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:

    o The majority of MCR events

    o Winter Ball

    o Masquerade Gala

    o Stevo Day

    o 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. There is the option for one

master's (£35 for one year) or multi-year PHD (£100 for 3 years+).

WHO’S WHO

MCR President - Charlotte Malpass

Hello and a warm welcome to Stephenson College! I’m Charlotte, I joined the College in 2024 and am excited to elevate my academic journey through a PhD in Biological Sciences at Durham. 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 - Flynn Edwards

Hello, I'm Flynn. I am studying an MA in Environmental Humanities, and 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 second 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- Lottie

I’m Lottie, a Master’s student studying Marketing 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 Events Officers - Ella & River

Ella - I’m a first year chemistry PhD student. As co-Events and Conference Officer, I work with River to plan out both the social and academic events through out the year. We’re always open to suggestions so come along and get involved!

River - I’m a first year French PhD student specialising in medieval literature. I work alongside Ella as co-Events and Conference officer to ensure we put on a range of socials across the year, as well as organising a graduate research seminar, to help encourage a sense of community among our MCR members.

MCR EDI Officer- Meg

Hi, Im your Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Meg. This year I returned to Stevo as a postgrad to study for my Master's in Law! I represent all things EDI on the JCR and MCR, and am always open for a chat, or to hear your ideas about how we can make college as inclusive as possible. This year I'm most looking forward to our Pride events :) You can also ask me about DU Dance, Women in Law, and returning to college as a postgrad.

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.