Computer Science

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.

A level offer – A*AA including Mathematics.

Contextual offer – AAB including 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 766 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. For more information contact our Admissions Selectors.

• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programme offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses. 

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre

• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will normally be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

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.

The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time 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).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

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.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 96% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 100% are in high skilled employment
• With an average salary of £34,750

(Source: 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)

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

• Ranked Top 10 for Computer Science in The Guardian University Guide 2024
• Ranked 4th in The Complete University Guide 2024

Research Excellence Framework

•  97% of research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).

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. 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. The building also houses colleagues from Mathematical Sciences, enhancing the opportunities to develop joint teaching and research strategies.

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. 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 solutions.

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