Durham University's Student Population: How Many Attend?

Durham University is a collegiate public research university in Durham, England. It was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832 and incorporated by royal charter in 1837. As of the 2022/23 academic year, there were 22,130 students enrolled at the university, a drop of 100 students from the previous year. This is the first time the student population has fallen since the 2008/09 academic year. The university has 17 colleges and offers over 200 undergraduate courses and over 100 postgraduate courses.

In the 2022/23 academic year, there were 22,130 students enrolled at Durham University

Durham University's student population has seen significant growth over the years, particularly since the Stephenson and John Snow colleges moved from Stockton in 2018. This move led to a 35% increase in the number of students in Durham City, excluding distance learners. Moreover, since 2003, the number of students in Durham City has increased by over 85%, while the total number of students, including those in Stockton Campus and distance learners, has increased by 54%.

The growth in student numbers at Durham University has had a notable impact on the local community. With a student population exceeding 22,000, including about 5,000 international students, the university's ability to accommodate its students has not kept pace with the increasing demand. This has resulted in a significant shift in the city's demography and a reduction in council tax receipts needed to maintain public infrastructure.

The university's plans for expansion have faced opposition from local residents, who have expressed concerns about the impact of the growing student population on the city. Despite this, Durham University continues to be a sought-after institution, known for its academic excellence and unique collegiate structure.

The student population has grown by 85% since 2003

The student population at Durham University has grown by 85% since 2003, with the number of students in Durham City increasing from 11,868 to 21,960. This growth has significantly outpaced that of other UK universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, and has had a notable impact on the local community.

Durham's ability to accommodate its growing student population has been a challenge, with a significant number of students living in private accommodation, often in houses previously occupied by permanent residents. Despite this, the university's expansion has also brought benefits to the city, with a diverse range of amenities, including restaurants, cinemas, and leisure facilities, all within walking distance.

The increase in student numbers has also contributed to the university's academic and research excellence. As of 2023, Durham University offers over 200 undergraduate courses and over 100 postgraduate courses across 26 departments or schools. The university's research initiatives cover a wide range of disciplines, from biosciences and engineering to social sciences and the arts.

Durham University's reputation as one of the UK's most prestigious universities has been enhanced by its growing student population. The university consistently ranks among the top ten in UK university rankings and is recognised for its academic and sporting achievements. The growth in student numbers has also contributed to the university's financial health, with total income of £513.4 million in the 2024 financial year.

However, the university has also faced criticism for not accepting as many students from low-participation neighbourhoods and state schools as expected, given its admission standards. Despite this, Durham University remains committed to improving equality of opportunity for underrepresented groups through its Access and Participation Plan.

Durham University is ranked 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025

Durham University is a prestigious public university in the city of Durham, England. Founded in 1832, it is the third oldest university in England. The university is divided into 17 colleges, each with its own buildings, residence halls, and social spaces. The colleges also specialise in certain subjects, creating an academically oriented environment for students.

Durham University offers over 500 undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses across various disciplines. The university's student population exceeds 22,000, including about 5,000 international enrolments. Of the 20,000+ students enrolled at the university, 32% are international students from over 120 countries, indicating a welcoming and safe university environment for students from around the world.

Durham University has been recognised for its academic excellence and impact, as reflected in its global rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Durham University is ranked joint 89th in the world. This ranking affirms the university's status as a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research.

The university's top performance in the QS World University Rankings 2025 was in the Sustainability category, where it ranked 19th globally. Additionally, Durham University has a strong reputation with employers, ranking 65th in the Employer Reputation category. The university's success is attributed to its academic, industrial, and business partnerships, as well as its longstanding commitment to sustainability and innovative research.

In addition to its overall ranking, Durham University has also excelled in specific subject areas. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, three subjects were rated in the global top ten: Archaeology (=5th), Classics and Ancient History (6th), and Theology and Religion (7th). A further seven subjects ranked within the top 50 globally, including Geography (16th), Anthropology (28th), English Studies (29th), and Philosophy (29th).

The number of students enrolled in the 2022/23 academic year dropped by 100 from the previous year

In 2023, Durham University released data revealing that the number of students enrolled for the 2022/23 academic year was 22,130, a drop of 100 students from the previous year. This decrease marks the first decline in student numbers since the 2008/09 academic year, when total enrolment fell from 15,356 to 15,347. Despite this recent drop, the student population at Durham University has been steadily increasing over the years, particularly since the Stephenson and John Snow colleges moved from Stockton in 2018.

The number of students choosing to study at Durham University has grown significantly in recent times. Since 2003, the student population in Durham City has increased by just over 85%, from 11,868 to 21,960. This growth also includes students enrolled in distance learning and those residing on the Stockton Campus. The increase in student numbers at Durham University far surpasses that of other renowned UK universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. While Durham's on-campus student population has risen by 85% since 2003, Oxford and Cambridge have seen increases of 42.7% and 40.8%, respectively.

The drop in student enrolment for the 2022/23 academic year can be attributed to various factors. One reason may be the deliberate decision by the university to reduce its intake. In a statement, a spokesperson from Durham University mentioned that their student intake for 2020 and 2021 was higher than anticipated due to unexpected shifts in the grading of A-levels and other Level 3 qualifications. They further emphasized their commitment to ensuring a positive experience for students and maintaining thriving communities in Durham City.

Additionally, the university's strategy for 2017-2027 included plans for carefully managed growth in student numbers in selected departments, which may have contributed to the slight decrease in enrolment for the 2022/23 academic year. Despite the drop in student numbers, Durham University remains a highly sought-after educational institution, known for its academic excellence and unique collegiate community.

The university's plans for the future include investing in improving the campus, creating new academic posts, and attracting more international students. With its rich history, renowned faculty, and vibrant student life, Durham University continues to be a top choice for many students from the UK and around the world.

The university has 17 colleges

Durham University is a collegiate public research university in Durham, England. As a collegiate university, its functions are divided between the academic departments and its 17 colleges. The departments are responsible for teaching and research, while the colleges take care of students' domestic arrangements and welfare.

Each of the 17 colleges has a unique identity and a range of facilities for students, from computer rooms and libraries to tennis courts and gyms. Most colleges have their own sports teams and compete in collegiate leagues, such as Durham College Rowing, and may also have their own theatre and music societies.

Students at Durham University belong to a college for the duration of their studies. In their first year, most students live in their college, then choose to 'live-out' in their second year, and subsequently have the option to move back into college for their final year. The colleges provide pastoral care and a social centre for students, with each college running a tutorial system and having junior, middle, and senior common rooms for undergraduates, postgraduates, and college officers, fellows, and tutors, respectively.

Formal dinners (known as "formals") are held at every college, and gowns are worn to these events at about half of the colleges. There is a great deal of intercollegiate rivalry, particularly in sports such as rowing. There is also rivalry between the older "Bailey" colleges and the newer "Hill" colleges on Elvet Hill.

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