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Why return to study?
Are you thinking of returning to university as a mature student? Develop new skills and enhance your career prospects with a degree from a global top 100 university with world-leading researchers.
We have a range of full time and part time courses that will help you achieve your goals, whether it’s furthering your career, changing career, or pursuing a special academic interest.
With a diverse community of 20,00 students in 17 colleges, we have a huge array of sporting, performing arts and other extra-curricular opportunities available for you to enjoy.
We want all students to reach their full potential so if you need help, you will gain access to a range of support from your college and department, as well as specialist services offering everything from disability support to money advice.
Reap the career development benefits of a degree from a university that is highly ranked by employers and become part of a global network of 215,000 alumni in over 185 countries.
What's it like to be a mature student?
After studying his undergraduate degree at Durham and pursuing a long career, Simon Alderson decided he was going back to university at 53 to study MA International Cultural Heritage Management.
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Funding for mature students
Are you concerned about funding postgraduate study? You may be eligible for mature student university funding to help pay for your return to university.
A world top 100 university
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Our rankings
We are a world-leading university, across a broad range of subjects. In the QS World Rankings by Subject 2024, three of our subjects ranked in the world top 10, ten subjects ranked in the top 50 and 19 subjects ranked in the top 100.
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Our research
From improving people’s health and influencing changes in the law, to supporting business and bringing music to new audiences, our research is having an impact around the world.
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Our rankings
We are a world-leading university, across a broad range of subjects. In the QS World Rankings by Subject 2024, three of our subjects ranked in the world top 10, ten subjects ranked in the top 50 and 19 subjects ranked in the top 100.
Our research
From improving people’s health and influencing changes in the law, to supporting business and bringing music to new audiences, our research is having an impact around the world.
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Going to university as a parent
If you're returning to study after kids, finding suitable childcare may be a concern. Our city centre day nursery was rated as Outstanding by Ofsted and offers care for for babies from six weeks old to school-aged children.
A unique college system
Every student is assigned to one of our 17 college communities. From daily activities to special events, our unique college system offers so many ways to have fun and make friends.
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Durham University's Mature Students' Association
Durham University's Mature Students' Association (MATSA) runs regular events throughout the year to connect mature students with one another and help them quickly integrate into university life.
Student support at Durham
At Durham, we want everyone to reach their full potential. Whether you want to develop your academic skills or need help because you're feeling overwhelmed, our student support services are here for you.
Student life at Durham
What is life at Durham University like?
Our transformative wider student experience will also help you develop as a person. Discover the range of opportunities at Durham University and get an insider's look at the celebrated wider student experience.
Recent extracurricular successes
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A Cappella group competes in international singing finals
Our student A Cappella group, Northern Lights, competed in the 2024 New York international finals of a high-profile singing competition for the second year running.
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Record-breaking season for sport at Durham
Our student sports clubs have achieved an all-time record for the University by winning 13 BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) national championships this season.
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A Cappella group competes in international singing finals
Our student A Cappella group, Northern Lights, competed in the 2024 New York international finals of a high-profile singing competition for the second year running.
Record-breaking season for sport at Durham
Our student sports clubs have achieved an all-time record for the University by winning 13 BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) national championships this season.
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A transformative education
We provide an education that challenges boundaries, is research-led and transformative and takes advantage of the latest digital technologies.
More useful information
More useful information for those thinking of returning to study at Durham University.
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Funding for mature students
Find out what funding you might be eligible for.
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Entry requirements and how to apply
Information about our entry requirements and how to apply for Durham University.
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Open days and location
Information about our open days and how to get to Durham University.
Funding for mature students
Entry requirements and how to apply
Open days and location
