day in life student – 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.

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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.

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How to get productive for the new academic year

Elias Koenig on October 7, 2024

If you find yourself clicking on (or hovering over) this blog, then you are already taking a positive step towards getting productive for the new academic year – so go you! September has officially begun and it’s that time again when the panic about how to motivate yourself to start the new academic year in a good way rises. In this blog, I want to share a few tips that have previously helped me to start the new year positively over my past 3 years studying at Durham.

Don’t neglect the academic diary!

Whether you prefer a paper book or an online version, academic diaries can be so helpful when it comes to organising and structuring your, likely very-busy, student schedule. I like to designate some time on a Sunday to pencil in the week’s commitments and colour code them. This makes it easy for me to stay on top of my priorities and visually see what I have going on each day. I personally like to do it on a Sunday because it means that I can start my week off more productively as a result.

Have a daily to-do-list

I always spend around 15 minutes in the morning writing out my to-do-list for the day and carrying out a somewhat ‘easier’ task first, one that doesn’t take too long to complete. This means that I can get something ticked off my list right away and the satisfaction of doing that is really rewarding.

Keep on top of cleaning

Cleaning my student accommodation is definitely my least favourite thing to do, but when you move out, keeping on top of cleaning is essential. A clear space equals a clear mind, which that is vital before you can even begin to think about being productive in other ways. As much as we are all guilty of letting mess fester over time before we are given no choice but to deal with it, designating slots each week to stay ahead of the game can be much better for your overall productivity.

Eat a balanced diet and meal prep (if you can)

Balancing your diet with nutritious meals will help you with your productivity. If you do have any extra time at the start of the week, I would recommend preparing some of your dinners in advance. In this way, you have one less thing to worry about on an evening and it also allows you to stay fuelled up for your studying! A win-win.

Give time to your hobbies and self care

As important as your studies are, your mental health and overall wellbeing should always be your top priority. Hobbies, self-care and sports are just some ways to look after yourself so that you can, in turn, look after your studies. Try to make time for those extra-curricular things that are important to you, rather than seeing them as a hinderance to your studies. A healthy balance can make you feel more energised and lead you to working better in the long run.

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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.

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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.

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Coping with culture shock on your year abroad

Elias Koenig on September 9, 2024

I am currently a third year Durham languages student and as part of my degree, I am in Italy for 8 months working as an English Language Assistant (ELA). During my time abroad, I have constantly found myself in disbelief at how lucky I am to be living out such a fantastic opportunity – one that without Durham would not have been possible for me to do.

Many of us year abroad students have been guilty, at some stage, of thinking that this year would be a walk in the park. However, in this blog I want to be realistic about some of the challenges that a student may face on this difficult, but rewarding, adventure.

Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.

After studying Italian for 2 years, I naively thought that I would be familiar enough with the culture to settle in without any problems. I soon found out, however, that culture shock is a very real thing. Learning a culture through living it is an experience that cannot be learnt from the textbooks. From discovering that supermarkets here in Naples have their own (slightly chaotic) etiquette that is so far removed from what we have in England, to discovering that there are innumerable rules to know when it comes to ordering a coffee (the most important being that a cappuccino should never be ordered after 11am!), I certainly had to take a couple of weeks to adjust to this new way of life.

So here are some of my top tips, for anyone embarking on their year abroad, on surviving and thriving when the culture shock hits.

Keep an open mind

In my opinion, the worst thing that you can do is move abroad and not be willing to try to learn and embrace the new culture. You must accept the differences and be open to learning from them to truly make the most of the year abroad.

Say YES!

Keeping positive and saying yes to as much as possible will help you to get a real feel for the local culture. Sometimes different things can be scary but trying them out is not usually a bad thing. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from gaining valuable experiences abroad! The more of it you experience, the quicker the shock will fade.

Communicate

Contact with locals and native speakers is a vital way to see the culture through the eyes of someone who is directly connected to it, which can then help you to come to terms with that new style of living. Whether this be through housemates, Erasmus friends or simply just talking to the shop assistants! Make the most out of the mundane activities. Everything you do on your year abroad is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Stay in touch with your close ones from home

Whilst it is important to embrace the new culture of your host country, remember to keep loved ones close so that you don’t feel too alone or isolated. Immersion is important, but so is keeping in contact with those people from home who make you feel at ease.

Don’t be too hard on yourself or put pressure on yourself too quickly

This is something I certainly did. I tried to do too much too quickly and when things were not as I expected, or I was not settling into life by the end of my first week, I felt down and disappointed in myself about it. For example, my first trip to the supermarket was a total disaster! I spent 30 minutes trying to cross a zebra crossing, confused as to why no cars were stopping for me. Then I panicked that I could not find anything on the shelves, that everyone was pushing around and there seemed to be no order. I ended up abandoning my shop and calling it a day. Though, I tell myself the most important thing is that I went back the next day, and the following week and the one after that. Now, it’s something I laugh about. I can’t believe it was ever such a big deal to cross a road and buy some milk.

Culture shock on your year abroad is hard, at first it hits all at once, but over time it does get easier. Things feel natural the more we do them and if we avoid them, they will always seem like a challenge. That is not something you want for you’re your year abroad. So, helping yourself to overcome culture shock, by being prepared, can benefit you in the long run. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, yet also allowing yourself the time to build up the confidence to do so, is key!

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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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From campus tours to online Q&A’s, my journey as a university ambassador

Elias Koenig on September 6, 2024

Starting postgraduate studies can feel like diving into the unknown. I still remember the nerves I had when I first began, which is why I eagerly jumped at the opportunity to become a university ambassador. I wanted to help others navigate this transition and find their footing.

Being an ambassador has been an incredible experience. It’s allowed me to connect with potential students, whether I’m guiding them around campus, sharing what life at Durham is really like during open days, or answering their burning questions in online Q&A sessions.

Exploring the city, campus, and colleges

One of the best parts of being an ambassador is leading tours during open days. I get to show off the city, the campus, and the colleges—essentially all the places that make studying here such a unique experience.

Interestingly, I’ve also used this role as an opportunity to explore the city more myself. Leading these tours has taught me more than I ever expected—I’ve learned fascinating details about the history of buildings and the stories behind various landmarks. It’s a win-win for everyone, as we all get to uncover more of what makes this beautiful, historic city so special.

Connecting through online Q&A sessions

Not everyone can make it to campus, especially those who are halfway across the world or balancing a full-time job. That’s where online Q&A sessions come in.

These are some of my favourite events to host because they allow me to connect with students in a more personal way. It’s like having a friendly chat—students can ask anything on their minds, from how the course is structured to what it’s really like living away from home. We cover from academic side of things, like what the workload is actually like, to the practical stuff, like finding accommodation and getting involved in campus life.

Other opportunities

I’ve also had the chance to take on various other interesting roles, such as:

Open Days and Post-offer Visit Days: Presenting, guiding, staffing stands—basically, anything that helps showcase what our university has to offer.
Recruitment Events: Assisting in key moments like Confirmation and Clearing.

Balancing study with part time work

This is a casual job, so I can sign up for events whenever I have the time, and I can skip them when I’m too busy. There’s no pressure, just the flexibility to get involved when it suits me.

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A day in the life of an MA Education student at Durham

Elias Koenig on September 5, 2024

As I live in Newcastle, and commute to the university, I wake up a bit earlier than the rest of my classmates. I don’t mind the commute, as the walk from Durham Railway Station to the School of Education is beautiful, and it helps me get my steps in! In the early hours, when the city is still fairly empty, I really appreciate Durham’s beauty, and how lucky I am. I’ll make sure to pack a tea or coffee with me, to keep me warm on my walk. Sometimes I review my seminar notes on the train, just to feel extra prepared.

Morning: Lecture and study time

My first class of the day is a lecture for my core module, Design and Methods in Education. This module has really given me the confidence to prepare me for my dissertation, as all the examples and practices we speak about are highly relevant. It also helped me brushed up on some of my research design skills, that I haven’t used as much since my undergrad.

Once the lecture is over, I either see if there are any empty classrooms in the School of Education where I could work, or head to the Teaching & Learning Centre just across the road. I really like studying up on the top floor in the individual study pods… plus the hot water tap is another bonus. I’ll either do the seminar reading in preparation for my next class, or work on any assignments coming up.

Sometimes my friends and I stick together after the lecture and have a group study session. It’s always nice to speak to other people about the work you’re doing and share progress. Likewise, our lecturer is always happy to take any questions after the session, so it’s a nice opportunity to have a smaller group of people speaking to him.

Afternoon: Lunch and stroll

Once I met my goals and feel happy with the progress I made, I pack up my things. Depending on how I’m feeling, I sometimes get lunch from Zing Kitchen, located in the Teaching & Learning Centre. They serve hot meals, with some of the best jacket potatoes I’ve ever had. I also love the mac and cheese from there.

After lunch I’ll slowly head back to the station, but I often enjoy taking a longer route along the River Wear to clear my mind and disconnect. I find that after looking at a screen for too long, my brain gets fuzzy, so taking a moment to just enjoy the surrounding really helps.

Evening: Home and logging out

As I live in Newcastle, I will head back home around 4/5pm to unwind for the day and prepare myself for the next. I check my calendar to see what classes I may have the following day and make sure I have the right books ready to go. I prefer doing everything the night before and having more time to sleep in. I’ll open my laptop again to see if there are any emails/notifications, before logging out of “school mode” for the evening. I love cooking with my sister and just chatting to her about my day, what I did at uni, and how her day was.

I am very lucky, as Durham University allowed me to transfer half of my module credits from my PGCE towards my MA. Therefore, I don’t have to redo the credits that I completed last year. It definitely helps with the workload, and it allows me to work as a supply-teacher part-time. Regardless of this, the flexibility of the MA program lets me manage my time effectively, and I’m able to balance both my studies and personal life.

Final thoughts

I would suggest you definitely get into a routine and try to stick to it. It is so rewarding seeing the progress you make into your studies, but like they say, nothing good comes too easy! Make sure you follow your schedule, connect with your peers and teachers, and most of all, enjoy it all!

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A day in the life of a philosophy and theology student

Elias Koenig on July 24, 2024

If you’re reading this, then it’s possible that you’re considering studying Philosophy and Theology at Durham! I hope that this ‘day in the life’ can help paint a picture of what your life could look like this time next year!

A typical day

On a normal day, I would have around 2-3 ‘contact’ hours (whereby I attend in-person lectures and seminars). Thus, my day begins with a Picnic Basket coffee (the absolute best coffee place, in my humble opinion), and a scenic walk either through the city centre or along the river to my classes.

Doing a joint honours degree means that your time will be split across two departments. This allows you to become well acquainted with lots of beautiful study spaces in Durham. For me, most of my theology classes take place around Palace Green, whereas my philosophy classes will occur around Elvet Riverside. It is wonderful to be able to experience so many facets of the teaching in Durham as a result of being split across departments.

After completing my in-person teaching for the day, I will use the rest of my day to plough through my to-do list – the contents of which vary. It usually entails some seminar preparation for the rest of the week (reading and preparing questions), as well as getting ahead of any formative/summative essays! This could involve reading, planning, or drafting, depending on where I’m at! My favourite place to carry out these tasks is the Student Union building on New Elvet. It’s a wonderfully relaxed environment, which best facilitates productivity for me the environment encourages collaborative work which is perfect for discussing ideas.

Tailoring your degree to you

You will notice that much of this ‘day in the life’ is somewhat vague insofar as the logistics of the course are concerned. This is because a joint honours degree will look different for everybody! I have chosen modules which focus heavily on the intersection between philosophy and theology, with a specific focus on ethical studies. Many of my peers have opted for modules which instead focus on the more sociological elements of religion. Some people prefer the more hypothetical metaphysics. The modules you choose will ultimately shape the experiences you have in the department – this is absolutely my favourite thing about studying this degree. My experience is totally unique to me, just as yours will be to you.

Evenings as a philosophy and theology student

Being given the opportunity for independent work during the daytime means that it is incredibly feasible to keep evenings totally free from work! I love to use my evenings to see friends, visit the theatre in Newcastle, cook yummy food, engage in various societies, and speak to my family and friends on FaceTime. Having my evenings free is super important to me, and I love that the flexibility of my degree allows this!

Concluding

There you have it! A typical day in my life as a philosophy and theology student here at Durham. I hope that this little insight painted a clear picture for you – a picture of pretty study spots, interesting lectures, and lots of flexibility!

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