Postgraduate

Which College is right for me?

Our 16 colleges share a lot of similarities, with each providing a small academic community, excellent facilities, opportunities for personal development and a high level of support. However, every college has its own distinctive character, defined by its buildings, traditions and people.

Please note: If your course is based in Durham, you will be a member of one of our 14 Durham-based colleges, one of which is exclusively for postgraduates. If your course is based at Queen's Campus, you will be a member of one of our two colleges based in Stockton.


College summary table

The student numbers given include both full-time and part-time students

All colleges are mixed, the male-female ratio is approximately 50:50.

Year founded COLLEGE POPULATION ACCOMMODATION CATERING

Total
students

Total
PG students

Total
PG rooms

%En-suite
PG rooms

Single gender
blocks available
See key below*
Gowns for
Formal Dinners**
Collingwood 1972 1113 150 14 25% N FC N
Grey 1959 838 54 36 0% N FC & SC Y
Hatfield 1846 850 160 62 2% N SC Y
Butler 2006 850 150 31 100% Y SC Y
St Aidan's 1947 1050 220 92 89% Y FC N
St Chad's 1904 460 120 42 60% N FC & SC Y
St Cuthbert's 1888 1200 110 42 100% N SC N
Hild Bede 1839 1225 313 65 0% N FC N
St John's 1909 530 160 15 0% N FC Y
St Mary's 1899 800 82 45 15% Y FC Y
Trevelyan 1966 699 65 30 0% N FC Y
University 1832 770 120 24 100% N SC Y
Ustinov (PG only) 1965 1800 1800 670 64% Y SC N
Van Mildert 1965 960 100 26 70% N FC N

John Snow (Queen's)

2001 1001 35 Y PC Y
Stephenson (Queen's) 2001 1100 60 60 100% Y PC N

*FC: Fully-catered (during undergraduate term-time) / SC: Self-catered / PC: Part-catered (2 meals per week - at Queen's Campus only)
**All colleges have special dinner events throughout the year called 'Formals'. Some colleges practice the long-established tradition of wearing gowns at these events. Others are less formal and do not wear gowns to dine in.

  • All colleges are within walking distance of lecture venues, study facilities, bars, cafes and shops.
  • Most colleges can provide accessible accommodation. Please contact your college to discuss your needs.
  • Postgraduate accommodation is single bedrooms only; no shared rooms except in the case of family accommodation.
  • All student rooms have internet access.
  • All colleges can cater for some special dietary requirements. Please contact your college to see how we may be able to meet your requirements.
Collingwood College Hatfield College St Chad's College St Cuthbert's Society College of St Hild and St Bede Trevelyan College Ustinov College