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Programme Information

Here you will find out information about: Modules; Language requirements; Visa information; Dates; Fees & finance; and Healthcare
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Module Handbooks

*Whilst we do not foresee any major changes to the information provided below, please be aware that some information may be subject to changes*

The handbooks contain information on departments, modules and credits and specific study information. 

Number of modules Full time students would usually take 6 modules across the academic year.
Number of credits A full-year full-time course load would be 120 UK credits.
Departments Students may choose modules from up to 3 departments.
Exclusions Classes within the English Studies department are limited so approval cannot be guaranteed.
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Did you know?

Durham has 27 different academic Departments where incoming exchange students can study. Exchange students should choose modules from a maximum of three different subject areas.

Explore our Departments

Language Requirements

As teaching at Durham is in English all students must be able to prove they have a sufficient level of English to be able to cope with the course from the beginning.

If you are not a native English speaker you will need to submit an appropriate English language qualification and may need to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses if you do not meet the direct entry level. If English is the language of instruction at your home university the language test requirement may be waived, and the Global Opportunities Team will be in touch with your home university directly for confirmation if necessary. 

Please find below a table detailing all English language requirements for students wishing to apply to Durham University as Exchange students.

For the majority of our undergraduate courses we ask for the following levels:

IELTS

6.5 overall with no element below 6

TOEFL iBT

Overall score of 92 with no component under 23

All qualifications must be taken within two years of the start of the academic programme.

Pre-Sessional English Language Courses

If you do not have the required English language score for direct entry to academic courses then your current UKVI IELTS which must be a Secure English Language Test (SELT), taken at a UKVI approved test centre or TOEFL score will determine the length of the pre-sessional English language course that you must follow. All pre-sessional English language courses are offered by Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD) - English Language Support.

Pre-sessional course

TOEFL iBT (internet- based)

IELTS

10 weeks

72 (scores no lower than: reading 16; listening 16; writing 20; speaking 20)

6.0 (no individual score below 5.5)

6 weeks

80 (scores no lower than: reading 19; listening 19; writing 23; speaking 19)

6.0 (no individual score below 6.0)

Direct entry to academic course*

92 (writing score no lower than 23)

6.5 (no individual score below 6.0)

If you need to apply for one of the pre-sessional courses then you must complete a pre-sessional course application form which will be emailed to you from the Global Opportunities Team.

* If you have obtained the relevant score for direct entry then it should not be necessary for you to undertake a pre-sessional language course.

 

International students arriving at Newcastle Airport

Visa Information

We recommend that all exchange students visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) 'Do I need visa?' website to check whether you need a visa to study in the UK. Whether you need a visa will depend on your nationality, the length of your intended stay and other factors.

Check the UKVI 'Do I need visa? website here

 

Should you have questions or uncertainty after checking the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) 'Do I need visa?' website Durham's Student Immigration Service will be able to assist. 

Two common visa routes for exchange students are:

  • the Visitor Route for students undertaking a programme, which is less than six months in duration
  • the Student visa route for students staying for longer than six months

Please, however, be aware that:

  • these rules may change and will vary depending on your individual circumstances. Check with our Student Immigration Service
  • Applicants for visas which are longer than six months are required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge in addition to the cost of the visa application
  • students are unlikely to be eligible for the Short-term study visa, as this requires you to be specifically and only undertaking and English language programme, i.e. not an English language programme combined with another degree programme.

Some postgraduate programmes may require approval from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Please be aware that if you are not an EU national, you will need to provide evidence of English Language proficiency in order to obtain a visa. Please use the guidance given here or in the main Learning and Teaching Handbook.

Should you have any questions please contact the Student Immigration Service via email immigration@durham.ac.uk.

 

Calendar

Calendar and Important Dates

The academic year at Durham runs from October to June. We recommend that you arrive in time to attend the Orientation Session, see above for further details.

Dates for all years can be found here

Induction/Term Dates

Academic Year 2024/2025  
Induction Week 30 September 2024 - 6 October 2024
Michaelmas Term 7 October 2024 - 13 December 2024
Epiphany Term 13 January 2025 - 21 March 2025
Easter Term 28 April 2025 - 27 June 2025

Postgraduate Business students only, exams will take place between 3 - 16 January 2025 (Michaelmas Term) and during May 2025 (Epiphany Term). Dates TBC.  The dates will be provisional and are subject to change.

Orientation Session

The International Office will hold an in person compulsory Orientation Session for all incoming exchange students. All new incoming exchange students are expected to attend. The session covers important information such as registration, module enrolment and other practical arrangements.

Michaelmas arrivals

Friday 27th September 2024
11am - 12noon

Applebey Lecture Theatre (W103), Geography Building

Epiphany arrivals

Monday 13th January 2025
10am - 11am

Palatine Centre (Law School)
PCL050

University Induction Planner

Each student can create a personal induction planner to help you plan when, where and what you need to be doing in your first week. The university will release an Induction Planner nearer to the time of your arrival.

 

 

 

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Costs

County Durham is one of the most affordable places to live in England but we recommend applicants consider costs when applying to study in the UK.

Find out more about living costs here

Living Costs

While County Durham is one of the most affordable places to live in England, you should consider living costs (in addition to your tuition and accommodation costs). We recommend a further £5,000 - £6,000 per year to cover the costs of books, clothing, socialising etc.

Approximate weekly/monthly living expenses are highlighted in the table below.

  Weekly Monthly
Phone £10 £40
Travel £12.50 £50
Leisure / Sport £37.50 £150
Clothing / Shoes £12.50 £50
Misc. course expenses e.g. Books £12.50 £50
Social Activities £25 £100

 

 

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Healthcare

The National Health Service (NHS) is the means by which healthcare is provided in the UK. The level of cover will depend on reciprocal arrangements with your home country.

Please click here for more guidance