Welcome to Durham – Postgraduate Digital Prospectus

Why I chose MA Museum and Artefact Studies

Elias Koenig on October 15, 2024

Why Durham’s course?

I chose Durham’s MA in Museum and Artefact Studies because of the ability to work with objects personally. Other courses from different universities I applied to were amazing, but there was a distinctiveness to Durham’s that stood out and drew me in.

Though many other universities have museum and cultural heritage programs, MA Museum and Artefact Studies at Durham is ingrained in archaeology rather than being solely interdisciplinary. Being a part of Durham’s archaeology department, students learn about museum management, collection principles, and debates within cultural heritage as well as how to analyze and handle artefacts.

The mixture of theory and practice is what sold Durham’s course over others.

I did something different in undergrad

Before I applied for this course, I was completing my bachelor’s at Durham in a totally separate department than my postgraduate course is in. I graduated in July 2024 with a joint honors degree in English Literature and History from Durham.

When I applied for my undergraduate course, I imagined myself going into publishing rather than doing a masters museum and artefact studies. I had always loved literature and history equally, but I had figured that a degree in both would allow me more opportunities later on. I’m grateful I did because during the length of my undergrad I realized that though I loved literature, my passions lied in history, and it was something I wanted to pursue further.

Why did I stay in Durham for postgrad?

As an international student, I sought to combat the homesickness (that a quick trip home for others provided solace to) by plunging myself into everything Durham offered. I joined a sport (shocking to my parents), societies, and made extensive use of the various public transportation options available in Durham. The activities I had become a part of and throwing myself into my course led to friendships that continued throughout the years while I made a habit of day trips to visit abbeys and monuments and hike in the countryside. If I was particularly restless, I hopped a bus to larger towns and cities.

Yet Durham always drew me back. I loved the River Wear that cut through the town, with its paths that ran alongside it. I loved the cathedral and castle, seeped in its own history. I loved the cafes and bookshops that students can always be found in. The environment of the collegiate system, always something going on.

Despite three years in Durham, by the time graduation rolled around I didn’t feel quite done with it. By the time masters applications rolled around, I knew I would apply to Durham’s museum and artefact studies course.

I seriously considered another university’s offer and though I loved the town where it resided, Durham’s course was more of what I was looking for. The breadth of knowledge offered by the course combined with its personal practices was exactly what I wanted in a masters course. Add to it the fact that I already wanted to stay in Durham? It was serendipitous.

What I hope the future holds

Despite the only thing changing being my department and course, I am trying to treat this next year as a new beginning. I plan to try new clubs and societies (while maintaining my old ones), continue my volunteering at the Auckland Project, and become immersed in my new department.

I am thrilled to start a placement in a museum during the length of the course, dive into a dissertation on a topic that fascinates me and get experience working hands on with artefacts. I hope after graduating with my master’s at Durham, to get a job working in a museum as a curator or archivist and continue my passion for historical preservation.

With the opportunities given by Durham’s Museum and Artefact Studies masters, alongside some hard work and motivation, I am certain that it can be achieved.

Discover more

Find out more about postgraduate study at Durham here

Create your own personalised prospectus here.

To find out more about student life in Durham, follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Why you should attend a postgraduate open day

Elias Koenig on October 15, 2024

Why I attended

Having studied at Durham for my undergraduate and considering sticking around for an MA, I thought it would be useful to have a chat wiith some previous students and lecturers at some open days to find out more about it.

When I had originally applied to come to Durham before my undergraduate, these open days had been a big deciding factor in choosing to apply to my specific department (Music). I hoped that attending again would allow me to have some helpful face-to-face interaction to help make my mind up.

What I got out of it

Attending postgraduate open days was a really helpful opportunity to hear more casually, from students and staff, about what doing an MA at Durham could offer me in terms of experience and opportunity afterwards.

It was reassuring to hear some anecdotal information on what other students explored in their research and talk through what I could do to expand my horizons with my interests whilst at Durham. I felt much more comfortable knowing the course structure, as well as the staff members who were points of contact when it came to my admissions process.

Helping others

As I found mine so engaging as a prospective student, working the postgraduate open days has been such a joy to then speak to people who were in my position not too long ago. Speaking to people who had similar niches of interest and discussing further what their degree or extra-curricular experiences could look like for them as a student.

I have been able to take part in smaller scale and more specific discussions with students as part of tours and drop ins, where I have enjoyed welcoming prospective postgraduate students to Durham, and equally have had a blast presenting at larger and broader Q and A sessions online and in person! Showing people around departments and the campus is always a highlight, and having the opportunity to chat over respective research interests is also something that I think postgraduate open days can be good for.

Having the space to talk through your ideas with current students and staff who are enthusiastic and excited for prospective students to get stuck into the next stage of their academic career is always a joy!

My advice

For Durham open days it is also always advisable to dress for a lot of walking (and a lot of walking up hills!).

If you are considering living in college accommodation, it may be a bit of a walk from your department to where you are planning on looking around – for instance, my college (Josephine Butler) and department (Music) are around a 25-minute uphill walk, depending which direction you’re going!

Getting a sense of what the college system can offer you uniquely as a postgraduate, besides somewhere to live, is a key aspect of studying at Durham.

If you are coming along to a postgraduate open day, I would recommend checking out colleges, your department, as well as some of the wider information talks. Q and As are an excellent chance to have some of your queries cleared up- particularly when it comes to finance, funding and scholarships which is an aspect of applying for postgraduate study that can feel unclear to start off which.

I would recommend not holding back on asking those nitty gritty questions and following it up if need be to find out where you stand with money and logistics for getting yourself set up.

Discover more

Find out more and book your place here

Create your own personalised prospectus here.

To find out more about student life in Durham, follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Getting the most out of a postgraduate online open day

Elias Koenig on October 14, 2024

As a postgraduate student ambassador at Durham University, I’ve had the opportunity to both attend and work during online open day events, and I can say from experience that they are incredibly valuable for anyone considering further studies.

When I was making my own decision about where to pursue my postgraduate degree, what the course looks like, what Durham is like, online open days played a pivotal role in helping me make an informed choice.

How online events helped my decision

Coming from Pakistan and not living in the UK at the time, attending online events was a game-changer.

These sessions provided a platform to engage with faculty, current students, and the recruitment team without the need to be physically present on campus. It felt reassuring to be able to ask questions directly, explore courses in depth, and get a real sense of what Durham University is about. The ability to attend from home gave me the flexibility I needed to make my decision, especially when considering to have a degree from abroad.

There are two particular online events that I remember while deciding whether I would be joining Durham University or not, one was an online one-on-one with the Program Director of my course where I was able to ask in depth questions about my course, the opportunities in the university and out of it and the support all the departments in the university would provide. And the second online event was about Living in Durham, which gave me a pretty much detailed insight of the transport facilities that are available in Durham, the benefits of living in and living out and the student life Durham brings.

What I enjoy about working online events

Working at these events as an ambassador has been equally rewarding. I enjoy helping prospective students get the answers they need to make confident decisions. The enthusiasm and curiosity of those attending are contagious, and I find it fulfilling to share my experiences with others.

Many attendees seem to appreciate the accessibility and the opportunity to ask real-time questions, which is often a significant factor in their decision-making process.

My advice for prospective students

For those of you who are thinking about attending an online open day, here’s some advice from someone who has both attended and worked at them:

Come prepared: Make a list of questions in advance. Whether it’s about your course of interest, funding opportunities, or life in the UK as an international student, having specific queries will help you get the most out of the event.

Engage actively: Don’t hesitate to participate in discussions or ask follow-up questions. The people running these sessions are there to help you, and engaging in real-time can clarify things that might not be immediately obvious from a website or brochure.

Explore beyond academics: Take advantage of sessions focused on student life, accommodations, and support services. These are all important factors in creating a holistic university experience, especially for international students who may be unfamiliar with the local culture.

Take notes: With so much information available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Take notes during the sessions, particularly on key points about your course of interest, deadlines, and available support.

Final thoughts

Postgraduate online open days are more than just information sessions; they provide a glimpse into what your future could look like. Whether you’re attending from the UK or halfway across the world, these events offer a valuable chance to explore your options, get a feel for the community, and make an informed choice.

As someone who was once in your shoes, I highly encourage you to make the most of these opportunities.

Discover more

Find out more and book your place here

Create your own personalised prospectus here.

To find out more about student life in Durham, follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate: my journey at Durham

Elias Koenig on October 2, 2024

From a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree, the journey is full of both difficulties and rewards. One of the main differences that struck me was the higher expectations with academic output. The Master of Science (MSc programme) is more about the acquisition of knowledge; it is also about using the knowledge in real-world problems. Undergraduate studies require the students to take a more structured approach to learning, whereas postgraduate studies are orientated towards promoting critical thinking and practical application, especially in my Business Analytics field.

To begin with, the initial challenge I struggled with was the strictness of the postgraduate course. The workload was alright, but I had to be a lot more independent in learning. It wasn’t only about following instructions, but rather about thinking critically, casting doubts, and seeking new solutions. In particular, the peer-to-peer learning was the part that was the most prominent for me; projects in groups and workshops were central to the study process. When I attended lessons with my classmates, from various backgrounds, the different perspectives made lessons even better.

Standing in the Business School reception

Adapting to a new university and country

Moving from one university to another, let alone one in a different country, was a whole new world for me. When I did my Bachelor’s in India, the complete shift to the UK made me encounter a different type of delivering content to the student, as well as an academic culture that I was not familiar with. The teaching process in the UK is more orientated towards the discussion and research parts. The teachers of Durham are not only experts in their subjects but are also deeply engaged in the research that is ongoing. This is what helps to shape the content and create a dynamic curriculum. They foster a culture of critical interaction among the students – this empowers them to be more inquisitive.

The teaching method at Durham encourages collaboration between students and teachers in such a way that they not only learn in the classroom but also reveal the skills that will be of great help to them outside of the classroom. What they are trying to encourage in students is the learning of a subject without paying too much attention to the scores one gets in exams. As an illustration, I was very surprised when my professor elaborated extensively upon the subject matter that I had submitted and then invited me for a personal meeting.

Apart from education, fitting into life in Durham was a real puzzle to be solved. Different cultural and social conditions, a new town, was not all plain sailing, and it took some time to acclimatise to the rather icy weather and to understand some British social norms. However, even with the cultural mismatch, Durham, with such a thriving local community, made it possible to adapt to the new city. It has really proven to be a student-friendly city in which I have quickly made new friends, thanks to the system of collegiality.

Advice for prospective students

For anyone considering Durham for their postgraduate studies, my advice would be simple: take the leap. Durham is more than just an academic institution; it’s a place that encourages holistic growth. The curriculum is well-balanced, especially in courses like Business Analytics, where technical, business, and strategic aspects are seamlessly integrated. This not only makes you a well-rounded professional but also boosts your employability prospects.

When deciding on a university, it’s important to look beyond rankings and reputation. For me, the sense of community and the academic environment were decisive factors. Durham offers a space where you’re constantly learning – whether from professors, peers, or the vast array of resources available, both online and in the university’s libraries.

If I were to give prospective students one key piece of advice, it would be to be open-minded and embrace the student experience fully. Whether it’s academic discussions or extracurricular activities, Durham offers something for everyone, and there’s enough time for everything if you plan well.

Final thoughts

In summary, transitioning from undergraduate (UG) to postgraduate (PG), especially at a prestigious institution like Durham, has been a transformative experience. The combination of academic rigour, a supportive community, and exposure to diverse perspectives has made my time here invaluable. My goal after completing my Master’s is to return to the workforce, ideally in analytics or retail, with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the business world.

To anyone still on the fence about applying to Durham, I can confidently say that this place has much more to offer than what meets the eye. It’s not just about getting a degree; it’s about making Durham your second home, a place where both your personal and professional growth are nurtured.

In one sentence: “Durham becomes more than just a place to study—it becomes home.”

Discover more

Read about Durham University Business School here.

Read about Postgraduate study at Durham here.

Create your own personalised prospectus here.

To find out more about student life in Durham, follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Behind the mic – The story of The Durham Student podcast

Elias Koenig on September 27, 2024

Hello and welcome back to Discovering Durham University with @thedurhamstudent. I’m your host Crystal and in this blog, I’ll be taking you through how and why our podcast came to life.

Origins of the podcast

For those who may not be aware, @thedurhamstudent is the University’s official student-run marketing team. We’re a group of students who showcase our day-to-day lives at Durham University through Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Blogs, TSR threads and now our podcast platforms.

During one of our brainstorm-heavy team meetings—where we throw around ideas, discuss the University calendar, and review the recent content we’ve put out—a question was posed on how do we answer the questions that seem to repeatedly come up?

Questions like: How does the collegiate system really work? What if I get a college that wasn’t my first or even fifth choice? Will my college define my entire university experience? And [insert the many other questions on colleges]. And of course, the usual questions: What is Durham like? Is the nightlife any good? Will I fit in?

We do touch on these topics in our other content, but a one-minute reel can only convey so much. We realised the necessity for a single platform where we could thoroughly explore these subjects and beyond. Thus, Discovering Durham University with @thedurhamstudent was born.

Purpose of the podcast

Conceptualised to be a comprehensive guide to Durham University, this podcast is designed to answer your most pressing questions and provide in-depth insights into university life, all conveniently accessible in one place – I hope this season has successfully met these objectives. But beyond disseminating information, this podcast seeks to connect, reassure, and inspire. At its core, I believe the very purpose of this podcast ties back to the question of “Will I fit in?”

For many, the transition to university is not just a change in educational setting but a significant life chapter filled with excitement and, yes, a good dose of apprehension. Even though I have just recently graduated, I still remember all those mixed emotions – wondering if I’d chosen the right place and how I’d navigate this new world. So, hosting this podcast in my final year was more than just a capstone project; it was a passion project aimed at soothing the very anxieties I once faced. It was about creating the kind of resource I wished existed when I was a fresher – somewhere to turn for both answers and reassurance.

Ultimately, Discovering Durham University with @thedurhamstudent is about more than just filling you in on the details about university life. It’s about building a bridge from uncertainty to belonging, demonstrating through stories and insights what the Durham Difference truly is…spoiler alert: the Durham Difference is you, the students! So, here’s to discovering yourplace at Durham University and making it your own.

What’s next?

With our debut season released, I can’t help but feel we’re just scratching the surface of what this podcast can achieve. There’s so much more to explore and expand upon, and this season has set a solid foundation. It’s clear we’re poised for significant growth—ready to transform this into a resource that you can turn to time and time again. I’m excited to see where the next podcast coordinator takes it!

So, whether you’re currently poring over your UCAS application, or you’re an alum fondly recalling your college days, this podcast is crafted with you in mind. Grab your headphones, hit play, and let us take you on a journey through Durham University, one episode at a time. Because here at Discovering Durham University with @thedurhamstudent, we’re not just discussing university life; we’re living it and sharing it.

We hope you’ll stay tuned and experience Durham as we see it, learn it, and love it. Here’s to the stories we’ve told and the many more we’re eager to share. The journey continues, and we’re thrilled to have you with us.

You can listen to our podcast on your favourite podcast platform here. Or or you watch on YouTube

Watch the full series here

Follow The Durham Student

You can follow my fellow content creators @thedurhamstudent on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube.

Download our latest prospectus and college guide here.

Starting out at university? Student fairs are here to help!

Elias Koenig on September 24, 2024

Beginning your university studies is an exciting time, but it can sometimes be a little daunting to start out your student life. Fairs are a great way to help you get a sense of all the other parts of your university life away from academia, and at Durham there’s a whole range of fairs on offer, which I’m now going to break down for you into three sections: sports, societies, and jobs & careers.

Sports

Lots of Durham students participate in sports alongside their studies. Whether you are looking to try out a new sport as a beginner or to hone your talents through representing the university, there is something for you.

Durham Students’ Union organises a Sports Fair that takes place during Welcome and Orientation Week (also known as Freshers’ Week) which is free to attend and gives all students an opportunity to see what’s currently on offer and to meet the people running each sports group. This usually takes place at Maiden Castle, a facility which hosts lots of Durham sports so it’s also a great time to visit and see where you might be training! Students can book tickets online through the Durham Students’ Union website to attend the Sports and Activities Fair, and you can also view the range of sports online there by looking at their ‘Groups’ page.

Societies

Durham Students’ Union also runs the Freshers’ Fair in Maiden Castle during the same week (but usually on a different day!), and you can also reserve a free ticket to this fair through their website by searching in their events. This fair is all about the clubs on offer (which is a MASSIVE list visible online via the previously mentioned ‘Groups’ page), including everything from the likes of drama, music, arts, to all kinds of hobbies and interests, to groups representing your academic course, career goals, or personal identity. It’s a great opportunity to go and get inspiration for what you might want to participate in alongside your studies.

If you are as keen as I was when I went to the Freshers’ Fair, then you will probably also end up marking down way too many activities that you have decided you want to try before eventually settling into a routine. This is completely fine as plenty of societies have taster sessions which you can sign up for to discover if it’s a good fit.

It’s also worth remembering that lots of Durham Colleges will organise their own Freshers’ Fair to help you discover what’s on offer there specifically. This will be different from the centralised Freshers’ Fair, so don’t skip it just because you’ve been to others! This will be much smaller and held in your college, and you probably won’t need to reserve a ticket in advance. College Freshers’ Fairs are great because lots of colleges will provide many of the activities that are on offer at centralised clubs, but on a smaller scale, which might be perfect if you’d prefer to be part of a smaller group. It will also give you the opportunity to meet more students from your college, who you will likely be seeing on a regular basis if you are a liver-in! The activities on offer will vary but will likely include both societies and sports, so go and check it out!

Jobs & Careers

Are you looking to get a part-time job at university? Well, there’s a fair for that too! On Wednesday 9^th October 2024 between 1-4pm, this year’s Part Time Jobs, Placements & Volunteering Fair will be taking place. Just head on down to the Teaching & Learning Centre located near to the Bill Bryson Library on the Lower Mountjoy site, you will have the opportunity to talk to your potential employers and see a range of jobs, voluntary roles, and placement opportunities available to students. (You might also want to come and say hi to The Durham Student Team if you see yourself as one of our next Content Creators!)

This is a great way to get some inspiration for jobs, especially those which you might not have even thought of applying to! Taking part in one of these roles can not only help balance your finances whilst you study, but also give you some professional experience that will help boost your CV for when you are job-hunting after graduation.

There are plenty more opportunities throughout the year to help you get career insights which you can find on Durham’s CareersConnect page, including sector-specific events and talks. Check up on this page as their dates are worth getting in your diary.

What do I take to a fair?

The essential thing to take would be either your phone or something else to make notes on. You will probably want to have some record of the groups of particular interest to you so writing down their group names is a must!

Lots of student groups advertise their activities through either Facebook or Instagram (some might use a mailing list), so it’s also worth having these social media apps downloaded so that you can follow along and see what activities are on offer.

Some groups might even have a QR code for you to scan to take you directly to their page, and when you are at the Part Time Jobs, Placements & Volunteering Fair, you might also have QR codes to help you find application portals, so make sure your device is charged up before you go!

Tips for attending fairs

Don’t be afraid to say hi (and don’t be surprised when the people at fairs try and talk to you as well!). These kinds of events involve plenty of meeting people and there will be a lot of enthusiasm from everyone trying to get you to join their group. It’s likely that there will be groups you aren’t interested in, but it’s also an occasion to be open minded about new opportunities.

There is no ‘right’ amount of time to spend at a fair. Some people will have specific interests they want to follow, and some want to look at every group and maybe even circle back around to the start to make sure they didn’t miss anything. Don’t feel like you need to stick with the group you came with the entire time as they might not share all of your passions. Go at your own pace and remember that there are lots of other ways to reach out to the groups that attend these fairs if you have further questions or if you missed out on talking to them in the first place.

Discover more

Read more about the part-time jobs, placements and volunteering careers fair

View the full series of careers weeks and fairs  and explore our dedicated  Careers and Enterprise pages

Read help sheets and articles on networking, preparing for a careers fair, and how to use the LinkedIn alumni tool

Explore further resources on  work experience  and the  placement year

Search for vacancies, career events and book career appointments on our CareersConnect platform

Check out the societies on offer at the Student Union here

Follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Why I chose to study Accounting

Elias Koenig on September 19, 2024

In this blog, I’d like to tell you a little more about my experience studying BSc Accounting at Durham.

When I applied to Durham, I initially enrolled on the BA Accounting and Finance programme. However, I was offered the BSc Accounting programme instead. At this point, I hadn’t looked into the pure Accounting programme, so I was a bit worried as I didn’t know much about the course or the modules. However, after looking into it a bit more, I discovered that this course was more suited to me. The pure Accounting programme offers students the opportunity to become chartered accountants quickly and easily, with some exams offering exemptions, meaning it will take less time to become a qualified accountant after graduation and fewer exams in the future!

About the course

One of the best things about the BSc Accounting course is the number of students within the course. This year, there were about 60 of us. However, the BA Accounting and Finance course has over 200 students. This means that the Accounting programme is much more personal, and all our modules take place in person. This is greatly advantageous because it means it’s easier to have a more personal and accessible relationship with lecturers and allows you to really get to know the people on your course and make some great friends!

The course doesn’t have many contact hours. I usually have about 12 hours a week due to the course being semesterised. This means that we only have three modules in the first term, then exams on those particular modules. The same thing happens in the second term. At first, I wasn’t sure how this would benefit me because all of my friends, studying different courses, didn’t have the same structure. However, the structure of this course is incredibly helpful and much easier in my opinion. Although it means the term is intense with content, you don’t have as many modules to learn at one time, and it means that you can focus on particular modules, and then have the exams whilst the content is still fresh in your mind.

What I enjoyed about the course

Within the Accounting programme, I particularly enjoy the tax modules. I know it seems to many people that this could be quite boring, but it’s so interesting to learn about all the different rules and regulations about what happens with our money. These modules aren’t just something that an accountant needs to know – everyone benefits in learning about what happens with their money and why. The great thing about Accounting modules is that you can apply them to everyday life. It’s not just something you leave in the classroom.

In my first year, I loved the ‘Skills for the Professional Accountant’ module. This programme was very interactive which allowed us a break in between the more stimulating modules. As part of this module, we had to prepare presentations and were given the opportunity to present in front of professional bodies. This gave us great experience for the future. We had to dress smartly and watch everyone else’s presentations (as seen in the photo above). I particularly enjoyed the fact that it isn’t always necessarily about essays and maths equations, but also about having the opportunity to work in groups and learn valuable skills that will benefit us in our future accounting careers.

Why choose this course?

If you choose to join the BSc Accounting programme at Durham, you’ll be able to significantly improve highly-anticipated skills, such as communication and presentation skills, have the opportunity to work with great, supportive professors, and get to delve more into the accounting world. You can also look forward to understanding the broad aspects of Accounting, many of which I didn’t know I’d be learning about. You have the chance to look more into the ethics of accounting, many business modules, law modules, and of course financial modules. It isn’t all just spreadsheets!

Department support

The support I have received so far at Durham from my lecturers has been outstanding – even compared to my friends on other courses. Because of the size of this particular course, it allows you to feel more comfortable with the professors and makes it much easier to be supported in many ways. The Accounting department is a great department to be part of, and I feel very lucky with all the help and support I have received so far and continue to receive throughout each term and within each module.

Extracurricular

There are vast numbers of extracurricular activities you can get involved in while you’re at Durham. These range from College sports and activities, University sports and activities and loads of other opportunities. University is so different from school and college. There may be days when you have no lectures or seminars and have some free time to get stuck into College and University life, along with any independent study. It’s also easy to find a part-time job if that’s what you’re looking for. I worked in a nightclub during my second year and loved every part of it – from socialising to earning some extra money!

I can recommend not only Durham University but also the BSc Accounting programme here. It is an excellent course to further enhance your accounting career, meet amazing people, make excellent connections, and obtain all the skills you will need for your future. I hope you consider furthering your education here at Durham University.

Discover more

Read more here about the course: Accounting – Durham University Business School

Create your own personalised prospectus here

Find out how to visit us here

To find out more about student life in Durham follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Why I chose Durham for my postgraduate studies

Elias Koenig on September 11, 2024

How I found out about Durham

While I was looking for a master’s, a friend of mine did both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Durham University and recommended I study there because he enjoyed it so much. I already knew about the university because of its prestigious academic reputation as a world leading institution so I went ahead and followed his advice. And I’m so glad I did because I ended up finding exactly what I wanted to study: an MA in Environmental Humanities!

What drew me to Durham

Durham is such a picturesque city, it’s a beautiful place to visit so I was really excited at the idea of living there. I was able to get a tour of the city and I really enjoyed how close the campus was to the city centre and to walks in the forest. I really like walking to unwind from work so being close to trails was very important for me.

I liked the fact that it has both a campus with a big library and that classes took place in the city depending on which department you belong to. For example, the Theology department building is right next to the Cathedral!

I also really enjoyed how homely the city felt with its lovely coffee shops, bookshops, and walks along the river.

Beside the city and buildings, I knew that the University had great teaching and resources at hand. The course really fit my expectations with the modules it offered. I also found a professor whose work perfectly aligned with my idea for my dissertation which was really encouraging.

Why I finally choose to study at Durham

The course and the University’s reputation was definitely a big reason for why I chose to study at Durham. I really enjoy interdisciplinary studies and the MA had a really big selection of modules across most Humanities disciplines. I also felt very welcomed by the programme director who helped me with my questions during the application process. I was looking forward to meeting loads of other students from different parts of the university and getting to be taught various subjects.

How I’ve found studying at Durham so far

Although assignments can sometime be very demanding, it has not stopped my time at Durham from being anything less than great. I was able to find a work and life balance which is a priority for my mental health and productivity.

I really enjoyed making the most of what Durham has to offer. From college balls to college sports, to joining the film society and going on hikes with the hiking society and friends or travelling in Scotland – I can’t believe everything that I was able to do during my time here!

I kept being happily surprised by the opportunities made possible by the university, particularly having the chance to join a summer school in Sweden where I met many amazing people across the Humanities!

You never know what great experience is around the corner and that’s what I’ve enjoyed the most with my studies here at Durham.

Discover more

Find out more about postgraguate study here

Create your own personalised prospectus here

Follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

A student guide of things to do in Durham (for all budgets)

Elias Koenig on September 9, 2024

Term 1 – Michaelmas Term (September-December)

Michaelmas is a gorgeous term. Durham in autumn is beautiful, plus there is plenty of excitement from joining new societies, meeting new people, and getting stuck in with new modules. Whilst the weather starts out warm and sunny, winter soon rolls around. So, here’s a list of things to do that are actually realistic for this time of year.

Spending up to £5:

Go to the Freshers’ Fair! It’s a great way to see all the sports and societies on offer here at Durham, and most importantly, lots of them will run free taster sessions within the first few weeks of term!
Go to the Botanic Gardens. They are awesome year-round and free for students, so bring your campus card! Even if you don’t want to walk around, there are plenty of places to stop and sit down. The greenhouse is a great choice for chillier months.
Attend biennial light art experience Lumiere! (Usually in November)

Spending less than £15:

Go see a student play or a student concert, even better if you are supporting your friends. The music and drama scene in Durham is incredibly active so you will always have your pick of shows. I particularly recommend college pantomimes.
Take part in a college formal! Lots of colleges have Christmas formals, which have an amazing atmosphere and is a great way to celebrate with your friends.

Spending more than £15:

Go to a Christmas market – Durham has one and there are plenty nearby to attend.

Term 2 – Epiphany Term (January-March)

Epiphany term is the coldest term, so here are some fun indoors activities for you to get stuck in with.

Spending up to £5:

Go to Palace Green Library. Not only is it fun to have a look around, as you are a student and you have to study, so why not do it somewhere super historical? Being on Palace Green is the epitome of Durham’s academic vibes, and students are welcome to study in this historical building.
Visit the Gala Theatre. The £5 cinema tickets are a bargain to enjoy the silver screen!
Oriental Museum. It’s free to enter, so just pop in to see some amazing artifacts! It’s also super close to the colleges on the Hill (such as Van Mildert, South, Collingwood) so if you are living up there why not pop in?

Spending less than £15:

Hop on a train to Newcastle! You’ll probably need a break from the city (and your summative work) at some point in term, and less than 15 minutes away on the train, Newcastle will offer some variety in scenery, shops, and nightlife.
Go to one of Durham’s gorgeous independent cafés for a drink or cake with your new friends. You can’t go wrong with most of the places in Durham, but they do get very busy around lunchtime so pick your time of day wisely!

Spending more than £15:

Attend one of Durham’s many fashion shows (which happen both in college and university-wide!) – or maybe you are planning in modelling in one anyway!

Term 3 – Easter Term (April-June)

The Racecourse in summer – the place to be!

Easter Term has it all: good weather, the end of year stress from exams to dissertation submissions, and the celebration that follows. Whether it’s revision procrastination or submission jubilation – you’ll want plenty of things to do other than just staring at your notes.

Spending up to £5:

Explore the area: the Bluebell Woods, down by the river, Wharton Park, and Observatory Hill. The green spaces are honestly one of the best parts about Durham! Exploring them is also a great way to take a study break in exam season.
Go see St. Mary’s beautiful trees in bloom!
Visit Durham Cathedral.

Spending less than £15:

Hire a rowboat and row yourself down the river!
Swap out your riverside walk for one by the sea! There are plenty of beaches only a stone’s throw away.

Spending more than £15:

Go to a college ball! In the final term, colleges pull out all the stops on their summer balls – if you fancy a (cheaper) and more chilled out event, college days also happen in this term, offering a relaxed, music-festival vibe.

This list is not exhaustive of all the things on offer in Durham, (and obviously a large chunk of what you will be doing is studying!) but as you can see, there is plenty to do in each term for each budget.

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A freshers guide to packing for university

Elias Koenig on September 6, 2024

If you are looking for some more obscure, but nonetheless handy, items to add to your last-minute pack list for university this year, then you are in just the right place! In this blog, I share some of my holy grail additions that have served me well throughout my time at Durham.

Here is my list of random items (in no particular order!)

Extension lead – This can be useful if you have plug sockets that are in hard-to-reach places, or if you do not have many at all.

Mattress topper – This is a nice investment that can make the beds much more more comfortable.

Coat hangers – You can never have too many of these in the wardrobe.

Laundry basket – Circuit laundry will be made difficult without something to transport your clothes in, especially if you are required to go to a different building to do it. You could also bring a drying rack if you prefer to air dry your clothes.

Shower caddy (particularly for shared bathrooms) – You will likely share a bathroom at some point during your time at university and having a small, transportable bag of essentials can save you a lot of time and effort when heading to the bathroom.

Important Documents – Do not forget to bring things like your ID, passport, and any other crucial documents that you might need during your time away from home. They are super important but can be also, just as easily forgotton about.

A long key chain – This is a random, but I believe useful, suggestion. I liked to have a long, lanyard-style key ring on my university keys to help make them more obvious in my bag or room. You absolutely do not want to be that person losing your keys and having to go to the porter at 3am!

Speaker – If you like listening to music when in the shower, studying or just wish to make yourself popular in the flat, bring a small, portable speaker.

Doorstop – A frehser’s must-have! Using one of these to keep your door propped open from time-to-time will help to get you better acquainted with your housemates.

Tupperware – Batch cooking as a university student is super helpful and rewarding. Coming prepared with a lot of tupperware makes this an easy habit to get into straight away.

Dressing gown/blanket – Do not forget that Durham is in the north-east of England and so, a fluffy dressing gown and a cosy blanket are simply must-haves!

Small mirror – Your room may have a mirror, however, in the case that your mirror is not in the most convenient place, bringing your own small one can save you a lot of hassle.

Ear plugs – University can get loud and sometimes rooms can be near college social areas, so bringing these small sleep-savers could do your future self a massive favour.

Small first aid kit – Having your own first aid kit is a top tip to make sure that you are prepared for any flu or illness that might catch up with you at university.

Fancy dress – Durham loves its fancy dress! Whether it is for a formal, social or a friend’s party, you will encounter a themed event during your time at university. If you have any bits already at home, then it is worth adding them to the suitcase, they will serve you well at Durham.

Cards or games – Another fun item that will make you a flat-favourite.

Hot water bottle – Did I mention that Durham can get cold in the winter?

Reed diffusers – usually college accommodations do not allow lighting candles but, using a reed diffuser is a great alternative which still leaves your room smelling sweet and feeling homely. I always got compliments about how nice my room smelt in first year and it was all thanks to a cheap reed diffuser form Tesco!

There are a lot more items that you could bring to make your accommodation feel more homely, but those are some of my favourites. Make sure you do not forget about the essentials though, you will still need bedding, toiletries, and clothes a little more than a doorstop, even if they are both useful to have!

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