Advanced Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) G5T709 September 2025

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Course details

With AI transforming many aspects of the way we live and work, from diagnosing health conditions and modelling climate change to detecting fraud and personalised learning, there has been a soaring demand for experts with these specialist skills. In response to this demand, we've created a new course that aligns with the rapidly evolving needs of industry. The MSc will equip you with an advanced understanding of computer science theory and practice through research-led teaching of both foundational and contemporary topics.

You will study four core modules in the areas of programming, artificial intelligence, algorithms, and research methods and ethics. These will be complemented by four further option modules based on the department’s cutting-edge research in areas such as reinforcement learning, AI and human systems, and vision, imaging and visualisation. The option modules are built around staff specialisms to ensure all content is current and relevant to industry.

The course will enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills through modules that encourage you to analyse complex problems, and design and evaluate effective solutions. As an integral part of the MSc, you will engage in hands-on coding, software development and projects to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Recognising the significance of effective communication and collaboration in artificial intelligence, the course enables you to work collaboratively and present your own work. The MSc project provides additional opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges that align with your academic and career goals. Our strong industry connections also open up opportunities to secure co-supervision of the project with one of our partners.

Course structure

Core modules:

Advanced Programming enhances programming skills and provides an in-depth understanding of advanced methodologies and techniques in computer programming. Areas of study include object-oriented concepts; errors, exceptions, I/O and file management, generics and lambdas; and synchronous/asynchronous messaging.

Machine Learning and Deep Learning teaches a critical understanding of the key principles of the field, and practical background knowledge of classic machine learning techniques and modern deep learning approaches.

Algorithms and Complexity provides knowledge and critical understanding of the paradigms and fundamental ideas behind algorithms and computational complexity. You will also learn to design novel algorithms to solve specific complex problems.

Research Methods and Ethics in Computer Science equips you with the essential research skills and ethical considerations relevant to the field of computer science. You will also learn to apply research methodologies and ethical principles to your individual projects.

The Computer Science Project, on a research-led topic agreed with a supervisor, draws on the methods and techniques covered in the taught modules. Depending on the project topic selected and availability, there is potential for industry co-supervision.

Plus one module from options which may include:

Advanced Computer Systems
Bioinformatics
Human-AI Interaction Frameworks and Practices*
Security Engineering and Cryptography

And three further modules from options which may include:

Advanced Algorithms
Computer Vision*
Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technologies
Natural Language Processing*
Networks
Quantum Computing
Recommender Systems*
Reinforcement Learning*

To qualify for the MSc Advanced Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) route you should select at least three of the modules marked *. Anyone choosing two or less will be switched to the MSc Advanced Computer Science route.

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Fees and funding

Full Time Fees

Tuition fees
Home students	£14,500 per year
EU students	£34,000 per year
Island students	£14,500 per year
International students	£34,000 per year

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only. More information is available here: Tuition fees - how much are they - Durham University

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.

Find out more about Scholarships and Bursaries

Department information

Department of Computer Science

The Department is at the heart of the fast-paced world of applications and algorithms. We maintain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of computation and are fully up to speed with the latest technologies that emerge at an ever-increasing rate.

Learning from academics who lead cutting-edge research provides valuable insight into high quality projects, and gives our postgraduate community the opportunity to play a role in shaping a future in which crucial developments in society are supported by technological innovation.

Taught courses balance fundamental knowledge and an emphasis on programming and mathematical skills with practical applications. The content and structure are such that they suit postgraduates who already have experience in the industry or other employment and want to add a formal qualification to their achievements.

Researchers in the Department offer a range of expertise across the computer science spectrum in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, bioinformatics, high-performance computing, graphics and fundamental algorithms.

We ensure our research-led activity does not function in isolation and keep close links with local high-technology industries as well as national and international employers. Those relationships ensure we are at the leading edge of developments across the sector and can revise and adapt the Department’s curriculum to reflect the changes.

Facilities

The Department is located in a £40 million purpose-built building in the heart of Durham at Upper Mountjoy and features open-plan work areas, breakout spaces for collaboration projects, laboratories and computer rooms.

We are fortunate to have supercomputers for High-Performance Computing and for data analysis and machine learning as well as access to several visualisation and data postprocessing laboratories.

We are also able to host local computer hardware which give postgraduate researchers a safe environment to test prototype solutions, explore innovative technologies they are developing or to actually design new solutions.