Houghall College, Durham City

Part of East Durham College

Houghall College is East Durham College's specialist land-based and environmental college, delivering industry-focused education and training from its unique Durham City campus. 

Set within a 476-acre estate, we've been training people in land-based skills since 1938 – and today we're the North East's largest specialist land-based college.  

Whether you want to work in animal care, agriculture, equine or veterinary nursing, build the skills you need in real working environments – from our working farm and equine centre to our Small Animal Care Centre and woodland. 

Ranked 5th in England for land-based student achievement, and No.1 in the North* 

Ranked among the Top 10 colleges nationally for apprenticeship achievement rates* 

(*View our Achievements page)

Where we are

Houghall College,

Durham City Campus

Durham,

DH1 3SG

We’re on the outskirts of Durham City. Parking on campus uses ANPR cameras, so only staff, students and authorised visitors can park.  

If you’re visiting, register your vehicle at Reception within 20 minutes of arriving. Eligible students can get free travel with Arriva and Go North East. 

If you' need help finding us, call us on 0191 518 8222.

Our facilities

Our facilities have received significant investment, giving you access to: 

• specialist veterinary nursing training facilities
• a 22-bay dog kennel unit
• a purpose-built Small Animal Care Centre housing a wide variety of species
• a commercial dog grooming salon
• an equine centre featuring
  • 28 stables
  • tack room
  • training workshop
• a 40m x 40m international-standard indoor arena
• a 60m x 40m all-weather ménage
• a Racewood Eventer Simulator
• an agricultural centre with forage and grain storage facilities
• a 476-acre working farm, including cattle, pig and sheep units
• recently upgraded arboriculture and land-based engineering workshops
• science laboratories
• dedicated higher education facilities in The Hive
• a TenStar tractor simulator, providing safe and realistic machinery training
• a well-equipped Learning Resources Centre, IT suites and study spaces
• The Mix refectory and Starbucks® Coffee Bar
• sports pitches, woodland, nature trails and conservation areas across the estate 

View our facilities page

A college shaped by investment and ambition

Our major redevelopment opens in 2027. The new learning environments will support agriculture, animal care, horticulture, environmental management and other land-based subjects, alongside our existing specialist facilities and estate. 

You’ll build the technical skills, confidence and real-world experience you need to progress to university, an apprenticeship or employment. 

Find out more by visiting the Houghall College redevelopment page.

Courses available at Houghall College, Durham City

Agriculture

Learn on a real working farm and build skills for a growing industry. 

Find out more by visiting our Agriculture page.

Animal Care, Management & Science

Build a future caring for the animals you love. Learn in our Small Animal Care Centre, home to reptiles, aquatics, small mammals and livestock.

Find out more by visiting our Animal Care page.

Arboriculture

Work with trees, protect landscapes and build a specialist outdoor career. Train in climbing, chainsaw work and woodland management across our 476-acre estate.

Find out more by visiting our Arboriculture page.

Dog Grooming

Turn your love of dogs into a career. Learn in our commercial dog grooming salon at the Small Animal Care Centre.

Find out more by visiting our Dog Grooming page.

Equine Studies

Turn your passion for horses into a rewarding career. Train at our equine centre with 28 stables, an international-standard indoor arena and a Racewood Eventer Simulator.

Find out more by visiting our Equine page.

Floristry

Turn your creativity into a professional floristry career. Learn bouquets, event and commercial floristry and floral design in dedicated studios.

Find out more by visiting our Floristry page.

Horticulture

Whether you’re a keen gardener or already work in the industry, build your horticulture skills on part-time courses for adults, from beginner courses to courses for professionals. 

Find out more by visiting our Horticulture & Gardening page.

Land & Wildlife Management

Protect habitats, restore landscapes and shape the future of our countryside. Work across woodland, wetlands, meadows, ponds and the River Wear.

Find out more by visiting our Land & Wildlife Management page.

Veterinary Nursing

Train for a career built on care, compassion and clinical skill. Study in our veterinary nursing suite and complete placements in approved veterinary practices.

Find out more by visiting our Veterinary Nursing page.

Foundation Studies

Build confidence, independence and the skills you need for adult life. Follow a pathway tailored to you, with the chance to try land-based options such as agriculture, animal management and floristry.

Find out more by visiting our Foundation Studies page.

Derwent Provision

A calm, structured pathway for students with autism. Study full time in a highly supported environment, with a programme built around you, and build the confidence, independence and skills to move on to vocational courses across the college. 

Find out more by visiting our Derwent Provision page.

More ways to study at Houghall College

T Levels

Get a head start on your career with a qualification equivalent to three A Levels. Combine classroom learning with an industry placement of at least 45 days. For 16–19-year-olds. 

Find out more by visiting our T Levels page.

Apprenticeships

Learn, earn and build your future. Gain real work experience, earn a wage and study towards a recognised qualification. Training costs are fully covered by your employer or the government, so you won’t need a student loan. Apprenticeships are available in: 

• arboriculture
• equine
• golf greenkeeping
• horticulture
• land-based service engineering
• sports turf 

Find out more by visiting our Apprenticeships page.

LEAP

Not sure what’s next? Explore your options. LEAP (Learn, Explore, Achieve, Progress) is for 16–18-year-olds who haven’t settled on a path, with practical tasters in different vocational areas, including land-based subjects, while you work towards essential qualifications. 

Find out more by visiting our LEAP page.

The King's Trust Team Programme

14 weeks that could change your confidence, skills and future. Take part in a week-long residential, community projects and a two-week work placement. For 16–25-year-olds who are currently unemployed, and it won’t affect your benefits. 

Find out more by visiting our King's Trust page.