Direct answer
Durham University’s official postgraduate pages for 2026/27 outline the general application process, the distinction between taught and research degrees, and the role of the International Study Centre for students who do not yet meet direct entry requirements. The pages confirm that international students, including those from China, can apply to a wide range of programmes and that a Pre-Masters pathway exists at Queen’s Campus Stockton. However, the supplied evidence does not contain a consolidated list of country-specific academic equivalences for Chinese qualifications.
How Durham structures its postgraduate offer
Durham divides postgraduate study into two broad streams: taught degrees and research degrees. Taught programmes deliver a structured framework of lectures, seminars and tutorials, and are available on a full-time or part-time basis. Research degrees can be studied full-time for one, two or three years, or part-time for two, four or six years. The university also offers professional doctorates that combine taught modules with an extended research thesis.
Research students develop their own timetable under a supervisory team. Durham states that it ensures the supervisory team has appropriate expertise in the student’s area of study and provides training and mentoring programmes to support high-quality supervision. Applicants to a research degree are advised to consult the relevant academic department to confirm that a supervisor with expertise in the chosen subject is available.
What the official pages say about international entry requirements
The supplied pages describe a general international admissions framework. They state: “If you are an international student and don’t meet the requirements for entry to a postgraduate degree you may be eligible to take a pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.” The centre is located at Queen’s Campus Stockton and offers a Pre-Masters programme taught over two or three terms, depending on the student’s level of English language. Successful completion of the Pre-Masters programme with the required grades allows progression to a chosen Masters degree at Durham.
The pages do not publish a table that maps Chinese undergraduate qualifications—such as a four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised university—to a UK degree classification or to a specific GPA. The evidence therefore does not permit a statement that a particular Chinese qualification satisfies direct entry for any named programme.
Taught postgraduate application process
Durham’s taught postgraduate application guidance covers course search, funding, and the steps to apply. The pages highlight popular search areas including Law, Finance, Psychology, Economics, Business and Computer Science, and encourage prospective students to view all courses. The university invites applicants to sign up for updates, attend events, get a prospectus, or chat with current students. The postgraduate admissions contact is available by telephone at +44 (0)191 334 1000 and by post at The Palatine Centre, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE.
Research degree application considerations
For research degrees, the official information emphasises the importance of confirming supervisory availability before applying. Durham states: “When applying to study for a research degree you should consult with your academic department to check that a supervisor with expertise in your chosen subject area is available to support you.” All research students can access the Researcher Development Programmes offered by their academic department and the Durham Centre for Academic Development.
Financial support and scholarships
Durham states that it is “committed to supporting students irrespective of financial circumstances” and offers a range of scholarships and bursaries. The pages specifically mention the Durham Master’s Bursaries, which are available to UK students from low or middle-income households who receive an offer for an eligible programme starting in October 2026. The evidence does not detail scholarships designated for Chinese postgraduate applicants. The university directs readers to learn more about its range of postgraduate scholarships and to use the Cost of Living Hub for financial guidance.
Visa information
The official pages note that students who do not hold British or Irish nationality and plan to travel to the UK to study may need to apply for a visa. The type of visa or permission required depends on the course the student is coming to study. Durham provides a dedicated visa information page for further details.
What still requires live rechecking
Because the supplied evidence does not include course-level entry requirement pages, several items must be verified directly on the Durham University website at the time of application:
- The specific UK degree classification equivalent required for a Chinese bachelor’s degree for each taught postgraduate programme.
- English language proficiency requirements, including accepted tests and scores, for individual courses.
- Any course-specific application deadlines, portfolio requirements, or additional selection criteria.
- The full list of scholarships and bursaries open to Chinese nationals, together with eligibility conditions and application windows.
- The detailed academic and English language entry requirements for the Pre-Masters programme at the International Study Centre.
FAQ
Does the Durham University postgraduate page list a China-specific entry requirement table?
No. The supplied official pages describe the International Study Centre pathway for international students who do not meet direct entry requirements, but they do not publish a country-specific academic equivalences table for China.
What is the Durham University International Study Centre Pre-Masters programme?
It is a pathway programme located at Queen’s Campus Stockton. Taught over two or three terms depending on English language level, it provides academic and English language preparation. Students who successfully complete the programme and achieve the required grades can start a chosen Masters degree at Durham University.
Can a Chinese applicant apply directly for a research degree at Durham?
Yes. The official pages confirm that Durham offers research degrees to international students. Applicants must consult the relevant academic department before applying to check that a supervisor with expertise in the chosen subject area is available.
Are there postgraduate scholarships for Chinese students at Durham?
The supplied pages describe a commitment to supporting students and mention the Durham Master’s Bursaries for eligible UK students starting in October 2026. The evidence does not detail scholarships specifically for Chinese postgraduate applicants. The university’s postgraduate scholarships page should be consulted for the most current opportunities.
How can a Chinese applicant get advice about postgraduate study at Durham?
The university offers several channels: prospective students can sign up for updates, attend events, get a prospectus, or chat with a student ambassador. The student ambassadors are studying various courses, know the colleges, and are from different countries. The postgraduate admissions telephone number is +44 (0)191 334 1000.
Official sources
- Postgraduate taught applications – Durham University
- How to apply for postgraduate study – Durham University
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