Advanced Computer Science MSc

Course Summary
In response to a growing demand for data analysts and computer scientists, we've developed this new course to align with the rapidly evolving needs of industry. The MSc will equip you with a deep and advanced understanding of computer science theory and practice through research-led teaching of both foundational and contemporary Computer Science topics.

The course will foster and enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with modules that encourage you to analyse complex problems, and design and evaluate effective solutions. As an integral part of the MSc, you will engage in hands-on coding, software development and projects to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Why Durham University?
The MSc project provides additional opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges that align with your academic and career goals.
Our strong industry connections also open up opportunities to secure co-supervision of the project with one of our partners.
Learning from academics who lead cutting-edge research provides valuable insight into high quality projects, and gives our postgraduate community the opportunity to play a role in shaping a future in which crucial developments in society are supported by technological innovation.

Researchers in the Department offer a range of expertise across the computer science spectrum in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, bioinformatics, high-performance computing, graphics and fundamental algorithms.
We ensure our research-led activity does not function in isolation and keep close links with local high-technology industries as well as national and international employers.

Facilities
The Department is located in a £40 million purpose-built building in the heart of Durham at Upper Mountjoy and features open-plan work areas, breakout spaces for collaboration projects, laboratories and computer rooms.
We are fortunate to have supercomputers for High-Performance Computing and for data analysis and machine learning as well as access to several visualisation and data postprocessing laboratories.
We are also able to host local computer hardware which give postgraduate researchers a safe environment to test prototype solutions, explore innovative technologies they are developing or to actually design new solutions.

Careers Opportunities
Qualifications in computer science are highly sought after by employers across the globe and an award from our Department provides the academic skills, industry insight and research-informed approach that sets postgraduates up for careers in a broad range of sectors.
Many postgraduates have gone on to work as software engineers, analysts, consultants, programmers and developers.
Some have founded their own start-ups or work in leading software companies, high-technology consultancies, banking and finance, retail, engineering, the communications and IT industry.

The Department has strong research links, spanning both industry and government, including the automotive sector with Jaguar Land Rover and Renault, the defence and security sector with QinetiQ and Boeing, with government in the Civil Service and at GCHQ and in the manufacturing sector with Procter & Gamble.
Other high-profile employers include BAE Systems, Google and BT.