Degree subjects

Choosing your degree

There are so many factors to consider when deciding the subject you want to study at university. You may have a particular career in mind – such as law or medicine – which will guide your choice. If not, it can be helpful to think about subjects you enjoy, what you are good at and the different careers you are interested in. 

To help you narrow down your choice, read our guides for selected university degree subjects to find out more about each one, including key skills, specialisms and typical career paths.

Study at a world-class university 

Durham University International Study Centre offers access to more than 30 different degree subjects at Durham, with preparation programmes that lead to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. These are just some of the subjects available to study following successful completion of your programme. 

Anthropology

Studying human societies and cultures, anthropology is a fascinating subject that gives you a variety of transferable skills. Find out more about pathways to anthropology.

Archaeology

Focusing on the human past, archaeology covers all aspects of people in the past. You will learn to uncover the secrets of human history, gaining skills that will help you pursue a variety of careers. Explore our Humanities Law and Social Science foundation, which provides a pathway to archaeology.

Arts

Studying arts often opens up a variety of pathways for you to follow. Whether you want to progress onto a liberal arts degree or be more specific and follow a degree such as music, you will usually have that option. Discover more about studying arts with one of our pathways. 

Biology

Biology or biological sciences is the study of life and living organisms. Explore different fields, state-of-the-art facilities, research opportunities and typical career paths.

Business

Business studies covers economics and management. It helps you to develop a range of skills, including crucial communication skills and can help you follow a career in a number of industries. Learn about our pathway to studying business at university. 

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of properties of substances and interactions with energy. It combines aspects of biology and physics and offers many unique fields that you could specialise in. Learn more about careers paths, key skills and chemistry at Durham University.

Computer Science

Computer science is the study of computers, computing systems and computational theory. Learn more about fields you can specialise in, career paths related to your degree and computer science courses at Durham.

Earth sciences

Earth sciences is the study of the physical constitution of Earth and its atmosphere. It is made up of four major branches and studying it at university will prepare you for a number of specialist careers. Explore earth science here

Engineering

Leading to exciting career prospects and high salaries, engineering gives you the chance to specialise in a variety of fields. Read more on how you can study engineering at university with our Science and Engineering foundation. 

Geography

Geography focuses on the physical features of the earth and mankind's relationship with the environment. Combining social and natural sciences, it can lead to a number of careers. Find out how you can study it at Durham.

History

History is the study of past events, typically focussing on human affairs. Graduates of history can pursue opportunities in teaching and government for example. You will also gain transferable skills to allow you to work in a range of industries.

International relations

The study of international relations focuses on key global issues and challenges. Discover the mix of educational fields that make up international relations and why you should study it at Durham.

Law

A law degree is widely respected by employers and leads to a prestigious career path. Understand the areas you can specialise in, the legal system, ethics and the benefits of studying at Durham Law School. 

Maths

Maths is the abstract science of quantity, number and space. It is used in our everyday lives and is a core element in everything around us, from technology to architecture.  Studying maths at university can lead to a range of careers and give you key transferable skills. Find out how you can study it at university. 

Philosophy

Covering the basic nature of how we think about the universe and society, philosophy asks basic questions that give complicated answers - giving you a new view on life. Learn how you can study philosophy at university with our Humanities Law and Social Science pathway. 

Physics

The study of physics covers energy, forces, waves, mechanics, atoms and the physical Universe. Find out about different fields, career opportunities and the benefits of studying this natural science at Durham. 

Politics

Studying politics looks at systems of government, power, conflict and international relations. Learn more about areas you can specialise in, political careers and opportunities to study at Durham.

Psychology

Psychology is the study of human behaviour and thought. This fascinating science provides diverse skills that are valued by employers. Find out where a psychology degree could lead you, and why Durham is one of the best places to study it.

Social sciences

Social science is a group of academic subjects that focus on society and people. Studying social sciences gives you a variety of pathways to follow in the future, whether that is further study or a career. Discover how you can study social sciences at university with our Humanities Law and Social Science foundation.
Bridge at Stockton-on-Tees

International Foundation Year

This three-term Foundation programme provides you with a choice of pathways that prepare you for an undergraduate degree.

Undergraduate pathway
Studying at Durham University

Pre-Masters

The Pre-Masters programme provides you with a choice of two pathways that lead to postgraduate degree study at Durham University.

Postgraduate pathway
Library at Durham University

English preparation

If you do not meet the English language entry requirements for your programme you can enrol on an English language preparation course first.

Extra English support