Computer Science

Program Overview

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Computer Science

From AI and cryptocurrencies to computer vision and machine learning, explore advances at the forefront of technology and take your skills in critical, independent and innovative thinking to a higher level.

Start Dates

• September 2026
• September 2025

Degree Type

MEng

Course Length

4 years full-time

Location

Durham City

UCAS Code

G406

Typical Offers

• A Level: A*AA
• BTEC: D*DD
• International Baccalaureate: 38

Course Details

In a fast-moving world, computer science is the force behind the technological breakthroughs that have changed our lives for the better. The MEng in Computer Science develops the fundamental knowledge and practical skills that are in demand across the sector.

You’ll explore a wide range of innovative technological applications such as cryptocurrencies, quantum computing, machine learning, deep learning, computer vision and cybersecurity among others. Our close links with high-technology industries keep us up to date with changing priorities in the sector. This insight allows us to introduce new topics into the curriculum to keep in step with developments.

The course emphasises programming and mathematical skills from the start. The first year provides an introduction into the fundamentals of computer science and gives you a glimpse into some of the research that has enabled major technological advances in society.

As well as equipping you with academic knowledge, the curriculum develops the skills you’ll need to boost your career prospects. The Software Engineering module in Year 2 includes a team project in which you gain practical software development experience working with an external organisation.

You will be taught by passionate researchers with diverse areas of expertise such as artificial intelligence, data science, bioinformatics, high-performance computing, graphics and fundamental algorithms. The final-year Advanced Project is an opportunity to fully engage with the cutting-edge research being carried out in the department.

You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your MEng degree, increasing the course from four years to five.

During the first two years you will follow a similar structure to the BSc. From the third year the MEng introduces a wider range of modules and an Advanced Project which explore the subject to a deeper level.

A new Level 3 and 4 structure is being developed that may see additional core modules for students starting from 2026 onwards.

Course Structure

Year 1 Modules

Core Modules:

• Algorithms and Data Structures: introduces the theory and practice of problem-solving in computing through the development of algorithms, and their associated data structures, for common computer science problems.
• Computational Thinking: explores the breadth of Computer Science and the ways in which different topics relate to one another. You will learn the importance of computation and computational thinking in the modern world and the impact it has on technology advances in different settings.
• Computer Systems: provides an understanding of the way in which modern computer systems (both hardware and software) can effectively represent, transport and manipulate data.
• Mathematics for Computer Science: introduces key concepts from linear algebra, calculus and mathematics, and explains their importance in the field of computer science.
• Plus either Programming (Black) or Programming (Gold).

Year 2 Modules

Core Modules:

• Networks and Systems: extends the understanding of the principles and practices of programming and using different computer systems. This module looks at distributed systems, networks, security and databases.
• Programming Paradigms: will broaden your view of programming and programming languages as well as aiding your understanding of the systems and procedures related to computer programming.
• Theory of Computation: introduces you to different models of computation and how they are related. You will learn the fundamental notions of computation such as 'computable' and 'efficiently computable' and the design and analysis of efficient algorithms.
• Artificial Intelligence: provides an understanding of some of the core problem-solving principles of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the role of AI in the real world.
• Data Science: introduces the techniques used for capturing, cleaning and analysing data and explores the ways in which different types of information can be represented and processed. The techniques covered include probability and statistics, graphics and visualisation, and image processing.
• Software Engineering: provides a detailed understanding of the phases of the software development lifecycle, including the problems associated with each phase and how to identify best practice for their solution. This module includes a team software development project where you can work with an external organisation to gain practical software development experience.

Year 3 Modules

Core Modules:

• Project Preparation: You will work on essential research skills including researching a topic, writing, presenting, and begin preparation for your own Advanced Project.

Optional Modules:

• In recent years optional modules have included:
  • Bioinformatics
  • Computational Modelling in the Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Computer Science into Schools
  • Cryptography
  • Deep Learning
  • Design of Algorithms and Data Structures
  • Human–AI Interaction Design
  • Interactive Media, Gaming and VR/AR Technologies
  • Introduction to Music Computing
  • Parallel Scientific Computing
  • Recommender Systems
  • Reinforcement Learning

Year 4 Modules

Core Modules:

• Advanced Project: is a substantial piece of research. It is possible that the resulting research might be published in a journal or at a conference, possibly as a prelude to higher level studies in Computer Science.

Optional Modules:

• In recent years optional modules have included:
  • Advanced Algorithms
  • Advanced Computer Graphics and Visualisation
  • Advanced Computer Vision
  • Advanced Music Computing
  • Advanced Parallel Scientific Computing
  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
  • Data Compression and Coding Theory
  • Distributed Network Computing and Algorithms
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Networks and their Structure
  • Quantum Computing
  • Randomised Algorithms and Probabilistic Methods

Additional Pathways

Students can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four or four to five depending on course.

Learning

You will learn through a mixture of lectures, practical and problem-solving classes. Typically, lectures provide key information and identify the main areas for discussion while the practical sessions put into practice what you learn in the lectures.

Computer Science is housed in a purpose-built learning environment containing lecture and seminar rooms, open-plan workspace, breakout spaces to collaborate, labs and computer rooms.

Assessment

Modules are assessed via a combination of coursework and end-of-year examinations.

Many modules are weighted as 66% examination and 34% coursework, though some modules are 100% exam and others 100% coursework. This not only helps to support a wider range of learning styles but is more appropriate for the type of work you are expected to undertake, for example writing software code or working on mathematical ‘pen and paper’ type exercises.

The final year Advanced Project is assessed by a scientific report along with an oral presentation.

Entry Requirements

• A level offer: A*AA including A in Mathematics.
• Contextual offer: AAB including A in Mathematics.
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: D*DD and Mathematics A level at grade A (or equivalent) is required.
• IB Diploma score: 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics.

Fees and Funding

The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

Career Opportunities

Studying at one of the top universities in the UK for employability, Durham graduates have excellent job prospects and are highly sought after. Our close links to the concentration of high-technology industries in the North East, and national and international employers, keep our courses at the forefront of new developments.

Computer Science graduates are valued in a wide range of FinTech and banking roles. They are equipped with transferable skills such as solving problems and analysing data that are important across many industries, from healthcare and management consulting to media and communications, among many others.

Many of our graduates have gone on to work as software engineers, analysts, consultants, programmers and developers. Some have founded their own start-ups, work in leading software companies, high-technology consultancies, the Civil Service, GCHQ, banking and finance, retail, engineering, the communications and IT industry. Examples of high-profile employers include BAE Systems, Google and BT.

Department Information

Computers, and the algorithms running on them, are an integral part of every aspect of society, industry and the economy. Our courses combine innovative technological applications and hone the critical, independent thinking skills that will help you be a part of future innovations.

The most significant developments in our society have come through amazing innovations in technology and the intelligent algorithms that drive those technologies. A degree in Computer Science from Durham will allow you to become one of the drivers of this change as we give you both a deep understanding of the fundamentals of computation and a knowledge of the latest emerging technologies.

You will be taught by passionate researchers with diverse areas of expertise, such as artificial intelligence, data science, bioinformatics, high-performance computing, graphics and fundamental algorithms.

Our close links with local high-technology industries along with national and international employers, keeps us at the forefront of developments across the sector and allows us to adapt the curriculum to reflect these developments.

We offer flexible pathways to suit your interests and career goals, with the chance to work in industry on placement or study abroad. Whether you choose to follow the BSc or MEng course, our qualifications balance fundamental knowledge, with emphasis on programming and mathematical skills from the start, and practical applications, providing you with both specialised and transferable skills that are greatly valued by employers.

Rankings

• Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025

Facilities

We have recently moved into a £40m, purpose-built building at Upper Mountjoy, in the picturesque and historic city of Durham. It is home to open-plan areas, breakout spaces to collaborate, labs, computer rooms and a café. The building also houses colleagues from Mathematical Sciences, enhancing the opportunities to develop joint teaching and research strategies.