Durham University

The University of Durham, commonly known as Durham University, is a university in Durham, England. It was founded by Act of Parliament in 1832 and granted a Royal Charter in 1837. It was one of the first universities to open in England for more than 600 years, and is claimed to be England's third oldest after Oxford and Cambridge (although other higher education institutions also make this claim – see third oldest university in England debate). Durham is a collegiate university, with its main functions divided between the central departments of the University and 16 colleges. In general, the departments perform research and provide centralised lectures to students, while the colleges are responsible for the domestic arrangements and welfare of undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral researches and some University staff. Colleges decide which students they are to admit, and appoint their own fellows (senior members). In Durham, "the university" often refers to the University as opposed to the colleges. "Long established as a leading alternative to Oxford and Cambridge", the University attracts "a largely middle and higher class student body" according to the Times Good University Guide. The latest University League Table 2010 published by The Complete University Guide ranked Durham 5th in the UK after Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College and LSE. The University was also named Sunday Times University of the Year in 2005, having previously been shortlisted for the award in 2004. The Chancellor of the University is Bill Bryson, appointed by the University's Convocation on 4 April 2005. The post-nominal letters of graduates have "Dunelm" attached to indicate the university.