The University was founded in 1832, and developed in Durham and Newcastle until 1963, when the independent University of Newcastle upon Tyne came into being. The University is collegiate and is located in the city of Durham and the nearby town of Stockton-on-Tees. The colleges are not teaching bodies, nor are they purely residential - typically they provide a centre for students' sporting, social and residential activities.
The University's, Queen's Campus, Stockton opened in 1992. Over 2,000 full-time students are now studying in purpose-built accommodation 23 miles south of Durham, on the banks of the river Tees.
Durham University is a world-class university in two locations: in the city of Durham and at our Queen's Campus in Stockton. In both locations the University is engaged in:
high-quality teaching and learning ,advanced research and partnership with business ,regional and community partnerships and initiatives ,services for conferences, events and visitor accommodation.
The University is collegiate, with colleges providing residential, social and welfare facilities for their student members, and creating a sense of community for staff and students together. Its academic teaching and research programmes are delivered through departments contained within three faculties: Arts and Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences and Health.
Durham Castle , the home of University College, dates from Norman times and has been placed, along with the Cathedral , on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The University's Botanic Garden , Oriental Museum and the Museum of Archaeology are open to the public and well worth a visit.
The Colleges are busy throughout the vacations with conferences , special interest holidays and bed and breakfast guests.
Durham has always been one of the top sporting universitiies. We are one of the UK's top six sporting universities, with an excellent record in the British Universities (BUSA) competitions, winning over 170 titles since 1964. In 2004 we were BUSA champions in cricket, rowing and rugby union. Find out more about sport at Durham University .
The staff and students of the University also participate in a wide programme of events, including lectures, concerts (many in association with Musicon ) plays, exhibitions and visits. Many public events are listed in the News and Events service section.