Opportunities Abroad

Do you think you’d like to study abroad?

What follows is a short summary of the options open to you. Full information about Durham University’s study abroad schemes is given by Global Durham.

When can I study abroad?

• At Durham your year abroad is an additional year, taken between Level 2 and Level 3. It does not replace any of the years of the Durham degree, so you will end up studying for four years rather than three.
• You have to pass your year abroad. However, as long as you pass, the grades for your year abroad have no bearing on your final degree result.

Where can you study abroad?

• Durham University has links with universities teaching in English across the world through the Overseas Exchange scheme. Our partner universities can be found here. Through this scheme you compete with Durham University students across all subjects for the places available in these partner institutions, though music students have a good success rate!
• Where you choose to go will depend on the language skills that you already possess/wish to develop, and the type of study that you wish to do: our institutional partners offer a great range of options, and have their own specialisms. Visit the music department pages of our partner institutions to see the kinds of modules you can study there.
• If you are keen to travel to focus on performance or composition, please be aware that sometimes the institutions have extra requirements for students studying these subjects: this may be an audition upon arrival or in advance, or the submission of a portfolio of compositions. It’s best to inquire early about these kinds of issues to avoid surprises!

Why study abroad?

• Because you are studying at a different institution, and because you only have to pass, your year abroad can be a chance to experiment, explore new areas, and develop new skills. Equally it can be a chance to reinforce or build upon your existing knowledge. Sometimes you are even able to find an institution that caters more specifically to your interests and future career plan than our department at Durham!
• Studying abroad can help you improve your self-confidence and self-reliance by putting yourself in a new and unfamiliar situation. Navigating a new country and institution forces you to develop as a person, and exploring a different culture gives you new perspectives on the world.
• Studying abroad is great for your CV: it shows employers that you have ambition and initiative. It will also contribute to your global networks!
• Depending on where you go, you may develop foreign language skills that will be useful for your career or simply for pleasure.
• More information can be found on the GO Study Abroad page.