durhamuni – Postgraduate Digital Prospectus

Why I chose to study MA in Classics?

Elias Koenig on October 16, 2024

Years of studying at a classical lyceum shaped my love for antiquity and guided me towards a degree in Classics. As the end of my Bachelor’s at Royal Holloway approached, so did the deadlines for applying to Master’s programmes. Pursuing a joint honours degree in Classics and Modern Languages perfectly combined my interest in both languages and the classical world, and I wasn’t ready to leave academia just yet – was I ever going to be?

Extensive research into Master’s programmes at universities across the UK led me to Durham, as I found the right supervision for my area of interest. I already knew what I wanted to research, which certainly made my decision to commit to a Master’s programme easier and helped me navigate the process of choosing the right university. Of course, Durham’s reputation played a role in my decision to consider the university, but it was the department’s research that ultimately made my choice clear.

Now, as a second year PhD student, I cannot imagine choosing a different place. The outstanding professionalism, friendliness, and warm community of the Classics department led to my inevitable desire to continue my research – and what better place than the one I was already in?

Classics as a gateway to various career opportunities

The question that every Classics student hears, whether from a friend, relative, or stranger, once in a while is: “But what are you going to do with a Classics degree?” As annoying as that question might be, it is also a good opportunity to raise awareness of the usefulness of a Classics degree, because the options are endless. The analytical and linguistic skills gained from studying ancient texts are highly valued in many fields, making the degree more versatile than some might expect. These are transferable skills that go beyond academia, benefiting any career path.

Not convinced yet?

Choosing a degree is a really important decision, however, not the end of the world. It is not necessary to have a background in Classical studies to decide to pursue a degree in Classics. For example, I have friends from various humanities backgrounds who are drawn to the profound wisdom that antiquity offers.

Attending Open Days

Certainly, it might be very helpful to attend an Open Day at the university, where both professors and students from the department can share their perspectives and experiences, and also answer all the questions. In the end, the warm hospitality of everyone, and the inspiring atmosphere at Bailey’s amazingly situated department, will undoubtedly convince you to join Classics!

Discover more

Find out about the MA in Classics at Durham University here.

Find out more about postgraduate study here.

Find out how to visit us here.

Follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

From undergrad to postgrad: Why I stayed at Durham

Elias Koenig on October 16, 2024

Choosing to stay at Durham for my postgraduate (PGT) studies after completing my undergraduate (UG) degree was one of the best decisions I made. Having spent years at Durham, it felt like a natural choice to continue my academic journey in a place that had become my second home. The sense of community, beautiful surroundings, and strong academic support were huge factors, but the real reason was that I wasn’t done growing here. My undergrad years gave me a solid foundation, but I wanted to dive deeper into my field, and Durham’s postgraduate programmes were the perfect fit for that.

Durham had already given me so much during my undergraduate years. I had built strong relationships with professors and peers, and continuing that momentum was appealing. Staying here meant I could access the same fantastic support network, but with the added opportunity to specialise and explore my passions more fully.

The transition

The transition from undergrad to postgrad wasn’t without its challenges, but it was an exciting one. Postgrad life is more independent and self-directed, with a strong focus on research. As an undergrad, the structure was clear, with lectures, assignments, and tutorials guiding me. But postgrad? It’s all about taking charge of your own learning, diving into topics you truly care about. That sense of freedom made the experience incredibly rewarding.

One of the biggest changes was the academic expectations. While undergrad studies covered broad areas, postgrad allowed me to specialize and focus on what mattered most to me. This freedom meant I had to manage my time and workload more effectively, but the professors at Durham were incredibly supportive. They expect a lot from you, but they’re always there to help you meet those expectations.

Postgrad life also brought new experiences. I interacted with students from all over the world, each bringing unique academic and cultural perspectives. This diversity made seminar discussions richer and opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. It’s been a fantastic learning experience that goes beyond just academics.

Go for it!

If you’re thinking of applying to Durham for postgrad, my advice is simple: go for it! The transition might feel like a big step, but you’ll be supported every step of the way. Be ready to take more control over your learning, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professors – they are genuinely invested in your success and will help you with the transition.

Open days, research, and current students

To make sure Durham was the right choice for me, I attended open days and spoke with current students. I also did my own research into course structures, which gave me a good sense of what to expect. Durham’s reputation for academic excellence, combined with the friendly campus atmosphere, made my decision an easy one.

In the end, staying at Durham wasn’t just about comfort – it was about continuing to evolve, both academically and personally. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to push your boundaries, and the opportunities for growth are endless. If you’re on the fence, go for it – you’ll be glad you did!

Discover more

Find out more about postgraduate study here.

Chat with a student ambassador 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

From undergraduate to postgraduate at Durham

Elias Koenig on October 10, 2024

What interested you in your chosen PG course?

The main thing was the opportunity it would give me to develop my understanding on topics covered on the undergraduate course in more depth. Themes such as gender, violence and abuse and social justice, communities, and civil society were of particular interest to me. I also loved living and studying in Durham so the decision to continue on here for postgrad made perfect sense.

Why did you decide to stay at Durham for your continued study?

I built a strong social network here throughout my undergraduate studies and I was keen to carry on being a part of those. In particular, I played rugby for my college women’s team and was keen to try out playing for the university so staying on for postgrad also gave me the opportunity to do that. Durham is such a unique place to be able to study and live and I was really keen therefore to spend another year living there.

Staying on for postgrad gave me the opportunity to significantly develop my skills and throw myself into also playing for the university, alongside my college. It was an amazing opportunity, and I met some incredibly people through the process which I am very grateful for. Rugby gave me an outlet for my studies, which were at times very stressful, and I had a lot of fun being a part of the 2XV.

I also worked at my college bar at undergrad so when I continued on for postgrad I was able to apply to be a bar supervisor which gave me more responsibility in my role.

Practical benefits

The main practical benefits were having an understanding already of the university, where all the facilities were, how to navigate the online portals such as Blackboard, already knowing some of the tutors on my course, and some of my peers on my course too. The housing market is also a big one and it was useful to have inside knowledge on estate agents and the areas of Durham to make getting accommodation an easier process.

I knew a couple people from the undergraduate course on Criminology who stayed for the postgraduate course. I think it was similar reasons to me, wanting to develop their learning and understanding on the issues and topic covered. Also to further their own academic and personal development with more independent study, another opportunity to carry out a dissertation on an area they are interested in and gain valuable critical and analytical skills in the process.

What do you believe were the benefits of staying at Durham, rather than moving to another city, for your PG study?

I’d say it’s just a lot simpler than moving elsewhere and starting again. You usually already have a peer group here, you understand how the university operates, you might have a job here or be part of a sports team, you know about housing and where you want to live, you have your favourite bars and restaurants. If you’re happy living in Durham I think it’s a privilege to be able to stay on for another year to complete your postgraduate studies.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

I’m planning on going travelling in February 2025 so a month after graduation for about 4 months. I’m then keen to pursue a role in policy in the civil service, hopefully in London.

Discover more

Find out more about the alumni fee discount 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 I chose an MSc in Developmental Psychopathology

Elias Koenig on September 30, 2024

Hi all! I wanted to share about why I decided to study Developmental Psychopathology at Durham University. If you’re curious about what it’s like, here’s my story – and spoiler alert: it’s been amazing!

What drew me to this programme, and why Durham

I’ve always been curious by how our minds develop. That’s why I decided to study Developmental Psychopathology. It’s the perfect blend of what I’m passionate about – understanding mental health and how early experiences can shape us.

Durham caught my eye for a couple of reasons. First off, it’s one of the top-ranked universities, and the Psychology department has a good reputation. I wanted to study somewhere that’s known for being strong academically, and Durham didn’t disappoint.

Not to mention that Durham as a city is very charming! It’s small, historic, and absolutely beautiful. I’m not a “big city” kind of person, so the calm, cosy vibe of Durham was ideal for me. And even though it’s small, it’s close to bigger cities like Newcastle and Leeds, which is perfect when you need a change of scenery or a weekend escape.

Taken whilst rowing with friends along the riverside in Durham in the summer.

Colleges

And the college system here? It’s such a great way to make friends, and a place where you can dive into your interests, with loads of great facilities to support you – it’s like a close community.

From undergrad to postgrad: my journey so far

Before Durham, I did my undergraduate degree in Psychology at another UK university. My previous university and Durham have a pretty similar in vibe – they’re both small, friendly cities with beautiful surroundings. The transition to Durham worked for me.

I’ve always known I wanted to become a psychologist, and going for a postgraduate degree was the next step toward that goal. Plus, in today’s competitive job market, having a postgraduate qualification definitely gives you an edge. I wanted to deepen my knowledge and skills, especially in the areas of mental health and development, so here I am!

What I hope to achieve

What am I hoping to get out of this programme? A lot, honestly. I’m really excited to learn more about how people develop, both in typical and atypical ways. This year has been full of learning – everything from theory to research – and I’m definitely feeling more confident in my skills.

After I graduate, I’d love to move into a more practical, clinical role. I want to take all this knowledge and apply it to help people, especially children and adolescents, navigate developmental challenges. This programme is giving me the foundation I need to make that happen, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

So, that’s a bit about my journey so far at Durham. It’s been such a great experience academically, but also personally. It’s a place that’s not just shaping my career but also my life. If you’re considering Durham, I’d definitely recommend it!

And a fun fact about the photo of Durham Cathedral (at top of blog) taken at sunset – This is one of the spots where Harry Potter was filmed, so don’t be surprised if you see people waving wands and striking wizard poses inside!

Discover more

Read about the MSc in Developmental Psychopathology here.

Read about Durham’s department of Psychology here.

Create your own personalised prospectus here

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

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

How Student Community Consultancy (SCC) connects students and businesses

Elias Koenig on September 18, 2024

Let’s face it – Durham is populated by students. It’s hard – maybe even impossible – to walk down the street without seeing about five different people you know within the space of five minutes. Yet, you might have also found that businesses often miss the mark when it comes to understanding what we, the students, really want…

Enter Student Community Consultancy (SCC), the student-run solution aimed at bridging that gap. Founded just last year at Durham University, SCC is all about using data-driven consulting to help businesses connect with students in a way that’s meaningful, authentic, and, most importantly, effective.

So, what is SCC?

We kicked things off in 2023 right here in Durham. Durham University is more than just a place to study; it’s a hub of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. One of the things I love most about being a student here is the culture that encourages us to think big and take risks, which was one of the key motivators to put the idea of SCC into action. For us, this supportive environment was key in helping launch the Student Community Consultancy (SCC). From connecting with like-minded peers, Durham has been instrumental in getting SCC off the ground.

Since then, we’ve been all about using data to help businesses figure out what students really care about. We are a data-driven consultancy that aims to bridge the gap between the student mind and the businesses in university towns. Think of us as the go-between for students and businesses. We’re not just guessing what students might like; we’re actually collecting data from you directly to back it up, so businesses can have the insight of the student voice.

How do we do it?

You’ve probably seen us around campus – maybe outside the TLC or Billy B – asking you to fill out a quick survey. That’s us, the “sweet people” (literally – we bribe you with candy!) But those surveys? They’re not just busywork. The data we collect from them is super valuable because it helps us track what students are thinking over time. We update it four times a year, and when we come back in September 2024, there’s more than just sweets to look forward to. There’s a raffle for £100 cash prizes, free clubbing tickets, and of course, sweets! We can’t lose our trademark!

We dive into the “why” behind the collected data by asking more open-ended questions and even having one-on-one chats with students. This way, we can really get into the details of what drives our decisions and opinions – stuff that quantitative surveys might miss.

As we are a non-profit, we also give money to local charities, currently partnering with local food banks and homelessness shelters so that we can give back to the Durham community as much as possible.

What’s in it for you (and us)?

When businesses understand us better, they can create products, services, and experiences that actually appeal to us students. And honestly, that benefits all of us. We work with businesses over a 12-week period to help them get their strategy right. Durham is a small place, so we believe it is imperative that businesses target the students correctly!

Who’s behind the scenes?

SCC is run by students for students – students studying a range of courses from Theology to Accounting to Politics. We’ve got a whole squad working on different things. Some of us focus on client projects, others handle social media (so give us a follow if you haven’t already!), and we’ve got teams managing the legal and financial administration to keep everything running smoothly. SCC is pretty rewarding because we’re all learning and growing together while also making a real impact.

What’s next for SCC?

We’re just getting started. In addition to being founded in Durham, by September 2024, just in time for Freshers’ Week, we are expanding to St Andrews and Exeter to ensure we can create this impact all over the UK and Scotland. But no matter where we go, our mission stays the same: making sure businesses understand what students want, based on real data and real conversations.

It would mean so much to us if you gave us a follow on Instagram – not only does it benefit us, but it benefits you as you can stay in the loop of all upcoming events and survey collections!

So, if you feel like you know, or have, a business that would benefit from us, or you’re ever curious about what we’re up to, or simply just want to get involved, just reach out! We’re all about bridging that gap between the student world and the business world.

Discover more

Find us on LinkedIn: Durham Student Community Consultancy | LinkedIn

You can find out more about student societies at Durham here

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.

Discover more

Download our latest prospectus and college guide here.

Follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

From clearing to Law with a foundation year

Elias Koenig on July 3, 2024

My first year at Durham University has been filled with making memories, support and overall a very positive experience. I applied through clearing after there was a mistake with my initial results and the support at the university was incredible and welcoming: I made the right decision coming to this university.

I was initially disappointed about not going straight into first year of law at Durham but the foundation year has been amazing where I have made great friends, learnt a lot about myself and what I want to get out of my degree and best of all the foundation programme gave me the opportunity to travel to the Czech Republic as part of the course to partake in a poster conference to present my research: a unique opportunity that has been a highlight of the year. All the staff around campus have been supportive with them genuinely wanting the best for you at university, if you ever need advice or guidance about anything minor or major there is always someone available.

Coming from a small mining town I was curious as to what student life at Durham would be like and during the year there have been many opportunities to get involved within the university from college fashion shows, sports, volunteering, and college balls or celebration days making it a great atmosphere.

I participate in three Team Durham sports, five societies, and also I’m a student ambassador. I hope to get more involved in volunteering and I am going on an internship to Fiji supplied by the university next summer! One of my favourite things about the university is how it feels like a community and you can walk into the city centre and be bound to see a few familiar faces in Tesco or queuing for Flat White Kitchen. There are some traditional Durham Uni things like the purple quarter zips, the DU nicknames and the collegiate settings that I miss when going home. Honestly, I could not recommend this university enough, it is not just about getting a degree at the end of it here but about making lifelong friendships and accomplishments. My only wish was that the first year had not gone by so quick!

Discover more

Follow The Durham Student on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to see whatstudent life is like at Durham.

Create your own personalised prospectus here