Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Earth and Environmental Sciences)

This degree is organised by the Department of Computer Science with specialisations offered in collaboration with the Department of Earth Sciences, the Department of Mathematical Sciences, the Business School and the Department of Physics. Teaching and learning methods are varied, they include a combination of lectures, practical classes/computer labs, field work, independent study, research and analysis, a project (dissertation) and coursework. Some modules also include group and individual presentations.

You will also be given the opportunity to work with a wide variety of high-quality computer kit and software. This includes HPC systems such as GPU clusters, systems with heterogeneous architectures and specialist software installations (such as performance analysis tools), AI tools and data acquisition tools.

Assessment 

Assessment takes a combination of forms including coursework, presentations and a project which is worth one-third of your total mark. You will complete your dissertation-style project on a topic of your choice from within the methodological academic departments (Mathematical Sciences or Computer Science), or within the Earth and environmental sciences, or in close cooperation with our industrial partners.

• In Physics or a subject with basic physics courses OR
• In Computer Science OR
• In Mathematics OR
• In Earth Sciences OR
• In Engineering OR
• In any natural sciences with a strong quantitative element.

Additional requirements

• Applicants must demonstrate strong programming skills in at least one compiled language, preferably C or C++, although Rust, Java, C#, Fortran, or Pascal are also acceptable. Proficiency in Python may suffice if the applicant has a strong background in their chosen specialization. Those lacking experience in C or C++ are advised to enrol in our pre-sessional course.

• Additionally we require knowledge of undergraduate-level mathematics, covering linear algebra, calculus, integration, ordinary and partial differential equations, and probability theory.

• Please see the University guidance here for information on required English language levels.

English language requirements

Full Time Fees

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only. More information is available here: Tuition fees - how much are they - Durham University

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

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.

The Department is at the heart of the fast-paced world of applications and algorithms. We maintain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of computation and are fully up to speed with the latest technologies that emerge at an ever-increasing rate.

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.

Taught courses balance fundamental knowledge and an emphasis on programming and mathematical skills with practical applications. The content and structure are such that they suit postgraduates who already have experience in the industry or other employment and want to add a formal qualification to their achievements.  

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. Those relationships ensure we are at the leading edge of developments across the sector and can revise and adapt the Department’s curriculum to reflect the changes.

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.

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