Student review [#8697] for History
at Durham University - DUR

Durham University maintains an excellent reputation for high standards in teaching, research and employability, making it an easy choice for me to study my undergrad in History. Whilst not for everyone, the Collegiate System makes integration easy, with the opportunity to live amongst a mixed group of people across subjects, with lots of opportunities for sports and extracurricular activity.

My Course (HISTORY)
Pros-
– Great department with a wide variety of research-led modules, spanning every continent and time period.
– Supportive professors and staff, open and friendly department in a beautiful setting. Marking is thorough and helpful with a quick turnaround.
-Lots of scope for independent research on a multitude of topics, giving a lot of freedom and support for larger projects such as dissertations.

Cons-
– Limited contact hours – which often called in to question value for money. Average 9 hours per week in first year, falling to 4.5 in final year.
– Expensive – fees have recently risen to £9,250 which does not go a long way in the history department in terms of contact time.
– Library – often competition for key course books, although most stuff is online nowadays. Caution to those looking to study niche, smaller or older modules!

LIVING
Pros-
– Gorgeous little city, northern location means that shopping is generally cheaper, as well as eating and drinking out.
– Accommodation – first year (college) with full catering options. Friendly with great amenities, each college with own library, social area, bar and sports facilities.
– Sports – great sport facilities and opportunities to play at both social and high level.

Cons-
– Expense – college fees are extortionate and house rental market rising too. To Let houses tend to disappear quickly within early months for the next rental year.
– “Boring” – small city with smaller clubs and bars. Nights out tend to end at about 2am. Though in close proximity, few tend to venture to Newcastle.
– Exclusive – expenses and elitism make for an exclusive environment, aside from international students, poor representation of minorities.