A community built by postgraduates, for postgraduates

THE MCR

Purpose & Mission

The Middle Common Room (MCR) is the heart of Stephenson’s postgraduate community, bringing together Masters, PhD, mature, and 4th-year undergraduate students in a welcoming and supportive environment.

While integrated with the wider Junior Common Room (JCR), the MCR offers a unique space tailored to the postgraduate experience, aiming to provide connections between individuals at a similar stage of study and life.

Through academic, social, and welfare-focused events, the MCR provides opportunities for professional growth, interdisciplinary discussion, and lasting friendships.

Our mission is to ensure that postgraduates feel represented, supported, and engaged within college life, while also benefiting from the wider activities and opportunities offered across Stephenson.

Joining The MCR

Joining the MCR at Stephenson College is a great way to get the most out of your graduate experience. MCR membership offer’s access to a wide range of social, academic, and community benefits, helping you make the most of your time at Durham.

Much like the JCR, MCR membership gives you access to both JCR and MCR events at discounted rates, enriching your student experience with graduate-focused perks:

  • Discounts! Events are hugely discounted for MCR members, offering significant savings across your time at Stephenson. By attending most events, you would have saved more than the cost of the levy.

This includes:

  • MCR events

  • Winter Ball

  • Masquerade Gala

  • Stevo Day

  • Summer Ball

  • Voting & Elections – Vote or run in MCR/JCR elections and have a say in how they are run. Only members can run for office.

  • Community & Support – Be part of a welcoming graduate network and contribute to college life.

  • Priority Access – Have priority access to MCR and inter-MCR events.

  • Sports & Societies – Non-members pay double subs to join societies or sports teams.

Joining is straightforward! To join the MCR, click the following link

(https://pay.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-common-rooms/memberships/stephenson-college-jcrmcr-membership-25-26), where you can purchase the MCR levy.

MCR Levy Pricing:

£35 for the academic year 2026/27

  • One year membership as PhD or mature UG student

  • Masters students

Or

£100 for the entire duration of your degree

  • PhD students

  • Mature UG students

WHO’S WHO

MCR President - Ella Wolstencroft

Hello and a warm welcome to Stephenson College! I’m Ella, I joined the College in 2021 as an undergraduate and am now studying for a PhD in Chemistry.

Together as a postgraduate community, I’m here to support you throughout your time at Durham by organising social events, providing academic support, and offering a welcoming space to help you stay on track and enjoy the ride at Stephenson.

MCR Chair - River Searles

Hello, I'm River and I am studying for a PhD in Medieval French. I am your MCR Chair. As Chair am responsible for our framework, organising meetings, and elections. If you have any questions or suggestions about the running of the MCR, please feel free to get in touch!

MCR Treasurer- Caitlin

I am a third year PhD student in Computer Science. As Treasurer, I support the MCR Exec and the JCR in managing the budget and overseeing our finances. My role also involves ensuring transparency, so that members can see clearly how their money is being used and how they benefit from being part of the MCR.

MCR Communications Officer - Poppy Elliott

I’m Poppy, a Master’s student studying Philosophy for one year at Durham. As Communications and Publicity Officer I run the social media account to make sure all events are shared and promoted so we can bring together as many MCR students in our community as possible.

MCR Secretary - Charlotte Malpass

Hi, I’m Charlotte and I am studying for a PhD in Biological Sciences. As the MCR Secretary, I am responsible for the administration and any odd jobs to keep the MCR organised and on track to succeed!

The MCR runs in a similar way to the JCR, with regular meetings, elections, and opportunities for

members to have their say. There are lots of ways to get involved, from standing for an oƯicer

role to having a say at our general meetings. More information on the governance of the MCR

can be found in the MCR Framework :

GOVERNANCE

MCR Framework

MCR EVENTS

The MCR host a wide variety of events for members, including:

  • Day trips to local attractions.

  • Inter-MCR formals.

  • Trips to the theatre and cinema.

  • The MCR conference.

  • Regular drinks.

  • And much more!

Follow @stephenson.mcr on Instagram to keep up to date with all upcoming events.