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British Council USA


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I was a big hit in the movie theatres last year. Want to learn more about the setting for the newest film? Ever wondered who designed Hogwarts, or which British professor was the source for Albus Dumbledore? From film locations to character development, universities throughout the UK have inspired the beloved Harry Potter books and movies. Learn more about the connections below.

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.

Actor Sir Michael Gambon plays Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films. He received an Honorary Degree from the University of Kent. © Tempest Photography.
About the Actors and Artists
Which actors from the Harry Potter films studied at UK universities?
Computer generated dragons for the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. © The Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, Birmingham City University.
Making the films
Interested in studying filmmaking, animation, or set design? Find out which UK universities contributed to the creation of the films.
Durham Cathedral. © Durham University.
Filming Locations
Harry Potter was filmed almost entirely in the UK. Learn about some of the famous locations here!
Image Credit: britainonview/Rod Edwards
J.K. Rowling
Where did J.K. Rowling study in the UK?
Image Credit: Britain on View.
Inspired Literature
Discover JK Rowling’s inspiration for the most magical elements in the Harry Potter series.
Image Credit: britainonview/ Olivier Roques Rogery.
Illustrating Excellence
Find out which university was home to the student who illustrated the original Harry Potter book.

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