Durham University

History

• The oldest of the university’s 16 colleges, University College, was founded in 1832 at the same time as the establishment of the university. The most recent is Josephine Butler College, founded in 2006.
• In 1987 Durham Cathedral and Castle became a World Heritage Site, of which the university is a joint guardian.
• In 2012 the opera singer, Sir Thomas Allen was appointed as the university's 12th Chancellor.

Careers advice

• The highly-rated Careers and Enterprise team provides a wide range of services both centrally and within subject departments, in partnership with colleges and the Student Union. 
• Advisers give one-to-one support, group presentations and advice on application and CV development. Employability skills development, enterprise skills development and business start-up advice are also an integral part of the mainstream activity, and the service also provides an academic study skills programme.
• The team has strong and developing links with national and local employers or business groups, holding over 150 employer events annually; over 180 organisations attend recruitment fairs over six days in term 1.
• An online vacancy service is provided, giving access to thousands of job, placement, internship and work experience opportunities throughout the year. In addition, the service's comprehensive website and social media activity gives 24/7 access to wide-ranging resources, information, development activity and career planning support.
• The Careers and Enterprise team was shortlisted in the 2017 Awards for Excellence run by the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, for the Durham International Student Employ ability Programmer, developed and delivered in partnership with the English Language Center

Students' Union

• Durham Students' Union is the champion of all Durham students. Durham SU is an independent body and as such represents over 17,500 students across both Durham and Queen's Campus, with five elected student officers holding the university to account, supported by hundreds of student academic representatives and committee members. Durham is a collegiate university, and the union works alongside colleges to engage students around issues of welfare and student experience, and leads on making sure these issues are addressed.
• Durham SU is home to over 250 student groups. Within these groups students can connect with like-minded people outside of their colleges and departments. Here they can develop their skills and enhance their student experience.
• Durham University Charities Committee (DUCK) – the Raise and Give or RAG group – is one of the best in the country, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds each year for local, national and international charities.