About the course
About the Course
About the Durham Bridging Course
A pre-arrival programme created to support students as they transition into higher education at Durham.
Academic preparation, practical insight, and early community-building to help students feel welcome before term starts.
Residential • Academic skills • Peer support • Durham experience
Overview
The Durham Bridging Course is a pre-arrival residential programme created to support students from under-represented groups as they transition into higher education. The course is designed not only to build practical academic skills, but also to reduce uncertainty, strengthen confidence, and create early connections with peers and staff.
Students often arrive at university with very different educational experiences and levels of familiarity with what higher education expects. The Bridging Course responds to that challenge by offering a structured, supportive introduction to study at Durham before term begins.
Each day consists of engaging, interactive workshops, delivered by academic staff, that introduce students to Durham and develop skills for successful study. Evenings include optional activities, delivered by fellow students, building famiarity with the social life of Durham, and building community. Friendships made on the Bridging Course often last throughout the degree.
Who it is for
The course supports eligible prospective Durham students who have been invited to take part and who may benefit from additional preparation, early relationship-building, and greater familiarity with university life.
What it aims to do
The programme builds academic writing and communication, introduces university study, encourages self-efficacy and academic independence, and helps students build a support network.
Why it matters
The course helps close the gap between prior educational experience and higher education expectations by offering practical preparation in an inclusive, welcoming environment.
A course built around belonging and confidence
At its core, the programme is about helping students feel ready to begin. That includes understanding what academic study will involve, knowing where support is available, and feeling that Durham is somewhere they can thrive.