Skip navigation
Computer Science and Mathematics at Durham University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
Apply

Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

The MSci Computer Science and Mathematics degree is meticulously crafted to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to thrive in the constantly changing data-driven workplace. In our rapidly evolving world, the field of computer science stands as a driving force behind transformative technological breakthroughs that have reshaped our lives for the better. The skills demanded by today's dynamic tech sector demand a strong knowledge in mathematical fundamentals, statistics, and machine learning. During the first two years you will follow the same course structure as the BSc with an equal balance of Computer Science and Mathematics to ensure that the programme provides students with the essential foundation. From the third year, the MSci introduces a wider range of modules and an advanced project in the final year. The Year 1 curriculum provides a foundation in the fundamentals of computer science, pure mathematics, statistics, and probability providing robust groundwork for advanced study in subsequent years. Year 2 allows students to embark on an exploration of a diverse array of innovative technological applications. At the same time, this can be underpinned with a deep mathematical grounding in statistics and machine learning to provide the foundation on their academic journey for more advanced topics in statistics, artificial intelligence and data science or an alternative grounding in abstraction with applications in theoretical computer science. The flexible structure, coupled with an array of optional modules, empowers you to tailor your academic trajectory in alignment with your evolving interests. Whether completing the programme in three years, opting for a placement year, or embarking on a year abroad, the choice is yours. Cap off your academic journey with a choice between undertaking an advanced project, where you tackle a theoretical area or an applied problem in-depth , or our distinctive interdisciplinary enterprise module where you can delve into an area that resonates with your passions and leverages the skills honed within the course. You will be taught by passionate researchers with diverse areas of expertise such as artificial intelligence, data science, fundamental algorithms, statistical uncertainty, statistical uncertainty, applied statistics for large-scale applications and applied algebra. The final-year advanced project is an opportunity to fully engage with the cutting-edge research being carried out in the departments. State-of-the-art facilities further enhance the learning experience, providing students with access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities to engage in innovative research projects.

Subject options

This course offers the following subject options:

  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics

Modules

Year 1 Core modules: Computational Thinking explores the breadth of computer science and the ways in which the different topics are linked. 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. 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. Content included machine modelling, control flow structures and analysis of algorithms. Calculus builds on ideas of differentiation and integration in A level mathematics. The module begins with functions of a single variable before moving on to functions of several variables. Topics include methods of solving ordinary and partial differential equations, and an introduction to Taylor series, Fourier series and Fourier transforms. Linear Algebra presents mathematical ideas, techniques in linear algebra and develops the geometric intuition and familiarity with vector methods you will need for more challenging material later in the course. Probability introduces mathematical ideas on probability in preparation for more demanding material later in the course. The module builds problem solving skills through the exploration of a mathematical subject of relevance to the real-world (applied) that is based on rigorous mathematical foundations (pure). Statistics introduces frequentist and Bayesian approaches and demonstrates the relevance of these principles and procedures using real problems. This introductory module lays the foundations for all subsequent study of statistics. In recent years, option modules have included: Computer Systems Programming. Year 2 All second-year modules are chosen from options. In recent years option modules have included: Theory of Computation Programming Paradigms Artificial Intelligence Data Science Probability Statistical Modelling Statistical Inference Data Science and Statistical Computing Algebra. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement or year abroad) Core modules: In Project Preparation you will work on essential research skills including researching a topic, writing, presenting, and begin preparation for the final-year Advanced Project in an area of your choice. Option modules build your expertise in both disciplines in preparation for more advanced studies in the final year. In recent years, option modules have included: Algorithmic Game Theory Bioinformatics Deep Learning Human-AI Interaction Design Recommender Systems Reinforcement Learning Natural Computing Algorithms Advanced Statistical Modelling Bayesian Computation and Modelling Cryptography and Codes Decision Theory Machine Learning and Neural Networks Mathematical Finance Operations Research Stochastic Processes Science Enterprise. Year 4 (Year 5 if undertaking a placement or year abroad) Either the Advanced Project in Computer Science or Mathematics Project. Your final-year project is a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of computer science, mathematics or statistics. 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. The remainder of the year is made up of option modules, which in recent years have included: Advanced Algorithms Applied Cryptography Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies Coding and Information Theory Learning Analytics Natural Language Processing Quantum Computing Randomised Algorithms and Probabilistic Methods Representation Theory Topics in Combinatorics High-Dimensional Statistics Uncertainty Quantification Nonparametric Statistics Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

Assessment method

Some modules are assessed entirely through coursework (which may involve problem solving exercises, practical work and assignments) and others by examination, while others are assessed using a combination of methods. The final-year advanced project is an opportunity to bring your learning to a project of your choice. The project is a significant piece of independent research completed under the supervision of an academic from your chosen specialism.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
G425
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Durham City
Campus code:
O

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe.https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note: 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. There is no advantage in applying for both MSci and BSc degrees. Entry requirements are the same for both MSci and BSc degrees. We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer. We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/entry/

English language requirements

Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.

English language requirements

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £33250 Year 1
International £33250 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

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 and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index. There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.

Sponsorship information

We're committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances. https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/

Computer Science and Mathematics at Durham University - UCAS