Computing Sciences

In little more than half a century, the computer has completely revolutionized the way that we live.  Although many computer-based developments (the internet, mobile phones, laptops, virtual reality environments, text and voice recognition,..) have only come into being over the past two decades, their influence upon the way that people work and play has been life-transforming.  Computing is therefore an innovating and enabling technology that can take many forms, with new ones still emerging.

As an academic discipline, Computing has a rather longer history and here at Durham, we focus upon studying Computer Science (which is mainly concerned with the forms that ‘computable problems’ can take, and the ways in which these can be addressed) and Software Engineering (which is primarily concerned with how we design and develop systems).  Both are strongly based upon knowledge and understanding of computer programming (which we teach to you in the first year), and both are very much concerned with how we deploy computers to solve real problems.

Computing is not only interesting and useful in its own right – its enabling properties also make it an excellent subject for combined study (see the joint honour and other combinations on the menu bar to the left).  Indeed, its breadth means that it has many features that are cognate with disciplines in Science, Humanities and Social Sciences .  Its basis in logic, strong emphasis upon design, and use of abstraction also provide valuable generic skills that are sure to be in wide demand when you graduate.  

Computers and software are ubiquitous within society and are revolutionising the way we live our daily lives. They are in our phones; they drive the Internet and the World Wide Web; they are central to business and government. Soon they could be in our clothes or even implanted in our bodies! So far we have only just scratched the surface as regards our use of computers and software.

This revolution has come about through the study of a spectrum of subjects ranging through the:

• mathematics that underpins all computing;
• specification and analysis of algorithms;
• practice and process of developing complex software systems;
• social and economic implications of new computer-based technologies.

At Durham you will be exposed to a mix from this spectrum and it is your choice where you want to specialise. If you want to take a primarily scientific approach so that you get a strong understanding of what underpins all Computing then choose our Computer Science degree; whereas if you have in mind something closer to engineering and you want to study how to build complex software systems then choose our Software Engineering degree.

Whichever degree you choose, after you graduate you will be eminently employable in high paid jobs by all the major creators and users of computers and software Almost anyone can program a computer, but how many can program it in a professional way and understand its practical and theoretical limitations? Come to Durham and learn how you can make a difference to the technological world in which we live. Why not come and visit the School of Engineering and Computing Sciences and find out for your self, or take a look at what our students say about us.

Computing programmes at Durham

3yr Hons BSc programmes
Computer Science (G400)
Software Engineering (G600)
Computing (G403)

This diagram shows the similarities and differences among the three programmes.

4yr Hons BSc programmes

Computer Science (European Studies) (G401)

Software Engineering (European Studies) (G601)

Computing (European Studies) (G404)

4 yr Hons BSc

Computer Science with Foundation (G402)

Software Engineering with Foundation (G602 )

Computing with Foundation (G405 )

Our Entry Requirements will always be expressed in terms of grades. We do not use UCAS point scores (tariffs) in our offers.  We do not normally admit directly into the second or third years of any of our programmes.for more detail take a look at our entry requirements pages.