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In a fast-moving world, computer science is the force behind the technological breakthroughs that have changed our lives for the better. Durham’s BSc (Hons) in Computer Science is built on strong foundations in programming, mathematics, and system design from day one, perfect for students who enjoy solving logical problems and building software. With flexible options like year-abroad or placement, this degree empowers you to explore AI, cybersecurity, or data science while gaining real-world experience through industrial and research projects.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your introduction modules includes Algorithms and Data Structures, Computational Thinking, Computer Systems, and Mathematics for Computer Science, plus core programming modules. These modules give you a robust toolkit for algorithmic design, coding in languages like Python/C, and understanding how hardware supports software frameworks.
Year 2
Year 2 expands with Networks and Systems, Programming Paradigms, Theory of Computation, alongside elective choices in AI, Software Engineering, or Data science. A highlight is the team-based software engineering project, where you work in groups,often with industry-style requirements to bring a real application to life.
Year 3
In your final year, you’ll choose advanced modules such as Algorithmic Game Theory, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, Cryptography, Deep Learning and more. At the heart of Year 3 is the Individual Project, a research or development module that connects you with cutting-edge departmental work and makes up around 40 credits of your final year.
Placement / Abroad Option
You can add a fourth year, either on an industry placement (COMP3986 – 120 credits) or a year abroad, integrating professional or global experience into your degree.
Assessment Format
Years 1–2: Modules are assessed via a balance of written exams, programming assignments, lab reports, and occasional presentations, giving you practical and theoretical depth.
Year 2 Team Project: Your group software build is formally evaluated based on both teamwork and final product quality, replicating industry assessment models.
Year 3 Individual Project: This final-year dissertation combines technical innovation and academic investigation; you’re assessed through a written report and presentation, making up about one-third of your Year 3 marks.
Final Degree Classification: Honours is awarded based on performance in Year 3 modules, including rigorous project assessments and exams. There are clear pass marks and credit-weighting rules to guide progression.
Focus areas:
"Algorithms • Programming paradigms • Systems & networks • AI & security • Industrial/team software engineering • Independent honours research"
Learning outcomes:
Design and build algorithmic software; use formal and systems thinking; collaborate on real-world projects; conduct deep independent research; communicate technical solutions effectively.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
While non-BCS, the BSc’s structure—with its team project, individual research, and placement option—closely matches competencies expected by employers and supports Chartered Engineer progression.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Durham CS ranks among the UK’s top ~6 and boasts ~90% graduate employment or further study within 15 months, many in skilled roles averaging ~£40 k.
Durham University’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science program gives you hands-on, real-world experience through cutting-edge facilities, practical learning, and career-focused opportunities. From day one, you’ll study in a purpose-built £40 million Computer Science building at Upper Mountjoy. Inside, you’ll find open-plan workspaces, breakout areas, a café, and dedicated labs and computer rooms. Plus, the Hazan Venture Lab supports student enterprise and entrepreneurship in collaboration with Careers & Enterprise.
Here’s what experiential learning looks like:
State‑of‑the‑art HPC & specialist labs:
Use Durham’s own supercomputers (Hamilton, DiRAC Cosma, 16-node Dine cluster with SmartNICs), the Nvidia CUDA Centre (multi‑GPU/CPU cluster), and a visualization lab with 3D/4K screens, perfect for AI, data analysis, visualization, and systems experimentation.
Weekly programming & systems practicals:
Every module combines lectures with hands-on problem-solving sessions and coding assignments are supported by staff and demonstrators.
Supervised individual research project:
In your final year you’ll undertake a year-long, one-on-one project requiring independent research, development, and technical presentation.
Internships & placement year:
Summer internships (8–12 weeks) at leading international businesses like Google, IBM, Microsoft, Meta, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley with departmental support and funding from an Industry Fund up to £1,500.
Optional placement year:
Take an extra year in industry after Year 2 or Year 3 via module COMP3986 earning professional skills and real workplace experience.
Student-led initiatives & hackathons:
Get involved in CompSoc events like DurHack (24‑hour hackathon), or take the lead in groups like the Student Cluster Competition team where Durham students have built award-winning supercomputing projects.
Industry networking & career development:
The Careers & Enterprise Centre runs employer events, mentoring, hackathons, and professional development opportunities; Durham is ranked 6th for CS employability, with 92% of graduates in professional roles within 15 months of graduation.
Durham’s BSc in Computer Science prepares you for outstanding career paths: 92% of graduates are in skilled employment or further study 15 months after finishing, earning an average salary of £40,500, with typical starting salaries around £35 k and rising to £42–45 k by five years post-graduation. Common career roles include:
Software Engineer or Developer
Data Scientist or Analyst
IT Consultant or Technical Lead
Systems Architect
University services that support employment
Durham’s Careers & Enterprise Team and dedicated CS adviser offer one‑to‑one guidance, CV/interview prep, employer workshops, and access to graduate job and internship databases. The Placement Team arranges summer internships and year‑long industrial placements.
The Internships and Industry Fund offers up to £1,500 to support costs for placements (UK & abroad), covering travel, accommodation, equipment, etc.
University–industry partnerships
Students complete internships at top firms like Google, IBM, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Meta, and Waters.
Durham is deeply connected to regional innovation via NETPark, a science & tech hub with collaborations in satellite communications, photonics, semiconductors and enterprise support.
Hacks and events through CompSoc, backed by industry partners, sharpen skills and networking.
Long-term accreditation & reputation
A top‑tier Russell Group university, Durham ranks 6th overall in The Guardian 2025 and 5th in The Times/Sunday Times 2025.
The CS department is joint 6th for employability in the Complete University Guide 2025.
Graduation outcomes
100% of those employed are in highly skilled roles
Graduates step into roles at Google, Microsoft, IBM, Accenture, Deutsche Bank, Meta, and more
Paid internships frequently convert into full-time offers, as seen in case studies with Deutsche Bank and Google
Further Academic Progression
After your BSc, you can build toward:
A Master’s (MSc) in fields like AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, or Software Engineering either at Durham or leading universities worldwide.
A Year Abroad option in your degree, adding an extra year overseas to enrich cultural and academic experience.
A PhD in Computer Science, tapping into Durham’s research centers, industry-linked projects, and proximity to NETPark.
Professional certifications or postgraduate conversion courses (e.g. teaching, fintech, enterprise) leveraging Durham’s strong reputation.
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherA Level: A*AA including A in MathematicsInternational Baccalaureate (IB): 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including MathematicsCBSE / CISCE Boards: Standard XII with an average score of 87% (best of 4 academic subjects, excluding Physical Education) with any prerequisite subjects at 85% or higherIELTS: 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each componentTOEFL (iBT): 92 with no component under 23Offers optional Industrial Placement and Study Abroad Year. Tuition Fees: 20% and 15% full time rate for Industrial Placement and Study abroad year respectively.Software EngineerData ScientistCybersecurity AnalystSystems AdministratorNetwork EngineerAI EngineerCloud ArchitectIT ConsultantDatabase AdministratorUX/UI DesignerEmbedded Systems EngineerDevOps EngineerGame DeveloperBlockchain DeveloperIT Support SpecialistFull-Stack DeveloperFront-End DeveloperBack-End DeveloperSite Reliability EngineerComputer Vision Engineer
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