BSc
Computer Science BSc (Hons)
From AI to VR, explore cutting-edge technological applications on this dynamic course that evolves in line with developments in research and industry.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
G400
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
A*AA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): per year
- Overseas (Full-time): per year
Overview
In a fast-moving world, computer science is the force behind the technological breakthroughs that have changed our lives for the better. The BSc (Hons) Computer Science has been designed to develop 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 machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, virtual and augmented reality and cybersecurity among others. Our close links with local high-technology industries along with national and international employers 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. 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 Year 3 Individual Project is an opportunity to fully engage with the cutting-edge research being carried out in the department. The BSc also offers the chance to apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
G400
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
A*AA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): per year
- Overseas (Full-time): per year
What you'll study
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. A new Level 3 structure is being developed that may see additional core modules for students starting from 2026 onwards.
Core modules
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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.
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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.
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Computer Systems
provides an understanding of the way in which modern computer systems (both hardware and software) can effectively represent, transport and manipulate data.
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Mathematics for Computer Science
introduces key concepts from linear algebra, calculus and mathematics, and explains their importance in the field of computer science.
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Programming (Black)
Plus either or Programming (Gold).
Core modules
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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.
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Data Science
introduces the techniques used for capturing, analysing, and cleaning 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.
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Networks and Systems
extends your understanding of the principles and practices of programming and using different computer systems. This module looks at distributed systems, networks, security and databases.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Core modules
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Individual Project
is a substantial piece of research based on an area of computer science chosen in conjunction with a project supervisor. You research the subject independently and write a technical paper describing your findings.
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Algorithmic Game TheoryBioinformaticsComputational Modelling in the Humanities and Social SciencesComputer Science into SchoolsComputer VisionCryptographyDeep LearningDesign of Algorithms and Data StructuresHuman–AI Interaction DesignInteractive Media, Gaming and VR/AR TechnologiesIntroduction to Music ComputingNatural Computing AlgorithmsParallel Scientific ComputingProject ManagementRecommender SystemsReinforcement Learning
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. You also undertake the Individual Project, a detailed study of a chosen topic under the supervision of a member of academic staff which results in a significant piece of independent research. 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 Individual Project is assessed by a scientific report along with an oral presentation.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
per year
International / EU Students
per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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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. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
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.
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Enterprise
An innovative feature of the building is the Hazan Venture Lab which is run by Careers and Enterprise and is dedicated to student enterprise and entrepreneurship.
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Hardware
We have extensive hardware including several local and regional supercomputers for High-Performance Computing (HPC), a GPGPU-driven supercomputer, primarily used for data analysis and machine learning, and visualisation and robotics labs.
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Innovation
We also host additional local kit which we use to give students and researchers a safe environment to prototype solutions, explore novel technologies before they hit the market, or to design new solution
Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those UK/EU students who graduated in 2022/23:
92%
100%
£40,750
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
More Information
At Durham we value practical experience as well as theoretical knowledge, we give you the opportunity to work with external clients and you are supervised one-to-one on a year-long in-depth research project.
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