Course summary

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. 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. Why Durham University? 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. 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. 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. Careers Opportunities Qualifications in computer science are highly sought after by employers across the globe and an award from our Department provides the academic skills, industry insight and research-informed approach that sets postgraduates up for careers in a broad range of sectors. Many postgraduates have gone on to work as software engineers, analysts, consultants, programmers and developers. Some have founded their own start-ups or work in leading software companies, high-technology consultancies, banking and finance, retail, engineering, the communications and IT industry. The Department has strong research links, spanning both industry and government, including the automotive sector with Jaguar Land Rover and Renault, the defence and security sector with QinetiQ and Boeing, with government in the Civil Service and at GCHQ and in the manufacturing sector with Procter & Gamble. Other high-profile employers include BAE Systems, Google and BT.