Durham University - In Depth

Founded: 1832.

Site: 2 sites: at Durham, in city centre (and short walk south of river); and Queen's Campus at Stockton (10 minutes from Stockton town centre, 26 miles from Durham).

How to get there: Durham: mainline trains and coach services to Durham from London and all main UK regions; frequent local buses within the region; by road Durham is just off the Al. Stockton: by rail to Darlington, connecting services to Thornaby, 5 mins from campus; frequent local buses; by road, A66 and A19, under 10 miles from Al.

Special features: University consists of 13 colleges (2 at Queen's Campus, Stockton) and 2 societies, largely self-governing, although teaching is organised centrally at Durham. Queen's Campus, Stockton, encourages mature students and those with non-traditional qualifications and accommodation in halls of residence rather than colleges.

Structural features: Medicine on Queen's Campus, Stockton, offered in partnership with Newcastle University.

Awarding body: Durham University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, MB BS, LLB, MSci, MEng, MMath.

Length of courses: 3 years; others 4-5 years.

Library & information services: Main library has 1 million+ volumes, plus departmental and college libraries. Annual expenditure on information provision, £153 per (FTE) student. IT and library services converged. 1000+ points with access to library and internet. IT facilities open 24 hours/day, IT support 10+ hours/weekdays. Library induction pack and guided tours of library; certified generic IT skills courses available.

Study abroad: 5% of students spend a period abroad. Formal exchange links with increasing number of universities and colleges: Erasmus exchanges for variety of students.

Careers: Advisory service.

Student advice & services: Student health centre: sick-bay facilities in each college; specialised service for students with hearing and other disabilities.

Amenities: Wide range of facilities in colleges; bar, bookshop, minibus etc centrally in modern SU building, Dunelm House; botanic garden; museum of oriental art. Sporting facilities: Sports hall; 60 acres of playing fields.

Accommodation: All first years in university accommodation, 53% of all students: full-board at £1130 per term (Durham), £658 (Stockton). Many students live in privately owned accommodation for 1-2 years: rents £50-£90 per week (self-catering; single rooms with shared facilities).

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £5095 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university; £6000 if not in university accommodation.

Financial help: Various bursaries, hardship funds, scholarships. Apply for help to Student Financial Support Adviser, Undergraduate Admissions Office (0191 334 6116).

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £8140 pa (classroom), £10,630(lab).