This is a list of people associated with Durham University, divided for user convenience into multiple subcategories. This includes alumni, those who have taught there, conducted research there or played a part in its founding. Durham University is a collegiate university, so where known and if applicable, they are shown alongside their associated college. Note that college membership was not always compulsory. Staff candidates who have read for higher degrees, like the geologist Gillian Foulger or the historian Jeremy Black, did not join a college either. Alumni who did not take up membership of a college or society are therefore listed as Unattached. This list is divided into categories indicating the field of activity in which people have become well known. Alumni who have achieved distinction in more than one field are listed in the field in which it is felt they are most associated, or have been involved in more recently. Durham alumni are active through organizations and events such as the annual reunions, dinners and balls. By 2009, the university claimed 67 Durham associations, ranging from international to college and sports affiliated groups, catered for the more than 109,000 living alumni.

Academics

Scientific entries who were, or are, Fellows of the Royal Society, have the Post-nominal letters FRS listed after their name

Astronomers and Physicists

Chemists

Classicists and Archaeologists

Computer scientists

Economists and Political scientists

Engineers and Mathematicians

Geographers and Earth Scientists

Historians and Antiquarians

Language and Literature academics

Life scientists

Entries defined as having backgrounds in Biology and its various sub-disciplines e.g. Botany, Ecology, Neuroscience, Pathology etc.

Philosophers and Theologians

(See for theologians better known for their ordained ministry)

Physicians and Psychiatrists

Sociologists and Social Anthropologists

Other academics

Business people

Judges and lawyers

Judges of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

Judges of the High Court of Justice

Judges in other countries

Lawyers

Broadcasters and entertainers

Actors

Comedians

Correspondents and Presenters

Directors and Producers

Military personnel

British Army

Royal Air Force

Royal Navy

Musicians and artists

Politicians and civil servants

Members of the House of Commons

Excluding current members of the Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet, who are listed above (if any), and former MPs who went on to be members of the House of Lords, who are listed below

Members of the House of Lords

Members of devolved assemblies and parliaments

Members of the European Parliament

Ambassadors and High Commissioners

Civil Service

Others

Religion

Archbishops and Primates

Bishops

Archdeacons

Deans

Other clerics

Royalty

Sports people

Olympic and Paralympic medallists

Basketball players

Cricketers

Footballers

Field Hockey players

Rowers

Rugby players

Runners

Tennis players

Other sports people

Writers

Authors

Journalists

Poets, dramatists and translators

Miscellaneous

Explorers

Other notable people