International Study Centre

About the International Study Centre

The first step to your degree

Durham University International Study Centre is the first step to gaining a degree from a world-leading university that is one of the oldest in the UK.

Your journey begins at Queen’s Campus in Stockton-on-Tees, where you will receive a high level of support and will find it easier to settle in to UK life. After completing your studies here, you will have the confidence, skills and academic knowledge to study a degree at Durham University. 

Queen's Campus in Stockton

Durham University International Study Centre is a dedicated centre for international students located on Queen's Campus in Stockton. The campus is small and welcoming with everything you need close by. 

Two location journey 

Extremely supportive and very international, Queen's Campus means you will find it easy to make friends, focus on your studies and get used to your new surroundings.

When you successfully complete your pathway programme and achieve the required grades, you will be able to progress to your degree at Durham City. This two location journey gives you a supportive start and a broader experience.

Degree preparation

At the International Study Centre we help you to develop the skills you need for your chosen degree at Durham University. Our programmes prepare you for undergraduate or postgraduate study and lead to more than 40 different degrees at the University.

Undergraduate-level

International Foundation Year – Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance

International Foundation Year – Humanities, Law and Social Science 

International Foundation Year – Science and Engineering

Postgraduate-level

Pre-Masters – Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance

Pre-Masters – Science and Engineering

Your programme prepares you for your chosen degree with subject-specific academic modules. You will also improve your English language skills and we will introduce you to Durham University’s teaching style.

If your English skills don’t meet the entry requirements for your pathway programme, you can enrol on an English Language course first.

Student support 

Our staff are experts in supporting international students. We will help you adapt to UK life and will introduce you to the full range of opportunities at Durham University. We are based at Queen’s Campus, so you will always know where to find us.

Academic support

We know that studying for a degree can be challenging, particularly at one of the highest ranked universities in the UK. As courses are competitive and entry requirements are high, the University will expect its students to focus on achieving their best. Our teachers are here to make sure you have the skills you need to succeed, both during your time at the International Study Centre and at the University.

Our small class sizes have no more than 25 students, and you will receive individual attention from highly qualified tutors. We will support you throughout your studies, monitor your progress and help you to achieve the grades you need.

We support you with:

  • Academic guidance to help you meet the grades 
  • Tailored study plans to keep you on track
  • Inspiring visits, guest speakers and events with the University 
  • Courses designed to prepare you for your chosen degree. 
  • Motivation to learn, both in lessons and individually
  • Enthusiasm to join in with student life and make the most of your time here
  • Ask for help if you need it. 
 

What our teachers say...

Ruth Whitney is Head of English at Durham International Study Centre

Everything we do here prepares our students for university. It can be very hard to come from another country and go to a world-class university, so the expectations from the academic side are high. But we don't just want them to study. We want them to experience life here, visit different places and join clubs. We want them to enjoy their time here and not just get their degree, but make new friends and have other skills outside the classroom.

Ruth Whitney
 Head of English

Career support

CareerAhead is an important part of our pathway programmes. This helps you to plan for your future career and develops the skills you need to succeed. For more information see Careers.

Personal welfare support

We provide full support as soon as you arrive at the International Study Centre. Experienced teachers, a team of support staff and organised activities will help you settle in and make friends. We have a Welfare Officer who will listen to any problems and look after your wellbeing and safety. Our Student Support Coordinator can help with practical matters such as your visa.

Journey from Queen's Campus to Durham City

Vanessa at Durham University Queen's Campus

Meet your teachers

Ruth Whitney is the head of English at Durham University International Study Centre

Skills for success

Durham University students on City Campus

Prepare for your future and develop the skills you need for success while you study at the International Study Centre.

What our teachers say...

Barbara Gill teaches business at the International Study Centre

The advice I’d offer to students is to not worry about coming here, as we are all very friendly. There's a lot of support and if you have any issues you can speak to any of us and we'll try and help you resolve any problems.

Barbara Gill
 Subject Leader for Business