Frequently Asked Questions
The Student Recruitment and Admissions Office is responsible for managing the admissions process within Durham University for full and part time undergraduate courses. Academic Departments are responsible for considering each application and making offers and passing successful applications to one of the sixteen colleges for consideration, whilst the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office ensures that this process occurs as fairly and as transparently as possible and that decisions are communicated to UCAS within agreed deadlines.
The questions below have all been asked by our applicants or their parents at one time or another, and are intended to provide further information regarding the application process, some of our requirements, our collegiate system, the University and life as a student.
If you find that your query is not addressed or if you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Student Recruitment and Admissions Team directly. Our email address is admissions@durham.ac.uk.
Subjects, qualifications and requirements
- Can I study a subject such as Business at Queen's Campus along with one from Durham City such as French?
- Do I always need an A-Level in the subject I want to study as a degree?
- Do you consider international qualifications?
- Do you have a list of 'preferred' A-level subjects?
- Does Durham have a Medicine programme?
- Does Durham require me to have a Modern Language GCSE as a condition of entry?
- Does Durham University recognise IGCSEs as proof of English Language proficiency?
- Does Durham University recognise the International Baccalaureate?
- Does Durham use the UCAS tariff?
- How does Durham treat the new A* Grade at A Level?
- I left school a few years ago, does my UCAS application require a reference?
- I’m doing four ASs and need advice as to which one I should not carry on to A2?
- Is General Studies counted as an A Level?
- Should I certificate my AS-level results at the end of year 12?
- What do I need to include in my personal statement?
- What is Durham’s policy regarding Unit grades?
- What is Durham’s policy towards the Extended Advanced Diplomas?
- What is Durham’s policy towards the Extended Project?
- What is Matriculation?
- Will Durham accept Advanced Diplomas?
- Will Durham accept the Cambridge Pre-U qualification?
- Will I get extra credit for taking four subjects to A2?
The Application Process
- Can I change the course I have applied for?
- Can I change the year I begin my course?
- How do I apply to Durham University?
- How do I apply to study part-time at Durham University?
- How many 2011 entry home quota places have already been taken by deferred entry students?
- How many 2011 entry overseas quota places have already been taken by deferred entry students?
- How many undergraduate applications do you receive for every place?
- I am no longer at school, and have been working for several years but wish to resume my studies. How do I apply?
- I am predicted AAA why did I not get an offer?
- I have a criminal conviction. Can I apply to Durham University?
- If I also apply to Oxford or Cambridge, will Durham consider my application seriously?
- If my overseas fee status changes to home status, can the University change my offer?
- Will Durham University accept my A-level in a language if I am a native speaker?
- Will I be able to apply through clearing?
- Will I be able to apply through Extra?
- Will I be able to transfer between courses once I arrive?
- Will I have to attend an interview?
The Collegiate system
Making decisions
- Am I more/less likely to receive an offer if I am from a state/independent school?
- How are UCAS applications assessed?
- Does Durham University use contextual information?
- How is contextual information presented to admissions selectors?
- Why are admissions selectors advised if an applicant has had participation in outreach activity organised by the University, e.g. summer schools?