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Frequently Asked Questions

Online Information Session

Join us for an online information session for prospective postgraduate students on Wednesday 3 July 2013, 15:00-17.00 GMT when staff will be on hand to answer your questions about admissions.

Find out more


When does the programme start?

The full time programme commences in October every year. There are no other start dates.

Where do I send my application and documents?

Applications should be made using the online application form.
Any supporting documents that cannot be uploaded should be sent to:

Postgraduate Admissions Office, Durham University Business School,
Durham University
Ushaw College
Durham DH7 9RH, UK
Fax: +44 (0)191 334 5188.

How do I pay the application fee?

Once we receive your application, you will be sent an email asking you to pay the £50 application fee which is required in order to progress your application. You will be directed to a webpage where you can verify your details and make the payment online using a debit or credit card. Once we have confirmation that your application fee has been paid, we will be able to progress your application. If you do not pay the application fee your application will be automatically withdrawn.

What documentation do I need to supply along with my application form?

We require two academic references from you (i.e. from your University lecturers). Please note that work references are only accepted from applicants who have been out of education for more than 5 years. We also require an official transcript of marks obtained on your degree/s and if possible, an official copy of your degree certificate. If you have taken an IELTS or TOEFL test then please include an official copy of the certificate. We do not require personal statements or CVs (provided that the application is completed fully).

Will the Admissions Office contact the referees listed on my application form to request their reference?

We are unable to contact referees on behalf of individual applicants to request references. We are happy to receive references in the following ways:

  • If your referees are happy for you to view the reference they have provided, you can upload them with all other required supporting documents to your online application form. Alternatively, you can send us a copy via email to us at the appropriate programme email.
  • Referees can email us directly with their reference, to the appropriate programme email. Please note that referees must email us from a work email address and not a personal email address.
  • References can also be posted to us at the following address; Postgraduate Admissions Team, Durham University Business School, Durham University, Ushaw College, Durham DH7 9RH

Please note that all references submitted must be signed by the referee and written on letter headed paper.

How long will it take for me to receive a decision on my application?

We will confirm receipt of your application by email when we receive it. Applications are then made up and passed to our Admissions Tutors for a decision. If all supporting documents are received with your application we can usually contact you within 4-6 weeks with a final decision.

What are the English Language Requirements for the MSc and MA degrees?

The English requirements for the MSc degree are a minimum overall score of 92 in TOEFL (with no element under 23) or an overall score of 6.5 in IELTS (with no element under 6.0). The English requirements for the MA degree are a minimum overall score of 100 TOEFL (with no element under 25) or an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS (with no element under 6.0).

How can I pay my deposit?

To pay your deposit via our online payment facility, please use the following link to make a secure payment http://www.dur.ac.uk/deposits/

You should follow the instructions and once successfully submitted a confirmation email will be sent to you. This is the most efficient and secure way to pay your deposit.

If you are unable to pay your deposit online, then we will accept a cheque. These should be crossed "Account Payee Only" and made payable to "Durham University" sent to:

Postgraduate Admissions Team
Durham University Business School
Durham University
Ushaw College
Durham DH7 9RH, UK

Information which you must include on the reverse of the cheque is;

  • Name
  • Application Reference Number
  • Programme

What happens when I have met the conditions of my offer?

When you have received documentary evidence that you have met the conditions of your offer, please send it to our Postgraduate Admissions Office quoting your student reference number.

Who can I contact for further information on accommodation?

All full-time students are members of one of our colleges. College allocation is made after you have received and accepted an offer from the University. Once you have received an offer from the University, our Colleges Postgraduate Office will contact you to provide you with further information about college membership and accommodation options.

Once you have accepted your University offer, you can express a preference for membership of a particular college if you would like to, but this is not compulsory. If you express a college preference and your first choice college cannot give you membership, your application will be passed to an alternative college which has vacancies to be filled. If you prefer not to select a college, we will select a college for you on your behalf.

At this stage you can also apply for college accommodation if you would like to.

Who can I contact for further information on fees?

For further information on the payment of your tuition fees and your fee status, please contact:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Durham University Business School
Durham University
Ushaw College
Durham DH7 9RH, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 191 334 5188

When will I receive information on registration?

Information regarding registration, reading lists and pre-sessional courses will be sent to you during August. Please keep the Postgraduate Admissions Office up to date with any changes to your contact information.

How can I apply for funding or scholarships?

Information about funding sources is available on our website: scholarship section.

International applicants may also like to consult our Information for international students.

Further enquiries

Any other enquiries should be directed to: