Fifth best university in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2022), the University of Durham, in the North of England, is organized as a collegiate system, similar to that found at Oxford and Cambridge. Students have the opportunity, and the chance, to live together and organize events in collegiate halls of residence, known as “halls of residence”. colleges“. In addition to a dynamic student life, the University offers high-quality academic programs, such as the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) PROGRAM. Madeleine, a French PPE student, shares her student and academic experience in Durham.
Profile
FIRST NAME : MadeleineNATIONALITY Frenchçaise
LYCÉE : Collège Stanislas
NAME OF COURSE : BA Philosophy, Politics and Economy (PPE)
UNIVERSITY NAME : Durham University, Durham
TYPE OF BACCALAUREATE AND RESULT OBTAINED Baccalauréat (A-levels) with honors and congratulations from the jury, specializing in Mathematics, Physics-Chemistry, Expert Mathematics and Geopolitics (HGGSP)
Study abroad
Why did you decide to study abroad?
I decided to study abroad for a number of reasons.
Firstly, from an academic point of view, I wanted to discover a new teaching method, especially for subjects like Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
Intellectual references also differ from university to university and from country to country.
The authors and works studied are different in the UK.
I really like English philosophy as embodied by John Stuart Mill and John Locke.
Secondly, from a cultural point of view, I wanted to discover a new culture and become bilingual.
I have no personal or family ties in England, but I’ve always appreciated British culture.
I also wanted to enter a university world with a college system and the ancient buildings in which it takes place.
Finally, from a personal point of view, going abroad was a way of becoming independent and getting out of my comfort zone.
Why did you choose Durham University?
I had hesitated for a long time between University College London (UCL) and Durham University. I was lucky enough to be in contact with students fromDurham University.
. From a French point of view, London universities have a higher profile. However, Durham University was better ranked for the PPE curriculum. What’s more, I really wanted to meet English students and not just be with French people (who are reputed to be very numerous in London universities). Finally, I finalized my choice by saying to myself that during my professional career I would surely have the opportunity to be in London, while living in Durham is a unique experience: Durham is a small university town with a family atmosphere that lives at the rhythm of the university; the campus is the whole town itself, which is really unique! This makes it easier to meet people and get close to your professors. What’s more, there’s a great sense of cohesion between first-, second- and third-year students. Every first-year student has a ” college family “with college parents “who are graduate students. My college parents “are third-year students. We make friends and do activities together.
What was the admissions and selection process like?
I was declared eligible for admission to Durham University for the Philosophy, Politics and Economy course at the beginning of January of my Terminale year, which is quite early.
To be admitted, you had to pass your baccalauréat with honors and have at least 16/20 in Mathematics.
You then had to enter the following on the UCAS platform college accommodation (university residence with organized activities) that we preferred.
My choice was University College Castle.
En février, l’université nous a envoyé un formulaire pour classer les college accommodation among the 16 offered, in case we couldn’t get our first-choice college.
At the end of February, the college confirmed that I had got my first choice.
Why did you choose University College Castle as your student residence? It’s one of colleges most in demand.
I really liked the fact that I was living in a castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You have to be careful when choosing your college.
There are newer residences and some older ones, often located within the fortified city walls.
Some residences offer regular balls and dinners.
This was an important criterion for me, and University College Castle organizes two ” formal dinners “For those who want to have their own kitchen or modern bedroom, it’s best to stay in newer residences.
For those who want their own kitchen or a modern room, newer residences such as South College built in 2020, although University College Castle offers self-catering rooms.
What administrative steps have you taken to prepare for your return to Durham University?
We had to apply for a student visa.
The application is done on a mobile app that works pretty well.
I got it in almost two weeks.
You also have to take care of health insurance, which costs almost £1,900.
However, if you have a European Health Insurance Card, these costs are gradually reimbursed by the NHS.
Finally, you’ll need to arrange your accommodation.
Once you have registered with a college If you’re looking for a “single” room, you’ll need to decide whether or not you want a shared bathroom (which has an impact on the price of the room).
1st year courses
Did you have to choose your courses in the first year? The PPE curriculum is quite intense.
We have lectures (8 to 12 hours a week) in which there are between 150 and 200 students. Then there are seminars or tutorials held once a week or once every two weeks, depending on the module, in which there are 6 or 7 students. Most modules are compulsory in the first year, but the choice is much more flexible in the second and third years.
It’s important to know that Economics courses are very “mathematical”, and therefore require a solid grounding in mathematics.
We have a PPE referent teacher, and a ” academic advisor “.
This is a teacher who follows us throughout our schooling.
He or she answers our questions, knows our academic background, advises us on our choice of modules and can write us letters of recommendation.
In general, we are very well looked after by our teachers, and “seminar leaderswho know us well.
How are first-year projects assessed?
We usually have one or two graded assignments per term. There may also be oral presentations in some modules. There is a table-top examination period in May after the Easter vacations, preceded by a period of revision classes. This is a very intense period, as all students, at all levels, have their exams at this time. There are generally three exams per week and 1-2 exams per module. It’s important to work hard during the Easter vacations and throughout the year. Some exams have to be written within 24 hours. This is useful for assessing the Philosophy and Politics modules. We have three short essays to complete in each subject in 24 hours. This allows us to do the necessary research, although it’s important to have revised beforehand.
Did you find it difficult to adapt to the educational system and English classes?
Adapting to English went very quickly, especially when you’re in a completely English-speaking environment. I had the impression that after three weeks in Durham I was already much more comfortable speaking in English. As far as methodology is concerned, it’s true that I can see the difference between my marks in the first term and in the last term. There has been a progression in the quality of my work and the marks I have obtained. What reassures me is that we’re all at the same level, even with the English students. They too are discovering a new academic methodology specific to university, even if I have to pay more attention to grammatical errors.
How many hours of lessons per week do you have?
I have around twenty hours of classes a week, divided between lectures and tutorials (also called seminars).
We can also have “laboratory” courses, which are computer courses, for example on Excel, or mathematics courses, every month or so.
Student life at Durham University
What is student life like at Durham University?
Student life is incredible.
There are a huge number of student associations with a wide variety of themes, such as the ” Hummus society “, “The Caledonian Society (Scottish dance, I recommend it!) or ” the Taylor Swift society “. You can even set up your own association, provided you are accredited by the university. No one judges membership of an association. Durham also has nightclubs, where entry is free or costs less than £2, and where events are regularly organized. There are also organized games such as the ” bar crawl “(going to bars at chquae college) among students or the game “ohere’s the chicken?“It’s a giant hide-and-seek in the city.
There are college-wide and university-wide associations: it all depends on the size and atmosphere you’re looking for.
There are also numerous balls (most of the time, each association, in addition to the colleges, tries to organize its own at least once a year!), as well as “formal dinners”, specific to each college, every week.
How did you manage to integrate into student life?
Being in a college residence has helped me considerably: it’s a real community, with a wonderful spirit of mutual aid and family (very much helped by the “college family”).
Tutoring classes are also great times to talk and debate with other students.
Into the future
What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to do a Master’s degree in political science after my Bachelor’s degree.
I’m very interested in the Master in European Affairs offered by SciencesPo Paris because I’d like to work for the European Union or an international institution later on.
What advice and recommendations would you give to a French student interested in attending Durham University?
You shouldn’t be afraid to go abroad and break away from the French academic system.
It’s a considerable advantage for your academic and professional record.
Joining Durham University is a choice of originality and adventure, and you’ll be at the heart of English culture.
This demonstrates a real openness of mind.
The human and academic experience is total.
My advice for admission is to take care with your application. ersonal statement.If, like Madeleine, you would like to attend the University of Durham or a university in Englandplease contact us to discuss your plans!
