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International Study Centre

Education in the uk

Access prestigious universities

The UK education system is known for high-quality teaching and research. Degrees are globally respected, and high achieving graduates are some of the most sought after in the world.

Benefits of studying in the UK

Prestigious universities

There are 18 UK universities ranked in the top 100 universities of the world, including Durham (QS World University Rankings 2020). Durham University is 7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020. University lecturers are leaders in their fields, and prestigious Russell Group universities such as Durham University use a progressive, research-led approach. 18 of Durham University’s subjects are ranked in the top 100 in the world with ten subjects featuring in the world top 50 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019).

Long history of success

The UK is home to some of the world’s oldest and most respected universities – founded in 1837, Durham University is the third oldest in England.

Career development

Career preparation is an important part of university life. Universities such as Durham have a structured development programme to help you meet your career goals stand out in the graduate market.

How does the education system in the UK work?

Teaching and learning

Research-led education is at the core of the UK’s most respected universities. You can study a wide range of degree subjects at both undergraduate and postgraduate level at UK universities. Teaching is delivered by world-class academics who are passionate about their subjects. Teaching involves a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Independent study, practical work and debates are also key features.

Assessments

The type of assessment depends on your degree and university. Assessment may include written exams, project reports, presentations, essays and a dissertation. The university grading system usually uses percentages. Your final overall percentage will determine your degree classification.

University degree classifications are:

  • First class
  • Upper Second-Class
  • Lower Second-Class
  • Third-Class

Teaching at Durham University

 

College system

Durham University has a collegiate system, creating strong individual communities within the larger student body. Find out more about the University Colleges.  

What is the Russell Group?

Twenty-four leading UK universities, including Durham University, are members of the Russell Group. These universities are some of the UK’s most respected. They are committed to maintaining the best research, teaching and learning experience for students, and also have outstanding links with business and the public sector. 

Meet your tutors

Barbara Gill teaches business at the International Study Centre

As well as teaching business, I've worked in business and I enjoy applying my knowledge from the industry in the classroom and using my experience to help students understand how business operates. We give students the theory and then apply it to a real company. It’s important that students leave here with a good grasp of business, so I try to use real examples from my past.

Barbara Gill
Subject Leader for Business
Durham University International Study Centre