Durham University

Durham University has 17 colleges under it, offering more than 200 undergraduate courses across 27 academic departments. Durham University's subjects Archaeology, Theology and Religion, and Classics and Ancient History have all ranked 6,6,9, respectively, amongst the global top ten subjects, 2025. Further, five of the subjects have secured a rank in the World Top 50: History (36), English Studies (33), Philosophy (31), Anthropology (29), Geography (11). 

The Cranfield University has an acceptance rate of 68%, which suggests the institute is selective to a fair extent & prioritises students with better academic qualifications. Despite that, it can still be considered relatively easier to secure a seat at than Durham University, whose acceptance rate stands at 41%.  Durham only accepts about 4 of the 10 applications it recieves. 

Regardless, interested applicants must perform well in their academics & entrance exams to secure admisisons at either institute.

Aston University is generally cheaper than Durham University.  

*Aston University* – Undergraduate tuition fees are around £9,250 per year.  

*Durham University* – Undergraduate tuition fees will rise to £9,535 from August 2025.  

Postgraduate fees also tend to be lower at Aston compared to Durham.  

Overall, Aston University offers a more budget-friendly option.

The primary advantages of life on-campus at Durham are the availability of academic resources, libraries, and student services. Living within the campus confines places you closer to social interactions, university events, and extra-curricular activities, thereby engendering strong community spirit. The historic colleges provide one-of-a-kind living environments, often with very cozy atmospheres. On-campus accommodation also guarantees added safety and convenience. Off-campus accommodation may afford some privacy or a lower rent but involves longer commutes and less immersion in university life, making many prefer on-campus living.

Durham University may or may not involve different expenses for Indian students depending on their course/level of study. The per year fee for undergraduate courses regularly ranges from £20,000 to £26,000. All postgraduate courses have a range between £22,000 and £30,000 at best. Living in Durham may involve other expenditures of around £9,000-12,000. This comes to anything from about ?29 Lacs to ?38 Lacs per year depending on the course and individual decisions regarding living expenses (making use of an exchange rate of 1 GBP = 100 INR). Life insurance and travel expenses besides above are to be kept aside in this budget.