Module Handbooks

*Whilst we do not foresee any major changes to the information provided below, please be aware that some information may be subject to changes*

The handbooks contain information on departments, modules and credits and specific study information. 

• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Biosciences
• Business School Postgraduate
• Business School Undergraduate
• Chemistry
• Classics & Ancient History
• Computer Science
• Earth Sciences
• Education
• Engineering
• English Studies
• Geography
• School of Government and International Affairs
• History
• Law
• Mathematical Sciences
• Modern Languages & Cultures
• Music
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Politics - See School of Government and International Affairs
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Sport and Exercise Sciences
• Theology and Religion

Credit Equivalency Guidelines

120 UK credits are approximately equivalent to:

Language Requirements

As teaching at Durham is in English all students must be able to prove they have a sufficient level of English to be able to cope with the course from the beginning.

If you are not a native English speaker you will need to submit an appropriate English language qualification and may need to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses if you do not meet the direct entry level. If English is the language of instruction at your home university the language test requirement may be waived, and the Global Opportunities Team will be in touch with your home university directly for confirmation if necessary. 

Please find below a table detailing all English language requirements for students wishing to apply to Durham University as Exchange students.

For the majority of our undergraduate courses we ask for the following levels:

All qualifications must be taken within two years of the start of the academic programme.

Pre-Sessional English Language Courses

If you do not have the required English language score for direct entry to academic courses then your current UKVI IELTS which must be a Secure English Language Test (SELT), taken at a UKVI approved test centre or TOEFL score will determine the length of the pre-sessional English language course that you must follow. All pre-sessional English language courses are offered by Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD) - English Language Support.

If you need to apply for one of the pre-sessional courses then you must complete a pre-sessional course application form which will be emailed to you from the Global Opportunities Team.

* If you have obtained the relevant score for direct entry then it should not be necessary for you to undertake a pre-sessional language course.

Should you have questions or uncertainty after checking the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) 'Do I need visa?' website Durham's Student Immigration Service will be able to assist. 

Two common visa routes for exchange students are:

• the Visitor Route for students undertaking a programme, which is less than six months in duration
• the Student visa route for students staying for longer than six months

Please, however, be aware that:

• these rules may change and will vary depending on your individual circumstances. Check with our Student Immigration Service
• Applicants for visas which are longer than six months are required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge in addition to the cost of the visa application
• students are unlikely to be eligible for the Short-term study visa, as this requires you to be specifically and only undertaking and English language programme, i.e. not an English language programme combined with another degree programme.

Some postgraduate programmes may require approval from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Please be aware that if you are not an EU national, you will need to provide evidence of English Language proficiency in order to obtain a visa. Please use the guidance given here or in the main Learning and Teaching Handbook.

Should you have any questions please contact the Student Immigration Service via email immigration@durham.ac.uk.

Induction/Term Dates

Postgraduate Business students only, exams will take place early January 2025 (Michaelmas Term) and during May 2025 (Epiphany Term). Dates TBC.  The dates will be provisional and are subject to change.

Orientation Session

The International Office will hold an in person compulsory Orientation Session for all incoming exchange students. All new incoming exchange students are expected to attend. The session covers important information such as registration, module enrolment and other practical arrangements.

University Induction Planner

Each student can create a personal induction planner to help you plan when, where and what you need to be doing in your first week. The university will release an Induction Planner nearer to the time of your arrival.

Living Costs

While County Durham is one of the most affordable places to live in England, you should consider living costs (in addition to your tuition and accommodation costs). We recommend a further £5,000 - £6,000 per year to cover the costs of books, clothing, socialising etc.

Approximate weekly/monthly living expenses are highlighted in the table below.