Pre-arrival information  

Starting your postgraduate degree is an exciting milestone. Before your programme begins, there are a few important steps to complete to ensure you are prepared to join Durham’s research community. 

Before you arrive 

Our Offer Information Guide contains useful information on things such as college membership, fees and funding, enrolment and induction and university regulations. Please read it carefully alongside your offer letter as it tells you more about the next steps in your applicant journey with us as well as any actions you may need to take.   

Once you have accepted your offer, you will receive information about registration, enrolment, and preparing for your studies. International students should also ensure they have arranged any necessary visa documentation and travel plans before arriving in Durham.

Your department and designated college will also reach out to you in the run up to your arrival, they will continue to offer support throughout your studies.  

Enrolment 

To become a fully registered Durham student, you'll need to complete our Enrolment and Registration process. There are three elements to Enrolment and Registration: 

1. Enrol with the University: as soon as you receive the username and password for your IT account, log into Banner Self Service and complete Enrolment. Read more about Enrolment in our Enrolling with the University section.  

1. Verify your identity: once you've arrived in Durham, you'll need to take your ID to your College. You can read more about Verification in our Verifying your Identity section. 

International students may need their VISA and passport checked by our University Immigration Service to complete their Right to Study check. This is a separate process to Identity Verification and must be completed to become a registered student with Durham University. Once you've enrolled with the University, you'll be able to access information about the Right to Study (internal link) check.

For help with the enrolment process. see our checklist for new students.

Induction  

Induction aims to help you become established as a member of the Durham research community. While Induction sessions are focused in Welcome and Orientation Week (WOW), Induction is an ongoing process that begins from the point at which you accept your offer and start receiving information from the University. Over the first weeks and months of your programme, you should continue to engage with guidance, support and opportunities to help you settle into your research degree and make the most of your experience at Durham. 

University induction is co-ordinated by the Doctoral School and DCAD. It provides you with essential information about the services and support available to all postgraduate researchers. This includes practical information on areas such as registration, alongside introductions to the wide range of research and wellbeing support available throughout your studies, to assist you throughout your programme. It also introduces ways in which you can get involved in the wider university community, such as through volunteering, performing arts, and sport.  

Your department induction focuses on the academic and research environment in which you will undertake your degree. It provides information including supervisory arrangements, departmental facilities, key contacts, local processes and expectations relating to research degree study. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the research culture within your department, including seminars, research groups, training opportunities and other activities that will help you engage with the wider academic community in your discipline. 

As a postgraduate researcher, you will also be a member of one of Durham's colleges. College induction introduces you to your college community, the support available within the college, and the opportunities to become involved in college life. This includes information on welfare and pastoral support, student communities, common rooms, events, activities and opportunities to build connections with other students, staff and alumni.. Colleges play an important role in supporting your' wellbeing and sense of belonging throughout your time at Durham.  

You can find information about University Induction, your department and college inductions on the Induction Planner. 

Induction will then continue throughout your first months of study as you become more familiar with the University, develop relationships within your academic and college communities, and engage with the wider opportunities available to you as a postgraduate researcher. 

Throughout your research degree, you'll work closely with your supervisory team to monitor your progress and ensure your project develops successfully. A series of formal and informal milestones help you reflect on your achievements, receive feedback and plan the next stages of your research. 

Your supervisory team, department and the Doctoral School are all committed to supporting you throughout your research journey, helping you develop as an independent researcher while ensuring you remain on track to complete your degree. 

Supervision and progress 

Regular meetings with your supervisors are a vital part of your research degree. These meetings provide opportunities to discuss your research, review your progress, and identify any challenges. Advice on navigating your student-supervisor relationship can be found under our supervisor guidance section. 

Formal progression reviews 

Candidates on programmes lasting more than one year (this does not include part-time Masters students) will complete a formal Progression Review either 9 months after the start of the programme (full-time), or 21 months (part-time).  

The Progression Review provides an opportunity to demonstrate the development of your research project and confirm that you are making satisfactory progress towards your degree. The review considers the quality of your research to date, your plans for the remainder of your programme and your readiness to continue with doctoral or master's level study. 

Where further development is required, you may be asked to undertake a second review. Your department and supervisory team will provide guidance and support throughout this process. 

Your department may have other formal stages in addition which they will inform you about. Please check with your supervisors. 

Annual progress monitoring  

Alongside the formal Progression Review, candidates and supervisors are required to submit annual reports on their progress. Annual reporting enables both you and your supervisors to reflect on your achievements, discuss future objectives and identify any additional support or training that may be beneficial. 

Progress monitoring helps ensure that your research remains on track while providing opportunities to celebrate successes and address any challenges at an early stage. 

Core Regulations for research degrees can provide specific information about progression for your programme.  

Thesis submission 

For current students further information can be found on our internal pages here 

Graduation 

Graduation marks the successful completion of your postgraduate journey and celebrates your contribution to Durham University’s research community. It is an opportunity to recognise your achievements alongside fellow graduates, family, friends, and colleagues. 

Graduation ceremonies take place in January and July every year, you will be invited to attend the ceremony after you pass your degree. Once you have been invited to graduate, you will receive information about booking your place, guest tickets, academic dress, and what to expect on the day from our Ceremonies team. 

If you are unable to attend your ceremony, alternative arrangements may be available. More information about graduation can be found in our ceremonies section.