Durham University

Students sitting outside a Durham University campus building
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Durham University

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Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research based in a beautiful city with a World Heritage site.

Founded in 1832, it is a Collegiate University committed to providing students with an outstanding education, and with exceptional support and opportunities. 

Durham academics conduct transformative research that improves lives globally and the University is ranked as a world top 100 university with an international reputation in research and education (QS World University Rankings 2025).

Durham is consistently ranked as a top 10 university in national league tables (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, Guardian University Guide and The Complete University Guide).

Professor Karen O'Brien

Professor Karen O'Brien
Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Durham University
Professor Karen O'Brien joined Durham University as Vice-Chancellor and Warden in January 2022.
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Impact

Community impact
Access & participation
Research
Durham University

The Bishop Big Dig: building strong places and communities in County Durham

The Bishop Big Dig used innovative archaeology ‘intervention’ to restore people’s mental health and sense of belonging

Community impact
,
Economy
,
Student experience
Access & participation
Education
Durham University

Durham Learning Alliance: giving people the skills they need to get on in life

Durham University and four County Durham colleges are working together to expand education opportunities and drive economic growth in North East England.

Research collaboration
Innovation
Durham University
Newcastle University
University of York

Northern Accelerator: boosting the north east economy

Northern Accelerator is an innovative collaboration between Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland, Teesside and York universities to commercialise research and boost the region’s economy.