University College

University College is the founding college of Durham University and is located in a Norman Castle (built 1072) in the centre of Durham City and forms part of Durham's World Heritage Site. The College is a vibrant scholarly community, attracting high profile speakers and guests. We host two prestigious lecture series, with talks from leading figures such as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the former editor of the Sunday Times, Sir Harry Evans, and Lord Giddens, the world renowned sociologist. Postgraduate members of College have their own common room (the Middle Common Room, MCR) where they meet and organise both social and academic events. University College, with 700 undergraduates and 200 postgraduates, offers a friendly and engaging academic community of students, staff and a global network of alumni. The College offers an unrivalled academic and social environment for its students.

Additional college costs

• £30 MCR fee and £50 admin fee

Accommodation

• All our postgraduate accommodation is based in an exclusively postgraduate building, Brackenbury, which is 30 minutes walk from the Castle. All rooms are single en-suite.
• Accessible accommodation is available. Please contact us to enquire.

Catering

Postgraduates living in college accommodation at Brackenbury are self-catered. However, all postgraduates are welcome to buy meal tickets for lunch and dinner on an ad-hoc basis. Many postgraduates attend formal meals which are held twice a week in the Castle’s spectacular Great Hall during term-time. All diets can be catered for if prior arrangements have been made with the catering staff.

Facilities

Dedicated PG facility:

• Middle Common Room lounge

Other facilities:

Societies, sports and outreach

We have an active and diverse Middle Common Room (MCR) with an organising committee that arranges a range of activities including academic seminars, dinners, wine tastings, debates, film evenings, walks, threatre trips, and much more. New members are encouraged to take an active part in organising and developing these events.

Postgraduates can, in addition, join any of the many college-wide societies and clubs, which include our vibrant music scene including the excellent Orchestra and Big Band. In performing and visual arts, students can join one of our many dramatic socities including the Castle Theatre Company. In sport, we cover all abilities and many different disciplines. All postgraduates have an opportunity to join the University College Boat Club, and a wide range of sports teams.

Support

The College provides support for postgraduates through a number of channels. These include the MCR’s own welfare officer who operates a listening service and arranges welfare events. The College staff are also available to assist postgraduates, including the Master, Professor David Held; Senior Tutor, Mrs Eva Schumacher-Reid; Bursar, Ms Michelle Crawford; Chaplain, Revd Dr Hannah Cleugh.

We also have two Postgraduate Mentors who are available to support students on academic and welfare matters. 

Contact us:

Lynne Carrick
College Secretary & Student Support Administrator

T: 0191 334 4104
E: univcoll.admissions@durham.ac.uk