MEng Computer Science
About this course
The MEng (Hons) in Computer Science is a computer science degree covering the theoretical foundations and practical engineering of computing systems. Core topics include Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Computer Architecture, Systems Design, Programming, Mathematical Modelling and Data Analysis. The Year 2 Software Engineering module includes a team project carried out with an external organisation. An optional year abroad at an overseas partner institution or an industry placement can be added, extending the course to five years. The first year lays the groundwork through Programming, Algorithms and Data Structures, Mathematics for Computer Science and Computer Systems, plus Data Science on handling datasets and drawing statistical conclusions. The second year covers Programming Paradigms, Theory of Computation, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Networks and Systems, and Graphics and Image Processing, with Software Engineering following a project from requirements through to testing. Year 3 compulsory modules are Project Preparation, which trains students to work through research literature and communicate technical findings, and Core Computer Science, on complexity, algorithm design and advanced data structures. Optional modules in Year 3 have included Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Cryptography and Reinforcement Learning, alongside applied security and interactive media. The final year centres on the compulsory Advanced Project, an independent research investigation worth half the year, with options such as Quantum Computing, Natural Language Processing, Compilers and Optimisation, and Robotics & Autonomous Systems.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA including A in Mathematics. IB: 37 with 766 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics.
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 33%: 70 offers from 210 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 27 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 79%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 105 students who started
- Continued on course: 88%
- Left higher education: 11%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 33 graduates who answered
- Working: 80%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 85%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 40 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 15%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 35%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 125 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- Computational Thinking
- Computer Systems
- Mathematics for Computer Science
- Programming
- Data Science
- Networks and Systems
- Programming Paradigms
- Theory of Computation
- Artificial Intelligence
- Graphics and Image Processing
- Software Engineering
- Project Preparation
- Core Computer Science
- Example optional modules
- Advanced Project
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MEng Computer Science at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £50,000 after 15 months, £40,000 after 3 years, £54,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £42,000 and £66,500. The £54,000 median after five years is £18,000 more than the UK median for Computer science.
What do graduates of MEng Computer Science at Durham University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MEng Computer Science at Durham University?
79% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MEng Computer Science at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level. The average entrant had 190 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MEng Computer Science at Durham University?
33% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 70 offers from 210 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MEng Computer Science at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MEng Computer Science at Durham University?
88% of students continued into their second year, and 11% left higher education.