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LEARNING WITH THE BEST
91% of our research has ‘very considerable’ or ‘outstanding’ impact in terms of reach and significance. This demonstrates that our research has a hugely positive impact on society.
Durham University has a long-established commitment to research and delivering cutting-edge research-led education is at the heart of what we do.
RESEARCH EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK (REF) 2014
This means that our academic staff are more than lecturers simply teaching from books; the research they conduct shapes and inspires the disciplinary structure of our departments and it directly informs our teaching, ensuring academic course content is right up-to-date with current developments and you will directly benefit from the world-class research taking place here. As a Durham University student you will become an active participant in the creation of knowledge through group work and research projects. Working with world-leading academics at the forefront of their field provides you with many benefits, including development of:
Source: REF 2014
REF is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. At Durham University 83% of our research was assessed as ‘internationally excellent quality’ or ‘world-leading’ (categorised as 3* or 4*). REF identified world-leading research in every Durham University subject. Areas of particular strength include Anthropology, Archaeology, Chemistry, Classics, Education, English, Law, Music, Physics and Theology. Our research-led approach to education ensures that our undergraduate programmes are intellectually challenging and delivered by leading academics which creates a researcher mindset amongst our students.
• Capacity for independent learning and problem-solving
For further information see www.durham.ac.uk/undergraduate/course/study
• Creative and critical thinking
• The first steps in becoming research active yourself!
School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
STUDY OPTIONS
• Enhanced skills for employment
• Improved confidence and motivation as well as enabling and encouraging teamworking
Dr Susan Pyner,
For further information see www.durham.ac.uk/ref
At Durham University we offer one of the broadest course ranges of any UK university, including Single Honours degrees, Joint Honours degrees and Combined Honours in Social Sciences, Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences, allowing you to tailor your study to suit your needs.
• Intellectual capabilities beyond the classroom
“My research into cardiovascular control in health and disease is delivered in a third year Biology module. This puts basic science concepts into context and brings innovative research into the learning environment.”
YEAR ABROAD Many of our academic departments offer courses with an integrated year abroad where you can choose to study in another country. For further information see page 15 or www.durham.ac.uk/international/studyabroad
“A DURHAM UNIVERSITY DEGREE IS NOT JUST ABOUT LEARNING FACTS AND DATES, BUT EXPLORING AND INTERPRETING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES IN AN INDEPENDENT MANNER.
Durham University is ranked sixth in the world for the influence of its space science researchers and is the only UK university to feature in the world top 10. “My research interests in cosmological structure formation and constraints on cosmological parameters directly inform my undergraduate teaching, ensuring it is at the cutting-edge of the subject.” Professor Shaun Cole, Department of Physics. Holder of the prestigious international Shaw Prize in Astronomy.
In seminars, ideas are not imposed or taught, but are a natural consequence of discussion. By third year, this style of teaching made me feel confident enough to challenge and question established historical thought, and develop my own ideas.” Sally Wardle, History graduate.