Overview
Computer science at Durham is specification, testing, and a project. Online tuition is covered. Campus study is separate. Security content is defensive. No accreditation logo is attached to this award on this page.
MSc Computer Science is taught as one award, not a list of unrelated modules. The published length is 24 months, and the credit total is 36. Students move from Advanced Algorithms & Data Structures through Advanced Algorithms & Data Structures; Software Engineering & Architecture; Database Systems & Distributed Data; Computer Networks & Cloud Computing; Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning; Secure Systems & Cryptography, and finish on MSc Dissertation / Capstone Project.
Each course has a question, a method, and a submission. In this field, students specify a small system, show how it was tested, and state how it fails. Reading is a specification, a test note, and an incident or post-mortem. The artefact a marker expects is a specification or reviewed component with tests and a trade-off note.
The award is built so that a graduate can do the following in practice: Specify a system Test it Describe recovery
Teaching assumes the student can read a source, attempt a problem before the seminar, and revise after feedback. Attendance at live seminars is part of the design. The capstone or final course must use the methods of the earlier courses; a project that ignores them does not pass.
The pages for each course name the topics that are examined. Those topics are the syllabus. A brochure line is not a substitute for them.
Credit hours on this page are the sum of the modules. Online tuition is covered. Examination or administrative fees may still apply. Campus study, where it is offered, is priced separately.
Who This Programme Is For
- ✦Applicants with a first degree or substantial technical work
- ✦Practitioners moving from using software to designing it
- ✦Career-changers who can study alongside a job
- ✦Students who want a project they can show
Faculty spotlight
The department of computer science at Durham University supervises the computing modules and the project.
Programme Structure & Delivery
Coursework
Interactive modules, weekly readings, recorded and live seminars, and collaborative discussions with peers worldwide.
Assessment
Module assignments, proctored examinations, and capstone projects designed to demonstrate mastery of the field.
Learning Outcomes
- ✦Specify a system
- ✦Test it
- ✦Describe recovery
- ✦State a defensive security constraint
- ✦Defend the project
Career Pathways
- ✦Developer
- ✦Systems analyst
- ✦Technical consultant
Assessment
Modules are assessed through a published mix of coursework, applied projects, and examinations. Exam windows are announced in advance so students in other time zones are not forced into overnight sittings. Alternative arrangements are available where documented.
Curriculum
Year 1 — Core
CS501Advanced Algorithms & Data Structures- CS501-M1 · The question, the unit of analysis, and data quality — Advanced Algorithms & Data Structures
- CS501-M2 · Features, baselines, and error — Advanced Algorithms & Data Structures
- CS501-M3 · Validation, leakage, and what the model must not decide — Advanced Algorithms & Data Structures
- CS501-M4 · Monitoring, drift, and human review — Advanced Algorithms & Data Structures
- CS501-M5 · Interpretation for a non-technical decision maker — Advanced Algorithms & Data Structures
- CS501-M6 · A supervised project with method, result, and limitation — Advanced Algorithms & Data Structures
3 creditsCS502Software Engineering & Architecture- CS502-M1 · System boundary, constraint, and actors — Software Engineering & Architecture
- CS502-M2 · Indicators, sources of error, and a better measure — Software Engineering & Architecture
- CS502-M3 · Two options on cost, time, and downside — Software Engineering & Architecture
- CS502-M4 · Safety, environmental limit, and who bears the risk — Software Engineering & Architecture
- CS502-M5 · A site, grid, or product decision — Software Engineering & Architecture
- CS502-M6 · A recommendation with evidence and residual risk — Software Engineering & Architecture
3 creditsCS503Database Systems & Distributed Data- CS503-M1 · The question, the unit of analysis, and data quality — Database Systems & Distributed Data
- CS503-M2 · Features, baselines, and error — Database Systems & Distributed Data
- CS503-M3 · Validation, leakage, and what the model must not decide — Database Systems & Distributed Data
- CS503-M4 · Monitoring, drift, and human review — Database Systems & Distributed Data
- CS503-M5 · Interpretation for a non-technical decision maker — Database Systems & Distributed Data
- CS503-M6 · A supervised project with method, result, and limitation — Database Systems & Distributed Data
3 creditsCS504Computer Networks & Cloud Computing- CS504-M1 · Users, components, and the interface between parts — Computer Networks & Cloud Computing
- CS504-M2 · Build, test, failure, and fix — Computer Networks & Cloud Computing
- CS504-M3 · Deployment, logs, and recovery — Computer Networks & Cloud Computing
- CS504-M4 · Trade-offs the designer must defend — Computer Networks & Cloud Computing
- CS504-M5 · Security and failure in ordinary operation — Computer Networks & Cloud Computing
- CS504-M6 · A supervised build or design with a defence — Computer Networks & Cloud Computing
3 creditsYear 1 — Specialisation
CS505Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning- CS505-M1 · The question, the unit of analysis, and data quality — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- CS505-M2 · Features, baselines, and error — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- CS505-M3 · Validation, leakage, and what the model must not decide — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- CS505-M4 · Monitoring, drift, and human review — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- CS505-M5 · Interpretation for a non-technical decision maker — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- CS505-M6 · A supervised project with method, result, and limitation — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
3 creditsCS506Secure Systems & Cryptography- CS506-M1 · Users, components, and the interface between parts — Secure Systems & Cryptography
- CS506-M2 · Build, test, failure, and fix — Secure Systems & Cryptography
- CS506-M3 · Deployment, logs, and recovery — Secure Systems & Cryptography
- CS506-M4 · Trade-offs the designer must defend — Secure Systems & Cryptography
- CS506-M5 · Security and failure in ordinary operation — Secure Systems & Cryptography
- CS506-M6 · A supervised build or design with a defence — Secure Systems & Cryptography
3 creditsCS507Human–Computer Interaction- CS507-M1 · Users, components, and the interface between parts — Human–Computer Interaction
- CS507-M2 · Build, test, failure, and fix — Human–Computer Interaction
- CS507-M3 · Deployment, logs, and recovery — Human–Computer Interaction
- CS507-M4 · Trade-offs the designer must defend — Human–Computer Interaction
- CS507-M5 · Security and failure in ordinary operation — Human–Computer Interaction
- CS507-M6 · A supervised build or design with a defence — Human–Computer Interaction
3 creditsCS508Research Methods in Computing- CS508-M1 · Users, components, and the interface between parts — Research Methods in Computing
- CS508-M2 · Build, test, failure, and fix — Research Methods in Computing
- CS508-M3 · Deployment, logs, and recovery — Research Methods in Computing
- CS508-M4 · Trade-offs the designer must defend — Research Methods in Computing
- CS508-M5 · Security and failure in ordinary operation — Research Methods in Computing
- CS508-M6 · A supervised build or design with a defence — Research Methods in Computing
3 creditsYear 2 — Advanced & Thesis
CS601Distributed Systems & Scalability- CS601-M1 · Users, components, and the interface between parts — Distributed Systems & Scalability
- CS601-M2 · Build, test, failure, and fix — Distributed Systems & Scalability
- CS601-M3 · Deployment, logs, and recovery — Distributed Systems & Scalability
- CS601-M4 · Trade-offs the designer must defend — Distributed Systems & Scalability
- CS601-M5 · Security and failure in ordinary operation — Distributed Systems & Scalability
- CS601-M6 · A supervised build or design with a defence — Distributed Systems & Scalability
3 creditsCS602Advanced Topics in AI (elective)- CS602-M1 · The question, the unit of analysis, and data quality — Advanced Topics in AI (elective)
- CS602-M2 · Features, baselines, and error — Advanced Topics in AI (elective)
- CS602-M3 · Validation, leakage, and what the model must not decide — Advanced Topics in AI (elective)
- CS602-M4 · Monitoring, drift, and human review — Advanced Topics in AI (elective)
- CS602-M5 · Interpretation for a non-technical decision maker — Advanced Topics in AI (elective)
- CS602-M6 · A supervised project with method, result, and limitation — Advanced Topics in AI (elective)
3 creditsCS603MSc Dissertation / Capstone Project- CS603-M1 · Users, components, and the interface between parts — MSc Dissertation / Capstone Project
- CS603-M2 · Build, test, failure, and fix — MSc Dissertation / Capstone Project
- CS603-M3 · Deployment, logs, and recovery — MSc Dissertation / Capstone Project
- CS603-M4 · Trade-offs the designer must defend — MSc Dissertation / Capstone Project
- CS603-M5 · Security and failure in ordinary operation — MSc Dissertation / Capstone Project
- CS603-M6 · A supervised build or design with a defence — MSc Dissertation / Capstone Project
6 creditsAdmission requirements
Academic entry
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (minimum 2:2 or GPA 2.5/4.0)
English language
- English proficiency: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 46, or equivalent (waived for prior English-medium study)
Documents
- Statement of Purpose (500 words minimum) outlining your goals and fit for the programme
- Two academic or professional references with contact details
- CV or résumé documenting relevant education and professional experience
Programme questions
How long is the MSc Computer Science?+
The published duration is 24 months. Teaching language: English. Actual time-to-complete depends on mode and any recognised prior learning.
Can I study this from my country?+
This is a fully online award. You study from your country. No student visa and no campus relocation are required.
What does it cost?+
Degree tuition for this award is published as £0 / tuition-free on the online pathway. Examination or administrative fees may apply at checkout — never an annual tuition invoice. Check the Fees page for any extras.
What are the entry requirements?+
Requirements are grouped on this page (academic, English, documents). Equivalent qualifications are considered. English may be waived after prior English-medium study.
How is the programme assessed?+
Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, projects, and examinations. Doctoral awards include a thesis or dissertation and an oral examination. Details sit in the programme specification and module outlines.
Will this award be recognised where I live?+
Recognition of the award for local employment, professional licence, or ministry attestation is decided by your employer or regulator. Durham University publishes verification pages for certificates. We do not claim automatic equivalence in every country.
How do I apply?+
Start an application on this website. Progress is saved from the first step. Admissions: admissions@durhm.co.uk.
