Supporting lifelong learning

Date: December 2024

Supporting employability through continuous professional development 

Not only is Durham University world-leading in academic fields, but during their time at University our students are encouraged to challenge themselves above and beyond their academic commitments.  

The breadth and depth of opportunities for wider student experience – from sports and music to membership of Common Rooms, mentoring or student enterprise – helps our students develop as people. This rounded package of experience gives Durham graduates the employability edge with employers on their career journey. 

We were a runner-up for ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’, according to the recent The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. 

Networks and communities for life 

Once our graduates have left their studies and are embarking on the next steps of their career journeys, they are supported by our 230,000-strong alumni and supporter community. This means that their connection with Durham remains strong – and valuable – no matter where they are in the world. 

Our alumni never stop learning, and the skills developed alongside their studies enable them to adapt to the constant challenge of change. Durham is always here to support.  

Supporting lifelong learning 

Continuing professional development is vital in a changing world. Our Business School is introducing a range of short courses designed to build on existing skills and support at key points throughout our graduates’ professional careers. In common with all Durham education, these courses are delivered by subject-matter experts and will build on existing skills, incorporating innovative techniques and fresh thinking.     

The first of these two-day courses is ‘Leading People-centric Change’, planned for February 2025. The programme of courses is designed to bring together Durham alumni and business leaders from around the region and will offer the latest best practice as well as the opportunity to reconnect and network.

The course will be led by expert Professor Julie Hodges, who is a leading expert on change in organisations, particularly the role and impact of people during transformations. Before entering the academic world Julie worked as a business consultant for over 20 years in several profit and non-profit organisations, including PwC. Julie has held a number of leadership roles within the Business School including Associate Dean for MBA & DBA programmes. Julie also teaches on Durham University Business School’s Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme and Nissan’s tailored leadership programme.  

image: Prof. Julie Hodges  

The ‘Leading People-centric Change’ course offers a practical approach. It focuses on how delegates can apply innovative tools and techniques in their own workplace, to enable them to effectively manage change. The sessions will offer lots of group work, activities, and discussion, allowing for great networking opportunities and peer to peer learning. Participants will be able to engage stakeholders in change and address different reactions to change. The course will enhance the participants’ skills for leading and managing business transformations effectively and successfully.  

Further courses will be released later in the academic year. Subjects will include fintech, cybersecurity, sales and negotiation techniques and business analytics.  

Short courses will be taught in person at the Waterside Building: the new home of Durham University Business School. Alumni discount is available. 

World rankings  

Our consistent placing within the top of university rankings tables such as the QS World University Rankings is important to the University to reflect our place amongst the world’s best universities. For the 2025 rankings, we placed joint 89th in the world from over 1,500 universities that were featured, with an Employer Reputation score of 83.9. 

These rankings help us demonstrate our strong reputation to potential future students as well as our research strengths among the academic community. They are created with leading global surveys of employer and academic opinion that informs the rankings. 

If you are a current academic or potential employer of graduates, your impartial responses to the QS survey could contribute to the precision of survey outcomes. 

Our relationship with graduate recruiters is most important to us and a vital part of providing our students with valuable opportunities. If you would like to raise your profile as an employer with our current students, our Careers, Employability and Enterprise team would be happy to hear from you.     

Read more: 

• About Durham Business School short courses
• About Durham University rankings
• About Durham University alumni and supporter community 

Durham University takes pride in the achievements and contributions of its 230 000 alumni and supporters. Stories that cite views, talks and published work reflect the individual's contribution in their personal or professional capacity and do not represent the University's position or endorsement.