Courses and academic information
Academic structure
The academic year starts in early October and ends in June. The University operates a term system with three terms (Michaelmas, Epiphany, Easter) in one academic year. Terms last between 9-11 weeks each.
Teaching is provided by lectures and seminars and/or tutorials. Staff/student relationships are friendly and good at Durham. You will frequently see a member of staff to discuss your work and progress. If, at any time, you are concerned about any aspect of your work, please talk to the member of staff who has given the teaching or to another member of staff who has been appointed as your academic tutor.
Durham University is a centre of learning, as well as teaching. You will be encouraged to work independently using all the academic resources which are available in libraries and laboratories and with computers etc. For undergraduates the University has a very high success record in that 95% of students, who begin an undergraduate degree course, graduate at the proper time. The success rate for postgraduate students is also high. In every case, however, time spent at the University is an opportunity which requires students to work hard with a sense of responsibility to themselves, to members of staff, to other students and to those who are supporting them.
Module Selection
Information on the modules which are available can be found in the Faculty Handbook. You can search by keyword, department or module code to find out more information. If you cannot find the information you are looking for please contact the Exchanges & Study Abroad Team.
Full degree students at Durham are required to follow 120 credits for the full academic year. Modules are usually 20 credits each. Depending on the requirements from your home university, some students may wish to take fewer modules. This must be discussed with the home university as well as your departmental co-ordinator and the Exchanges & Study Abroad Team in the International Office.
If you make changes to your module selection during the academic year, please discuss this with your departmental co-ordinator. Please also inform the Exchanges & Study Abroad Team who can also advise on the official procedure for dropping and adding modules.
When finalising your study programme you should ensure that you are meeting all requirements from your home university too. Remember to stay in touch with your home university co-ordinator whilst you are in Durham.
Study Support
You may find that the systems and processes at UK universities are very different than those in your home university. If you have any questions or concerns about your academic work then please make sure you speak to someone. This could be your lecturer, your departmental co-ordinator, your college tutor or the Exchanges & Study Abroad Officer in the International Office.
In addition, the Language Centre does run some courses to provide support to International Students in adapting to academic study. If you are interested you should contact them directly to see if you are eligible: language.centre@durham.ac.uk
Exams and Assessment
Students have to complete a number of assignments and short papers in each term. Formal written examinations are held the end of each academic year only and start from week three in the Easter term (May/ June).