Applying to university is exciting. If considering one of the best UK universities, like Durham, you’re probably wondering what chances you have to get into the course. To better calculate your chances, you will need to know Durham University acceptance rate.
We are happy to share this guide with all applicants, as this is the first and currently only guide based on the real admission statistics data for Durham University.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about Durham University’s acceptance rate and what factors may impact your chances of getting in.
What is an Acceptance Rate?
Before we dive into Durham University acceptance rate, let’s first define what an acceptance rate for a university is. Simply it is the percentage of applicants who are admitted into a given university or college.
This key metric can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the number of applicants, the number of available spots, and the quality of applicants in the academic year.
Factors Influencing Durham Acceptance Rates
Durham University acceptance rates can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as:
- the difficulty of the admission process,
- the reputation of the university,
- undergraduate or postgraduate applicants,
- the number of UK and International applicants,
- the availability of financial help for students,
- and the courses offered.
The key factor that influences acceptance rates is the selectivity of the university. Selectivity refers to the percentage of applicants who are accepted out of the total number of applicants.
Universities with low acceptance rates are with a highly competitive admission process and have a reputation for being academically rigorous. This is the case with Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge), LSE, UCL and some others from Russell Universities.
Recommended for reading:
- Cambridge University Acceptance Rate
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- Bristol University Acceptance Rate For UK & International Students
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- Leeds University acceptance rate
- University of Newcastle Acceptance Rate
These universities may also have many qualified applicants vying for a very limited number of spots, which can drive down acceptance rates.
Another factor that can influence acceptance rates is the strength of the applicant pool. Universities may receive numerous applications from highly qualified students, which can make it difficult to choose who to admit.
In some cases, universities may prioritise applicants with good personal statements, reference letters or A-Levels subjects (and equivalent subject grades), which can also impact acceptance rates.
The availability of financial support can also influence acceptance rates. Studying in the UK is expensive, especially for international students from low-income countries.
Students who require financial help may be more likely to apply to universities that offer scholarships and bursaries, which can increase the number of applicants.
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Durham University’s Acceptance Rate
Choosing the right university can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to considering acceptance rates and calculating the chances of getting accepted.
If you decide to apply to Durham University, keep in mind it is one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, with a collegiate system and competitive admissions process.
So, what is Durham University’s acceptance rate? According to the official Durham statistical report, in 2022, the acceptance rate for undergraduate courses was 74%.
Durham is one of the most popular universities among Russell Group and the UK. Especially due to the unique collegiate system and UNESCO heritage sites. It’s widely considered that many Oxbridge rejects go to Durham due to similarity.
Getting into Durham University is relatively easier than into some of the major universities in the UK. Despite that, it is constantly ranked among the top 10 UK universities.
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Acceptance Rates by Degree Programme
It is important to note that Durham University acceptance rates can be significantly different for each course or programme.
For example, the acceptance rate for the university’s Law (LLB) programme is around 48%, while the acceptance rate for the Engineering course is around 88%.
This highlights the importance of researching and understanding the acceptance rates for the specific course you applying for.
Below is the table with the acceptance rate for each Durham course in 2022.
| Course at Durham | Acceptance rate |
|---|---|
| Accounting | 76% |
| Accounting and Finance/Mgmt | 70% |
| Anthropology | 94% |
| Archaeology | 87% |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 85% |
| Chemistry | 89% |
| Classics & Ancient History | 80% |
| Combined Honours in Social Sciences | 69% |
| Computer Science | 69% |
| Earth Sciences | 94% |
| Economics | 55% |
| Education Studies | 85% |
| Engineering | 88% |
| English Studies | 71% |
| Finance | 59% |
| Foundation Centre | 13% |
| Geography | 90% |
| Government & International Affairs | 59% |
| History | 74% |
| Law | 48% |
| Liberal Arts | 68% |
| Management | 70% |
| Marketing | 60% |
| Mathematical Sciences | 84% |
| Modern Languages & Cultures | 87% |
| Music | 86% |
| Natural Sciences | 83% |
| Philosophy | 73% |
| Philosophy, Politics & Economics | 77% |
| Physics | 83% |
| Primary Education | 53% |
| Psychology | 91% |
| Sociology | 93% |
| Sport and Exercise Sciences | 76% |
| Theology & Religion | 83% |
Durham Acceptance Rates For Law (LLB) Course
Durham is considered a top university for undergraduate Law (LLB) degrees. It’s very popular with over 2000 applicants every year. The admission process is much more competitive compared to other courses with Durham acceptance rate for Law of 48%.
Durham Acceptance Rate for International Students
Durham University is committed to promoting international diversity and welcomes students from around the world. Durham acceptance rate for international students is around 83% according to the Durham admission report.
Keep in mind this can vary depending on the course, college and country of origin, but overall, the university has a high acceptance rate for international students.
International students are an important part of the university’s community, bringing with them diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich the academic and social environment of the university.
Durham University acceptance rate for Masters
Factors Affecting Your Chances of Getting In
Applying to university in the UK can be an overwhelming process, and it can be difficult to know what universities are looking for in their applicants. Luckily, most of the universities including Durham University provide clear guidelines on the factors that can affect your chances of acceptance.
Read our complete guide:
Academic Performance
Your academic performance, grades and entry exam scores are one of the most important factors that Durham University admission tutors consider when evaluating your UCAS application.
At Durham University, they are looking for students who demonstrate a commitment to their studies and have a strong academic background.
This is because the university prides itself on its academic excellence, and they want to ensure that their students are capable of meeting the rigorous academic standards of the institution.
Extracurricular Activities and Leadership
In addition to academic performance, Durham University also values students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to extracurricular activities.
This can include participation in student clubs and organisations, volunteer work, sports, or any other extracurricular activities that you may be involved in.
The university believes that involvement in extracurricular activities can help students develop important skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management.
These skills are highly valued in the workplace and can help you stand out in the job market after graduation.
Personal Statement and Reference Letter
Your personal statement, UCAS Tariff Points and Reference letters are also important factors that Durham University considers when evaluating your application.
A personal statement and reference letter can provide valuable insight into your character, interests, and goals and can help admissions tutors determine whether you would be a good fit for the university.
Read more in detail in our guides:
- How to Write a Personal Statement for a Master’s
- How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
- Personal Statement Examples
- UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
- Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
- How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out
- UCAS Tariff Points Table: How does it work [Example table]
- UCAS Reference Letter: Ultimate Writing Guide
There are many factors that can affect your chances of getting into the University of Durham. By focusing on some of them you can increase your chances of being accepted and joining the prestigious community of students at Durham University.
Final Thoughts
Durham University is a highly respected Russell Group institution with a relatively competitive admissions process. While the overall Durham acceptance rate of around 74% can encourage many applicants, many factors can impact your chances of being accepted.
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