policies, Plans and Procedures.

Sun shining on solar panels
3rdThe Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5thGuardian University Guide 2026
5thThe Complete University Guide 2026
21subjects in the World Top 100 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Business person clapping hands

Governance

Durham University has a strong leadership team that is driving forward the ambitious University Strategy 2017-2027.

Find out more about our governance structures
4,300+staff members
Over 40%of academic staff are non-UK origin
120countries represented by staff and student bodies
21,5882023/24 student population
26Departments or Schools
Over 200undergraduate courses
Over 100postgraduate courses
Plusmany research degrees
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Explore our global research

Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

Read our research brochure

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Estate Development

Durham University Strategy, 2017-2027 sets out ambitious goals to deliver world-class research, education and wider student experience. Keep up to date with progress, including news, updates, photographs and more as projects develop.