Durham University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Durham University, officially known as The University of Durham, is a collegiate public research university located in Durham, England. It was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832 and formally incorporated by royal charter in 1837, making it the third-oldest university in England after Oxford and Cambridge. The university operates through a collegiate system, comprising 17 colleges and various academic departments. While the departments are responsible for teaching and research, the colleges handle student welfare and domestic matters.Durham is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of British research universities and is also part of the N8 Research Partnership, the Matariki Network of Universities, and the Coimbra Group. The university boasts an estate of 83 listed buildings, including Durham Castle and Cosin’s Library, which form part of the Durham World Heritage Site co-managed with Durham Cathedral. The architectural range spans from medieval to brutalist styles, reflecting the institution's long history and modern development.In 2024, Durham University was ranked sixth in the UK for undergraduate education. Its graduates traditionally use the Latin post-nominal letters "Dunelm," derived from "Dunelmensis," meaning "of Durham."The university’s origins trace back to the 13th century when Durham monks established a learning hall at Oxford, which later became Durham College. Although early attempts to establish a university in Durham—under Henry VIII and Oliver Cromwell—failed due to opposition from Oxford and Cambridge, the modern university was successfully founded in 1832. The founding was led by Archdeacon Charles Thorp and supported by Bishop William van Mildert. Their efforts culminated in the passing of a parliamentary act and royal assent from King William IV, officially establishing Durham University as a center of higher education.