Skip navigation

Computer Science

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Durham City

Course summary

Course details
In a fast-moving world, computer science is the force behind the technological breakthroughs that have changed our lives for the better. The BSc (Hons) Computer Science has been designed to develop the fundamental knowledge and practical skills that are in demand across the sector.
You’ll explore a wide range of innovative technological applications such as machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, virtual and augmented reality and cybersecurity among others.
The BSc also offers the chance to apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.

Why Durham University?
Our close links with local high-technology industries along with national and international employers 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.
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 most significant developments in our society have come through amazing innovations in technology and the intelligent algorithms that drive those technologies.

Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Career Opportunities
Studying at one of the top universities in the UK for employability, Durham graduates have excellent job prospects and are highly sought after.
Our close links to the concentration of high-technology industries in the North East, and national and international employers, keep our courses at the forefront of new developments.
Computer Science graduates are valued in a wide range of FinTech and banking roles. They are equipped with transferable skills such as solving problems and analysing data that are important across many industries, from healthcare and management consulting to media and communications, among many others.
Many of our graduates have gone on to work as software engineers, analysts, consultants, programmers and developers.
Some have founded their own start-ups, work in leading software companies, high-technology consultancies, the Civil Service, GCHQ, banking and finance, retail, engineering, the communications and IT industry.

Modules

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

Assessment method

Modules are assessed via a combination of coursework and end-of-year examinations.

Many modules are weighted as 66% examination and 34% coursework, though some modules are 100% exam and others 100% coursework. This not only helps to support a wider range of learning styles but is more appropriate for the type of work you are expected to undertake, for example writing software code or working on mathematical ‘pen and paper’ type exercises.

The final-year Individual Project is assessed by a scientific report along with an oral presentation.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/

How to apply

This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you're eligible to apply.
  • EU has vacancies
  • Wales does not have vacancies
  • England does not have vacancies
  • International has vacancies
  • Scotland does not have vacancies
  • Northern Ireland does not have vacancies
  • Republic of Ireland does not have vacancies

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
G400
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Durham City
Campus Code:
O

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. For further details please visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year. For further details please visit: https://www.durhamisc.com/programmes/international-foundation-year

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
A*AA

Specific subjects/grades required for entry:
Mathematics at Grade A.

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.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D*DD

Extended diploma DDD + A in A level Mathematics, or DDD and A in A level Mathematics

Other BTEC level 3 qualifications are also accepted in combination with each other or with other qualifications. See our website for more information on our BTEC qualification equivalencies.

Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
AAAAA

We normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. If you’ve not been able to take three Advanced Highers, then we’ll consider a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers, or just Highers (if your school doesn’t offer Advanced Highers at all). Advanced Higher in Mathematics Grade A is required.

Scottish Advanced Higher
AAA

To include Mathematics at grade A.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
37 points

766 at higher level including Mathematics

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Not accepted

Extended Project
Not accepted

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1, H1, H2, H2, H2

To include H2 in Mathematics

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Not accepted

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
D*DD

DDD and Mathematics at grade A at A level (or equivalent)
or DDD and Mathematics at Grade A
at A Level (or equivalent)

T Level

T levels will be considered on a case-by-case basis where the subject area aligns with the course applied to. Please note that additional A levels or equivalent may be required to study certain courses.

If you’re interested in applying, then please Ask Us and we’ll see if we’re able to consider this for you:

www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

If you’re taking other qualifications not listed above, please check our qualification pages to see if we accept these: www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/

If you have a non-standard academic profile, then ask us about it here:

www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

Deferred entry is considered on a case-by-case basis where applicants have exceptional circumstances. If you’d like to apply for deferred entry, please ask us about it before applying: www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by visiting the link below under English Language requirements. You 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. For more information on pre-sessional courses please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/pre-sessional-english-language-required/

English Language requirementshttps://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Our contextual offer for this programme is A level AAB (or equivalent), including A in A level Mathematics.

We also make reduced grade contextual offers to many applicants and are sometimes able to accept applicants who narrowly miss their offer conditions.

Learn more on the Durham University website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Home Students.
The tuition fees for 2027/28 will increase to £10,050. Please note that these figures remain subject to parliamentary approval.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
Durham University will charge home rate tuition fees up to the maximum allowed by the UK Government. Should the UK Government choose to increase the maximum tuition fee allowed in the second and subsequent years of your course, Durham University will raise tuition fees in line with UK Government policy and approvals.

International and EU Students.
The tuition fees shown for international and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or International tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Sponsorship information

Durham University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to academically well-qualified and highly motivated students. For further details, including deadlines for application, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/

Like this page