Debating Competitions
External Organisations: Click here to sign up for one of our debating competitions!
Durham is the British leader on the competitive debating circuit - every week the Union sends out debaters to compete in competitions all around the UK. Further to domestic success, Durham also annually sends out debaters to the European debating competition and the World debating competition. If you decide to join the Union, you can have the opportunity to be part of the debating success that makes Durham one of the best Unions in the country - and, of course, European Champions.
Durham is renowned for the strength of its internal competitions as well. Each year in Michaelmas the Freshers’ Cup is hotly contested, showcasing the newest talent and the future of the Union . In Epiphany, the Inter-Collegiate Cup displays the best debaters from each college. Each Easter, the Robson Cup is held to determine the best individual speaker in the University.
UK Competitions
If you would like the chance to improve your skill and represent the University in a competitive environment you will be given the opportunity to enter competitions in Durham and around the UK .
The Union has an excellent reputation on the circuit and in the past year, has shown itself to also be one of the most successful squads, reaching the finals at Bristol , Newcastle and Balaka, and winning, Lancaster , BPP, St. Andrews , and the Durham Open. Our senior debaters are frequently asked to be chief adjudicators and to tab competitions at other universities.
Each year Durham hosts three major competitions. Our Inter-Varsity competition in Michaelmas is the largest one-day competition in Britain . We host an international schools competition over the Easter break that draws teams from as far a field as Canada . At the end of the Easter term we host the Durham Open, renowned for the quality of competition and the quantity of drink.
International Competitions
The past three years have seen the re-emergence of the Union as a major force in European debating. In 2003 we sent four teams to the European Championships in Croatia . All four ended in the top ten one of them reaching the final. In 2004 we hosted a very successful European Championships culminating with a final in Durham Cathedral.
Earlier this year, three teams were sent to the European Championships in Cork , with all three putting in solid performances and Durham A winning the European Championships. We sent two teams to Malaysia for the World Championships. Three teams have been selected to attend next year’s competition in Dublin and several more will be selected in open trials in Michaelmas!
Socialising
Debating isn’t just about arguing over topical issues. Only at debating competitions will you be able to drink vast (and we mean vast) amounts of alcohol and meet hundreds of other students from around the world. You have the opportunity to travel the country, travel the world, have fun and debate at the same time. You will only find this at the Union.
You can download our introductory guide to debating and find all the information you need about workshops on this website. For more information come along to the first debate or email us!
