Education Studies with Foundation

IGCSE / GCSE / O-Level: 5 passes at A-C in relevant subjects (excluding native language). New grades 9 - 4 in English and Maths

IB Diploma Programme: 26 points (IB Certificate accepted, 26 points) (Subject pass level is 3)

A levels: 84 UCAS points (formerly 240) no E grades at A level counted towards UCAS points total, combinations of A and AS levels accepted

24 UCAS points from AS only (native language accepted) (formerly 80 UCAS points)

Students successfully completing a Foundation Year course will progress directly to their chosen degree programme at Durham University. Our graduates enter a wide range of occupational areas both in the public and private sector, including science, teaching, business and finance. Durham has an excellent graduate employment record, and the skills acquired during study serve as a valuable preparation for life after university.

We have been expanding the range of progression routes to other Durham degrees for Foundation Year students and provide routes into all Durham University departments.

If you want to be challenged and inspired to achieve the extraordinary then we’d love to hear from you. 

Most applicants apply to us using UCAS, however where applicants and their schools are not using UCAS at all, but are using Common App we will accept applications through this route instead. 

Applying through UCAS

If you’re applying to us through UCAS, use our handy guide below to help you. 

1. Deadlines

For the best chance of receiving an offer, you’ll need to apply by 18:00 (GMT) on 26 January 2022. If you’re applying for Oxbridge, or Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science, then the application deadline is 15 October. Your school or college may have their own deadline for you to apply so they have enough time to write your reference, so you’ll need to bear this in mind. 

2. Register 

Register with UCAS. If you’re applying through school or college then you’ll need a buzzword, so make sure you know what this is. If you’re not applying through a school or college then you won’t need a buzzword. When you register you’ll be given a username, will need to create your own password, and will be given a UCAS personal ID. Make sure you keep these safe as you will need them a lot. 

3. Start your application

You can usually start your application from September for entry to university the following year. The online system lets you complete your application in stages – simply save as you go along and you can return to it later. 

The application is made up of different sections, including your personal details, qualifications, course choices, a personal statement and a reference. 

UCAS have some great guides to help you complete your application on their website

You can choose up to five courses. Use the institution code D86 for Durham. 

4. Colleges 

You can also let us know what your college preference is on your UCAS application. If you want to do this then use the appropriate campus code from the list below. If you don’t have a preference for a particular college then use the campus code O. 

College	Campus Code
Collingwood	1
Grey	G
Hatfield	2
John Snow	7
Josephine Butler	9
South College	K
St Aidan’s	A
St Chad’s	3
St Cuthbert’s Society	4
Stephenson	8
St Hild & St Bede	5
St John’s	J
St Mary’s	M
Trevelyan	T
University	U
Van Mildert	V

5. What happens next 

Once you’ve submitted your application to UCAS they will let you know they have received it and will send it to all of your university choices. Selection processes vary between universities and courses so don’t worry if you don’t hear from your choices straight away. When the universities you have applied to are ready to make their decisions, you’ll be able to see them on at UCAS.

You can find out more about the selection process at Durham here

Applying through Common App

1. We welcome applications through Common App as an alternative route for applicants who are unable to use UCAS. Please note if you are using UCAS for any university or college application, we are unable to consider your Common App application, and you would need Durham to be one of your five choices with UCAS.

2. As part of your Durham application you’ll need to submit a personal statement. We’ll consider this rather than your Common App essay questions.

3. You can submit your college preference through one of our Durham specific questions in Common App.

4. After submitting your application, you can send evidence of your qualifications (e.g. College Board reports, academic transcripts) directly to Durham by emailing [email protected]

Hints and Tips

1. It’s never too early to start thinking about the course you want to study. Do your online research and take advantage of Open Days, Campus Tours (virtual options available) and talking to current students to find out as much as you can about your subject and the universities you’re interested in. You only have a maximum of 5 choices on your UCAS application, so it’s important you take advantage of all the resources available to choose the right courses and universities for you.

2. Give yourself enough time to complete your application before the deadline – don’t leave it until the last minute! You need to give yourself the best chance of getting an offer, so plan in enough time so you don’t need to rush. 

3. Double check each section before you submit your application. It’s especially important that factual information is correct, especially the grades you achieved in your qualifications. 

4. If you’re using a school email address then don’t forget to change this to a personal one before you leave. Most universities send you information by email and don’t want you to miss important messages they might send during the summer months. 

5. Don’t forget, UCAS have lots of helpful hints and tips, including a video guide. Or you could Ask one of our friendly advisers, who are always happy to help.