Durham University
Live like Harry Potter at Hogwarts at Durham University for an authentic British school experience!
Durham has a collegiate style system (think Hogwarts houses, for example) that has kept many of the old traditions alive, including high ranking academic programs. Located in the northeast of England, Durham was a leading centre for medieval scholarship and is the third oldest university in England. This rich historical heritage continues to this day as the university is housed within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Durham is known for top-ranked programs in Religious Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geography, and Classics & Ancient History.
Key information
Application information
Student experience
Click the image above to read the blogs that UCalgary student Heather wrote about her year at Durham!
UK & Ireland Info Session
Program details
Areas of Study:
Anthropology, archaeology, biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, computer science, criminology, earth science, economics, engineering (aeronautical, civil, electrical, mechanical, renewable energy), geography, international relations, math, music, natural science, philosophy, physics, politics, psychology, religious studies, sociology, sport (exercise & physical activity), theology and more.
Languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek & Roman Studies (Classics), Italian, Russian,Spanish,
Restriction: While Durham does offer courses in Finance, Management and Marketing, Haskayne students must speak with an academic advisor to ensure course transferability before selecting this partner.
NEW Update - Students will no longer be able to take English and History courses at Durham.
Course Information:
All courses at Durham are full year courses. Students must take 120 UK credit points per year. Most courses at Durham are worth 20 UK credit points. 1 UCalgary half course equivalent = 12 UK credit points. A list of courses (called "modules") can be found online. Please read the guidance notes.
The academic year at Durham starts in early October and ends in June. The University operates a term system with three terms (Michaelmas, Epiphany, and Easter) in one academic year. Terms last between 9-11 weeks each. All Durham undergraduate modules are full-year modules and run from October to June, ending with exams in May/June.
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Cost
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
Durham has a cost of living page with general budgeting estimates.
Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations, etc. in your budget planning.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your University of Calgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree seeking student at the UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
All students at Durham are members of a "college" (a residential community providing activities for study, sports, the arts, socializing, etc.) and Durham students live in their college for at least one year of their studies. A key feature of Durham's "college life" is that each student is allocated a college tutor, who will take a personal interest in your academic progress and personal welfare. Exchange students are guaranteed a place in one of Durham's 16 colleges if students apply before the deadline. Most of Durham's colleges provide both accommodation and meals.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the University of Calgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).
Durham University only accepts full-year exchange students. Single-semester exchanges are not available.
Students apply to UCalgary first, then we nominate accepted students who have met the minimum requirements to our partners. Once you have been nominated to Durham, you will then apply directly to their exchange program.
Students travelling on passports from countries that don't have English as a first language must prove their English proficiency. For more information about Durham's English requirements click here.
Learn more about studying abroad at the Durham University in this Info Session from UCalgary.
Durham has a disability support office.
The UK has laws protecting LGBT people from discrimination and is a marriage equality country.
What's so special about Durham? Durham Cathedral, where the matriculation (induction) ceremony is held every fall, is one of the filming locations from Harry Potter!
Have questions?
The advisor for the program is: Sydney Guthrie
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.