Support structures

We have a number of mechanisms in place to offer you support within the Department, Colleges and University.

Departmental support

Academic advisor 

Assigned to every student and will normally remain with you throughout your degree course. You will be introduced to your academic advisor in the first week at University. Your academic advisor will be a permanent member of academic staff and is your first point of contact for any academic issues you may have. You will have timetabled meetings with your advisor each term but you may, of course, meet with him / her as often as necessary.

First year mentor

A member of academic staff who is specifically assigned to supporting first year students during the first few weeks of term. The first year mentor holds frequent drop-in sessions, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions about your studies.

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Deals with all matters of students' academic progress. He / she will offer support to students whose progress has faltered, with the aim of putting things back on track.

Durham University Online (DUO)

Our virtual learning environment where staff members post information such as lecture material to support your studies, important announcements about their courses, on-line quizzes and reading lists. Academics can also support their teaching with podcasts, blogs, wikis and discussion boards.

College support

Personal tutor

Assigned to every student through your college. College Tutors do not have a direct input into academic matters but offer friendship, help, advice and support students in any way they can. Tutor support is central to the Personal Development Profile (PDP), allowing students to take a reflective view of their time in Durham.

College parent

Most colleges also have a student support network in place in which second, third and fourth year students, often taking the same course, are assigned as your college parent. They can offer additional advice and support with academic issues and help you settle into college life.

College library

Often provide multiple copies of key texts for your course.

University support

University library

Offers an excellent range of resources and flexible study across five library locations and online. The library has a wide and increasing range of online resources, including more than 17,500 e-journals, over 313,000 e-books, and many major databases and reference works. Equally important are the 1.6 million printed items and the internationally significant collections of manuscripts and archives. You will find flexible spaces in which to work and study, and our libraries offer plenty of study areas including silent study and group study. As well as providing wi-fi access, there are PCs and laptops available for use by all students.

Information Technology Service (ITS)

Offers networked PC services and provides over 1,800 personal computers in both classrooms and open access locations across the University. Through EnSuite Online, you'll have free access to the Internet and University network from your college bedroom and you'll also be able to connect your laptop to points on campus or use our wireless network to provide even more convenient connectivity. A range of courses and training materials for you to develop your IT skills are also available.

Student welfare

You'll find a wide support network available to you while studying at the University. Where appropriate students are directed to professional services for help and guidance. All forms of support are provided on a strictly confidential basis, unless the student has expressed a wish that it should be otherwise. For further detailsclick here

Student financial support

Through the Colleges, the student financial support office and the Durham Students' Union you can obtain information and guidance on the funding available to students from the University and from external sources, help for students in hardship and help for students wishing to take part in extra-curricular activities.