Ustinov College

Ustinov College
Name	Ustinov College
Established	1965
Named for	Peter Ustinov
Parent	Durham University
Principal	Dr. David Wilkinson
Location	Durham, County Durham, England
Website	https://www.durham.ac.uk/ustinov-college/

Ustinov College. It is the dedicated postgraduate college of Durham University, established in 1965 as the Graduate Society before being renamed in 2003 in honour of the actor and humanitarian Peter Ustinov. The college provides a central hub for the university's large and diverse postgraduate community, fostering interdisciplinary connections and academic support. Its vibrant, international character is reflected in its student body, events, and its location within the historic city of Durham.

History

The institution was founded in 1965 as the **Graduate Society**, created to serve the expanding postgraduate population of Durham University. For many years, it operated from premises on Old Elvet before a significant move in the 1990s to the Howlands Farm site, which allowed for substantial expansion. In 2003, it was granted full collegiate status and renamed in honour of Peter Ustinov, who had served as the university's Chancellor and was a noted advocate for international understanding. This period coincided with the development of the modern campus, including the construction of the Sheraton Park and Fountain Court accommodation complexes. The college's evolution mirrors the growth of postgraduate education within the Russell Group and the broader UK higher education sector.

Campus and facilities

The college's main campus is situated on the Howlands Farm site, approximately a mile from Durham Cathedral and the university's central Science Site. Its accommodation comprises several key developments, including the modern **Sheraton Park** and **Fountain Court** residences, which offer a range of en-suite and studio rooms. The central **Howlands Farm House** contains common rooms, administrative offices, and the **Ustinov Bar**. A major facility is the **Ustinov Room**, a large multi-purpose space used for formal dinners, conferences, and social events. The college also manages the **Parson's Field** sports ground and benefits from proximity to the Maiden Castle sports complex. Its architecture blends contemporary design with the green spaces of the River Wear valley.

Academic profile

As the university's postgraduate college, it hosts students pursuing advanced degrees across all of Durham University's faculties, including the Faculty of Social Sciences and Health, the Faculty of Science, and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. It does not have its own academic departments but provides a crucial interdisciplinary environment for scholars engaged in PhD research, MSc, and MA programmes. The college supports academic development through workshops, funding for conference travel, and research events that connect students from diverse fields such as theology, particle physics, archaeology, and international relations. This model is central to the research-intensive mission of Durham University.

Student life

Student life is characterized by a rich array of clubs, societies, and cultural events organized by the **Graduate Common Room (GCR)**. The annual **Ustinov Intercultural Forum** and the **Ustinov Talks** lecture series highlight the college's global focus. Social hubs include the college bar and the popular weekly **Formal Hall**, which often features themed dinners. Sports teams compete in the university's **College Cup** tournaments, with the **Parson's Field** ground used for cricket and football. The **Ustinov Festival**, a week-long celebration of arts and performance, is a key annual event. The student body, representing over 110 nationalities, actively contributes to the cultural life of Durham.

Governance and organisation

The college is headed by a **Principal**, a role held by academics such as Dr. David Wilkinson. The principal is supported by a senior management team including a **Vice-Principal** and a **College Manager**. The **Graduate Common Room (GCR)** is the central student body, led by an elected **GCR President** and an executive committee, which represents student interests to the college and the wider Durham Students' Union. Governance involves a **College Board** comprising senior university figures, fellows, and student representatives. The college operates under the overall statutes and ordinances of Durham University, aligning with the structures of other collegiate institutions like University College and Hatfield College.

Notable people

The college's community includes distinguished alumni and associates from varied fields. In academia, these include historian David Bates and theologian Ann Loades. In public service and politics, notable figures include former MEP John Bowis and diplomat Peter Collecott. The creative arts are represented by individuals like composer John Casken and writer Ferdinand Dennis. The college's namesake, Peter Ustinov, served as Chancellor of Durham University and was a renowned figure in film, theatre, and as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Category:Durham University Category:Educational institutions established in 1965 Category:1965 establishments in England