Computer Science

Computer Science is the study of what programs can and cannot do (computability), how programs can efficiently perform specific tasks (algorithms and complexity), how programs should store and retrieve specific kinds of information (data structures and databases), how programs might behave intelligently (artificial intelligence), and how programs and people should communicate with each other (human-computer interaction and user interfaces).

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)

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.