Computer Science Durham University Degree level: Undergraduate
Course summary
TEF Gold
Durham University has opted into the TEF and received a Gold award.
This degree balances fundamental knowledge and practical application in order to provide you with both specialised and transferable skills that are greatly valued in the marketplace. The course emphasises from the start both programming and mathematical skills that allow in the later years engagement through your 'Individual Project' with cutting-edge research being done in the department.
Year 1
You will take five computer science modules, which cover programming, the characteristics of computers and computing systems, and the mathematical foundations of the subject. You will also be introduced to the concept and philosophy of computational thinking and explore cutting-edge technological applications of recent research. You will take an elective module, which may be from elsewhere within the Department, Faculty or University. Once you complete the first year you will have had a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of computer science and to the principles, practices and methodologies that make computer science unique as a scientific subject. You will also have had a glimpse at aspects of computer science research that have enabled major technological advances in society.
Compulsory modules:
Programming
Computational Thinking
Algorithms and Data Structures
Computer Systems
Mathematics for Computer Science.
Year 2
You will study six modules covering a core set of topics. One module Software Engineering (double module) involves a team software development project and enables you to usually work with external organisations and gain practical software development experience. Other compulsory topics include, for example, computer networks, parallel and distributed computing, concurrency, data structures, algorithms and complexity, image processing, different programming paradigms, systems programming, security, human-computer interaction, aspects of artificial intelligence, and computer graphics. The topics taken in the second year will prepare you with an excellent grounding in a wide range of fundamental subjects within computer science, ready for subsequent specialisation in your final third year.
Year 3
A key element of the third year is the individual project (which is a double module). This is undertaken under the direct supervision of a member of staff and gives you the opportunity to tackle a specific computing task in much greater depth than is possible for other modules. At the end of the project, you will write a technical paper describing your findings. You are given a considerable amount of choice as to the subject of your projects; indeed, you can suggest specific projects themselves. In addition, you will get to choose the four other modules that you undertake in your final year.
A range of modules is offered for example, previous modules have included: theoretical computer science, software and software systems, computing methodologies, applications and contemporary computer science . There is also the opportunity to follow specific modules offered such as a module involving the teaching of computer science in schools, giving an early taste of teaching computer science to those interested in pursuing it as a career or on other career pathways where a public understanding of science is required.
We review course structures and core content every year, and will publish finalised core requirements for 2020 entry from September 2019.
Study Abroad
Computer Science is an international discipline and living and working in another country is a valuable addition to your CV. We are part of the SOCRATES/ERASMUS and University Exchange programme, which encourages you to study for part of your course in a university worldwide. You can request to transfer onto the BSc Computer Science (with Year Abroad (G408) course at the beginning of your second year and will spend the third year studying at another EU or worldwide university, and then return to Durham for your final year.
Course details
Modules
For more information on the content of this course, including module details, please see our website.
How to apply
Application deadlines
If your application is completed by the following date, it’s guaranteed to be considered:
15 January
*If you apply after this deadline, universities or colleges don’t have to consider your application if they’ve filled their spaces, so the sooner you apply, the better!Application codes
You will need these codes when you add a choice to your application.
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Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
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
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
EU | £9,250 | Year 1 |
International | £25,800 | Year 1 |
England | £9,250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9,250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9,250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9,250 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Provider information
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
Course contact details
Visit our course pageRecruitment and Admissions Office
0191 334 1000