Undergraduate

Students with disabilities

If you have a disability, medical condition or specific learning difficulty, we can give you the support you need to help you settle into university life quickly, and make the most of your student life at Durham. Durham University’s Disability Service provides advice on any aspects of student life you may need support with. We want to make sure that we have the right support in place for you to enjoy your chosen course, so please do let us know about your requirements when you complete your application form.

The support we offer includes:

  • A full assessment of your academic needs, so your college and academic department know how best to support you
  • Communication support, such as note taking in lectures
  • One-to-one dyslexia tuition and small group workshops on study skills
  • Physical support, perhaps to carry books or get photocopying done
  • Advice on specific sources of funding
  • Liaison with any other University services you need, such as counselling or the Careers, Employability and Enterprise Centre
  • Equipment loan facility
  • Examination arrangements.

Choosing your college

Our colleges are located in and around Durham City and Queen’s Campus, and vary in style and location. In order to help you make the right college choice, we have a team of dedicated Disability Service advisers on hand who can help and give you advice on which colleges can best suit your needs.

Whichever college you choose, we will do our best to make reasonable adjustments and if you have mobility problems, we can advise on accessibility. Many of our buildings are modern and designed for accessibility – but a small number of the colleges and departments in Durham City are in very old, listed buildings, where getting around is not always straightforward. At Queen’s Campus, there is easy access to all key areas and we will be able to advise you on which College best suits your particular needs. There is also an independent Infrared Transmission System available in some lecture rooms for hearing aid users.

Feel free to ask questions

You are welcome to contact us at any time to talk about your needs and how we can help. You can also arrange to visit us, to get a real taste of life at Durham University. Call the Disability Service on 0191 334 8115 (Voice/Minicom) or email disabilities.service@durham.ac.uk or write to us at: Disability Service, The Palatine Centre, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE.

"I have been very ill for the last seven years with spinal problems. I was very worried how I would cope with undertaking a degree. However, the Disability Service and tutors have been extremely supportive. I am progressing on to a degree from the Foundation Centre and then hope to enter into a career in welfare rights."
Carolyn Chester, 33