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University of Durham

North East, England

16.0%
Acceptance Rate
70k
Applications (2024)
£41,000
Median Salary (5yr)
86%
Employment Rate
22
Subjects
A*A*A – ABB
A-Level Requirements

How much do University of Durham graduates earn by subject?

University of Durham graduates earn a median salary of £41,000 five years after graduation. The highest-paying subject is Economics at £65,000, while Performing arts graduates earn £29,700.

Economics £65,000
£48,500 £83,200
Computing £62,800
£48,100 £70,800
Law £57,500
£37,400 £85,900
£39,100 £71,500
£39,100 £71,500
Engineering £51,500
£40,500 £72,300
£35,000 £66,400
Chemistry £49,300
£33,600 £62,000
Politics £49,300
£39,800 £71,500
£35,800 £46,900

+ 12 more subjects

Salary growth: how do earnings change over time?

Graduate salaries typically grow significantly in the first five years. Subjects like medicine and engineering tend to see steeper growth, while creative fields may start lower but offer non-linear career paths.

Subject 15 months 3 years 5 years
Economics £31,000 £27,500 £36,000
Computing £41,500 £40,000 £54,000
Business and management £37,750 £41,500 £55,000
Mathematical sciences £31,500 £36,000 £50,000
Engineering £32,000 £35,500 £46,000
Chemistry £34,000 £35,000 £44,000
Politics £26,500 £36,000 £53,000
History and archaeology £29,000 - £42,300
Biosciences £28,500 £29,500 £37,000
Languages and area studies £30,000 £26,500 £32,500
Psychology £29,750 £29,000 £37,250
Education and teaching £31,000 £30,500 £41,000
Performing arts £33,000 £31,500 £41,500

15-month data from Graduate Outcomes survey. 3-year and 5-year data from LEO (Longitudinal Education Outcomes). Growth is calculated from 15 months to 5 years after graduation.

How competitive is University of Durham?

In 2024, University of Durham received 69,590 applications and accepted 11,160 students, giving an acceptance rate of 16.0%.

69,590
Applications
11,160
Acceptances
16.0%
Acceptance Rate
Applications
Acceptances

Source: UCAS End of Cycle Data

How much does it cost for international students?

International undergraduate students pay £24,750 to £35,000 per year in tuition at University of Durham. Living costs are estimated at £10,000–£13,500 per year.

Arts/Humanities
3-year degree
Per Year
£24,750
tuition only
+ Living costs/yr £10,000–£13,500
Total (3 years)
All costs £104,250 –£114,750
Business/Law
3-year degree
Per Year
£28,250
tuition only
+ Living costs/yr £10,000–£13,500
Total (3 years)
All costs £114,750 –£125,250
Sciences
3-year degree
Per Year
£30,250
tuition only
+ Living costs/yr £10,000–£13,500
Total (3 years)
All costs £120,750 –£131,250
Engineering
3-year degree
Per Year
£32,000
tuition only
+ Living costs/yr £10,000–£13,500
Total (3 years)
All costs £126,000 –£136,500

* Estimates based on 2025/26 fees. Actual costs may vary. View official fees →

What are the employment outcomes at University of Durham?

86% of University of Durham graduates are in sustained employment or further study 5 years after graduation. The university offers 22 subjects with median salaries ranging from £29,700 to £65,000.

Subject Employment Median Salary
Economics 88.6% £65,000
Computing 88% £62,800
Law 89.4% £57,500
Business and management 87.3% £55,500
Mathematical sciences 87.1% £52,200
Engineering 92% £51,500
Physics and astronomy 74.2% £49,300
Chemistry 85% £49,300
Politics 84.4% £49,300
Pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy 87.1% £44,500
Geography, earth and environmental studies 91.8% £42,700
History and archaeology 85.1% £42,300
Biosciences 86.6% £42,000
Allied health 81% £39,800
Languages and area studies 82.9% £39,100
English studies 86% £38,000
Philosophy and religious studies 75.1% £38,000
Sociology, social policy and anthropology 87.3% £35,800
Sport and exercise sciences 91.8% £33,600
Psychology 89.4% £33,200
Education and teaching 87% £32,100
Performing arts 84.8% £29,700

* Avg. Tariff: Average UCAS tariff points of students who enrolled on this course. This is not the entry requirement — enrolled students often exceed requirements. Always check the official university website for actual entry requirements.

Reference: A*=56, A=48, B=40, C=32 points. Example: AAA = 144 points. Calculate your tariff →

Entry Requirements

A*A*A – ABB

Most courses require AAA-AAB. Competitive subjects like Law and Natural Sciences require A*AA.

View official requirements →

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Highest Earning Subjects

  • 1 Economics £65,000
  • 2 Computing £62,800
  • 3 Law £57,500
  • 4 Business and management £55,500
  • 5 Mathematical sciences £52,200

Quick Facts

Location North East
Country England
Type University
UKPRN 10007143
Visit Official Website →

International Student Fees

Fee Range £24,750 – £35,000
per year
Fee by Subject
Arts/Humanities £24,750/3yr
Business/Law £28,250/3yr
Sciences £30,250/3yr
Engineering £32,000/3yr
View official fee page →

Estimated Living Costs

Annual Cost £10,000 – £13,500

Durham living costs estimate

View cost details →

Data Source

Graduate earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset and Graduate Outcomes survey via Discover Uni 2024/25. Figures show median earnings at 15 months, 3 years, and 5 years after graduation. Continuation rates show the percentage of students who progress in their studies.

View source data →

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