Computer Science
Durham University
UCAS Code: G406 | Master of Engineering (with Honours) - MEng (Hon)
Entry requirements
A level
Specific subjects/grades required for entry: Mathematics at grade A. Specific subjects excluded for entry: General Studies and Critical Thinking. Information: Applicants taking Science A-levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This refers only to English A Levels.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
To include Mathematics
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Nineteen points (7, 6, 6) from Higher Level subjects to include Mathematics. We accept Maths Analysis & Approaches, and Maths Applications & Interpretation.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
To include Mathematics
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
D*DD and Mathematics at grade A at A level (or equivalent) or DDD and Mathematics at Grade A* at A Level (or equivalent)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
• Extended diploma D*DD + A for A level Mathematics, or DDD and A* • Standard diploma D*D + A for A level Mathematics, or DD and A* • Subsidiary diploma D* + AA including A level Mathematics, or D and A*A
Scottish Advanced Higher
Specific subjects/grades required for entry: Mathematics at grade A.
Scottish Higher
We will normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. If an applicant has not been able to take 3 Advanced Highers, offers may be made with a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers, or on a number of Highers.
At Durham we welcome applications from students of outstanding achievement and potential from all educational backgrounds. We will consider applicants studying T level qualifications for entry to many of our courses. Where a course requires subject specific knowledge and this is not covered within the T level being studied, you may need to supplement your T level studies with a suitable qualification to meet this requirement, for example at A level. Where this is needed this will be clearly stated in our entry requirements. Detailed entry requirements can be found on individual course entries on our courses database. https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/g400/#entry-requirements-1237436
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
In a fast-moving world, computer science is the force behind the technological breakthroughs that have changed our lives for the better. The MEng in Computer Science develops the fundamental knowledge and practical skills that are in demand across the sector.
During the first two years you will follow a similar structure to the BSc. From the third year the MEng introduces a wider range of modules and an Advanced Project which explore the subject to a deeper level.
You’ll explore a wide range of innovative technological applications such as cryptocurrencies, quantum computing, machine learning, deep learning, computer vision and cybersecurity among others. Our close links with high-technology industries keep us up to date with changing priorities in the sector. This insight allows us to introduce new topics into the curriculum to keep in step with developments.
The course emphasises programming and mathematical skills from the start. The first year provides an introduction into the fundamentals of computer science and gives you a glimpse into some of the research that has enabled major technological advances in society.
As well as equipping you with academic knowledge, the curriculum develops the skills you’ll need to boost your career prospects. The Software Engineering module in Year 2 includes a team project in which you gain practical software development experience working with an external organisation.
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. The final-year Advanced Project is an opportunity to fully engage with the cutting-edge research being carried out in the department.
You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your MEng degree, increasing the course from four years to five.
Modules
Year 1
Core modules:
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.
Computational Thinking explores the breadth of Computer Science and the ways in which different topics relate to one another. 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.
Computer Systems provides an understanding of the way in which modern computer systems (both hardware and software) can effectively represent, transport and manipulate data.
Mathematics for Computer Science introduces key concepts from linear algebra, calculus and mathematics, and explains their importance in the field of computer science.
Plus either Programming (Black) or Programming (Gold).
Year 2
Core modules:
Networks and Systems extends the understanding of the principles and practices of programming and using different computer systems. This module looks at distributed systems, networks, security and databases.
Programming Paradigms will broaden your view of programming and programming languages as well as aiding your understanding of the systems and procedures related to computer programming.
Theory of Computation introduces you to different models of computation and how they are related. You will learn the fundamental notions of computation such as 'computable' and 'efficiently computable' and the design and analysis of efficient algorithms.
Artificial Intelligence provides an understanding of some of the core problem-solving principles of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the role of AI in the real world.
Data Science introduces the techniques used for capturing, cleaning and analysing data and explores the ways in which different types of information can be represented and processed. The techniques covered include probability and statistics, graphics and visualisation, and image processing.
Software Engineering provides a detailed understanding of the phases of the software development lifecycle, including the problems associated with each phase and how to identify best practice for their solution. This module includes a team software development project where you can work with an external organisation to gain practical software development experience.
Year 3
Core modules:
In Project Preparation you will work on essential research skills including researching a topic, writing, presenting, and begin preparation for your own Advanced Project.
Examples of optional modules:
Advanced Computer Systems
Bioinformatics
Compiler Design
Computational Modelling in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Computer Science into Schools
Cryptography
Deep Learning
Design of Algorithms and Data Structures
Human–AI Interaction Design
Multimedia and Game Development
Parallel Scientific Computing
Recommender Systems
Reinforcement Learning
Virtual and Augmented Reality.
Year 4
Core module:
The Advanced Project is a substantial piece of research. 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 in Computer Science.
Examples of optional modules:
Advanced Algorithms
Advanced Computer Graphics and Visualisation
Advanced Computer Vision
Applied Cryptography
Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Coding and Information Theory
Learning Analytics
Natural Language Processing
Networks and their Structure
Parallel Scientific Computing
Quantum Computing
Randomised Algorithms and Probabilistic Methods.
Additional pathways
Students on the MEng Computer Science can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second or third year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from four years to five.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Durham City
College allocation pending
School of Engineering and Computer Sciences
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
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Computer science
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Computer science
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
This is a newly-classified subject area for this kind of data, so we don’t currently have very much information to display or analyse yet. The subject is linked to important and growing computing industries, and over time we can expect more students to study them — there could be opportunities that open up for graduates in these subjects as the economy develops over the next few years.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Computer science
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£37k
£42k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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