About University College

The University of Durham was founded in 1832 by Bishop Van Mildert and the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral. After Van Mildert's death in 1836 the Castle was handed over to the University and became University College in 1837, the oldest of the Durham Colleges. Early generations of students lived either in University House, now Cosin's Hall, or in the Castle Keep which was reconstructed in 1840.

The College is an academic community within Durham University of around 700 undergraduates and 200 postgraduates, and members of University staff attached to the College through the Senior Common Room. All members, both academic staff and students, share a common aim: the pursuit of knowledge. There are many other aspects of College life: cultural, sporting and social, but the main purpose of the College is academic.

Our Mission Statement

The mission statement of our College summarises our aspirations: 'To sustain and enhance a lively residential and non-residential academic community in and associated with Durham Castle within which students can enrich their experience of university life and develop valuable life skills through a wide range of academic, sporting, social, cultural, and religious activities'.