"Welcome to South College. As a new postgraduate student you will share in the adventure of developing our diverse and inclusive community. Here, you can study in security, peace and comfort and enjoy a wonderful social life too. As the newest College in this historic University, South offers tremendous opportunities for students with great ideas who want to contribute to a growing sense of pride, character and ambition. Secure within Durham’s family of Colleges, South has already proved that it is a fountain of fresh ideas that add to and enhance Durham’s glorious tradition. A spirit of creativity and academic ambition fills our beautiful new buildings.

South is a friendly and supportive College – a community of learning, respect, but also fun. Of course, all our postgraduate students aim for academic excellence, and they have the full support of college staff.  South also plays a full part in the wider student experience that makes Durham so special. If you enjoy sport, drama, music, debating or current affairs, you will be delighted that South is now your home.

Forty years ago, I had the life-enhancing experience of becoming one of the first students at a new college in an ancient university. The experience I gained as a pioneer there gave me the confidence to create and lead at home and abroad for the BBC, The Scotsman newspaper, as the founder of a new university department and a television station, and as a campaigner for freedom of speech. I am proud that South College offers similar and, perhaps, even greater opportunities to all Southies. I am delighted that you have joined and that together we can enhance still further this inspiring community of students, academics and professional staff.

South already celebrates important traditions of its own, but there will be opportunities to suggest new ideas as our proud community continues to develop. There are still many choices to make and opportunities to seize. But already, by working together in partnership and creativity, we have made our College an excellent place to live, learn and build friendships that will last a lifetime. At South College you will have the opportunity to combine study and research with the joy of contributing to a truly ambitious new College."

Professor Tim Luckhurst MA, FRSA
Principal of South College