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Ranked in the QS World Top 100 every year since 2010
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  • Welcome to new alumni!

    Summer Congregation is just around the corner, but graduation isn't the end of your Durham journey - find out how to connect with our global alumni network, access alumni benefits and careers support, and get involved with alumni community events.

    Students participating in Summer Congregation

  • Postgraduate Student Support Scholarships

    UK students from low and middle income households can apply for up to £3,000 towards study starting in September. Applications close on Friday 4 July.

    A group of three students stood in front of a view over Durham with Durham Cathedral in the background

Welcome to new alumni!

Summer Congregation is just around the corner, but graduation isn't the end of your Durham journey - find out how to connect with our global alumni network, access alumni benefits and careers support, and get involved with alumni community events.

Students participating in Summer Congregation

Postgraduate Student Support Scholarships

UK students from low and middle income households can apply for up to £3,000 towards study starting in September. Applications close on Friday 4 July.

A group of three students stood in front of a view over Durham with Durham Cathedral in the background

Your next steps

Events in the Middle East: support and assistance for students and staff

Read our statement and answers to frequently asked questions.

Find out more
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Research Impact at Durham

We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.

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Durham scientists play key role in global space survey as first Rubin Observatory images released

Scientists from our top-rated Physics department are playing a major role in the world’s most ambitious space project, the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), led by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

Research news
NSF-DOE Rubin Trifid and Lagoon nebulas 25k pixels wide

Spotlight on: Dr Katherine McDonald – understanding the ancient world through language

The languages of the past can tell us more about human history than we might have thought. As a specialist in the ancient languages of Italy, Katherine McDonald uses linguistic detective work to uncover what life was like over 2,000 years ago.
Global research
Dr Katherine McDonald smiling and facing the camera whilst sat in an outdoor setting

Exploring the Upside Down: New book examines religious themes in hit Netflix show Stranger Things

A new book co-edited by Dr Adam Powell, of our Department of Theology and Religion, takes an unexpected look at one of Netflix’s most popular series. ‘Religion and Theology in Stranger Things’ explores how themes of faith, spirituality, and meaning emerge from the hit show’s supernatural storylines. We caught up with Dr Powell to find out more. 
Research news
The front cover of the book which is blue and red along with a headshot of Dr Adam Powell smiling wearing a blue shirt

A comedy of the ages: Professor combines academia with stand-up comedy

Luke Sunderland, a Professor in French from our School of Modern Languages and Cultures, combines his research on the Middle Ages with stand-up comedy. During July and August he is due to perform at the Durham and Newcastle Fringe Festivals, as well as the Greater Manchester and Buxton Fringes, before performing at Edinburgh in August. We spoke to Luke to find out more.
Durham news
An image of Luke Sunderland looking up

‘World-class’ research showcased during Europe-wide summit

The global impact of our research has been highlighted during a visit by the European Research Council Scientific Council.
Research news
A man pointing to some scientific equipment, as he speaks with two women

Pioneering collaboration will create new Green Corridors in the North East

We’re part of a collaboration to create three new ‘Green Corridors’ in the North East of England, transforming urban, suburban, and rural areas across the region.
Research news
River Wear in the foreground flowing past the remains of Finchale Priory in County Durham

ERC Spotlight: Professor Simon Cornish and global milestones in quantum physics

We will host the European Research Council's (ERC) Scientific Council Meeting this June. Leading up to the visit, we are highlighting some of the projects at Durham that are happening thanks to support from the ERC.
Global research
Professor Simon Cornish is pictured against the background of Durham Cathedral in the distance
More news

Understanding the impact of human persecution on baboons

Human persecution leads to anxiety and physiological stress amongst baboons. That’s according to the findings of new research by our Department of Anthropology.

Two babooon mothers with their infants looking out at the surroundings

Shakespeare’s ‘Upstart Crow’ insult may have come from a collaborator

A team of researchers, including Dr Rachel White from our Department of English Studies, has presented new evidence about one of the most famous insults in English literature – the phrase ‘upstart crow’ aimed at William Shakespeare.
Statue of William Shakespeare

Older northerners struggling with ‘alarming’ inequalities

Older people in the North of England are more likely to be poorer, less healthy, physically inactive, lonely, and in poorer housing, according to a new report.
An older woman holding a stick

MA students launch two new storytelling exhibitions for the summer 

Two new, major exhibitions curated by MA Museum and Artefact Studies students exploring the art and history of storytelling, are now open and free to attend all summer. Visitors can discover ‘Beasts and Legends’ at Palace Green Library and ‘Telling Tales’ at the Oriental Museum.

title of exhibition and drawings of range of Asian objects

Durham student gives speech at global event at Canadian High Commission

In a ceremony today (23 May), Durham student Alice Booth (Biosciences), travelled to London to deliver a short speech at the Canadian High Commission.
A student standing with two representatives

Working together to reduce waste and support charity through Green Move Out

Our Green Move Out initiative is back for its 22nd year – helping students donate unwanted items, reduce waste and support our local community.
A montage of three images of students taking part in Green Move Out in Durham

Call for urgent reform in international battle against crime

The UK’s extradition, mutual legal assistance, and criminal jurisdiction systems need urgent reform, according to a new report.

Front cover of a report

Why your migraine might be making you crave a large Coke and fries

Professor of Neuroscience Amanda Ellison explains the science behind a new TikTok trend for handling migraines.
A pile of french fries against a plain white background

The Climate Fiction Prize 2025: the five shortlisted books reviewed by experts.

Five novels have been shortlisted for the 2025 Climate Fiction Prize. Academics, including Associate Professor in African Literature Louisa Egbunike, review the finalists ahead of the announcement of the winner on May 14.
Books lined up on bookshelves

Supporting innovation and creating opportunity

In her monthly column, Our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien reacts to the Comprehensive Spending Review and reflects on the positive contribution Durham University makes regionally, nationally and globally.

Vice Chancellor Karen O'Brien wearing a green top smiling at the camera

Chancellor inspires Politics A-Level students at global affairs ‘in conversation’ event

A group of aspiring university students were given a rare insight into global affairs during a Chancellor-In-Conversation event led by our Chancellor, the renowned foreign policy expert, Dr Fiona Hill.
A group of students dressed casually stood with Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill

World top 40 for sustainability

We have been named among the world’s top 40 universities for delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Female researcher working at scientific equipment

Upcoming events

The Durham Law School International Arbitration Practitioner Day Programme

Friday 25 July 2025 - Friday 25 July 2025
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
All talks take place in the Hogan Lovells Lecture Theatre, Durham Law School.
Durham Law school under a bright blue sky

Pathways into Law

Wednesday 2 July 2025 - Wednesday 2 July 2025
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Palatine Centre, Durham Law School
Durham University Law School

Beasts and Legends: Adventures Through North East Folklore

Saturday 14 June 2025 - Sunday 2 November 2025
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Palace Green Library, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RN
A shadow silhouette of a person with a sword fighting off a group of shadowy monsters

Space Medicine Course in connection with World Extreme Medicine

Thursday 17 July 2025 - Saturday 19 July 2025
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Waterside Building, Durham University Business School
Astronauts Michael Barratt and Naoko Yamazaki in orange NASA space suits
See all events

From our Student Blogs:

My visit to the Canadian Embassy

In May, Biosciences student Alice travelled to London to give a speech at the Canadian Embassy to celebrate the success and re-signing of Durham's partnership with the Globalink Research Initiative. Find out more about her experience and how she first got involved with the initiative.
Read Alice's blog

 

 

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Where can an MSc in Public Policy take you?

Discover how our MSc Public Policy programme equips students with advanced analytical tools, real-world policy experience, and a global perspective that opens doors to diverse and meaningful careers. Whether you're aiming to influence healthcare, international development, climate policy, or economic reform, this degree gives you the foundation and the network to lead change.

Find out more