Dr Sarah Drummond

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Current Durham Computer Science degrees / applying to Durham (Computer Science)
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Proposed new degree (under construction) for
2015
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Preparing our students for employment
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Software Engineering within Computer
Science – an outline of student activities

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BSc in Computer Science
3 years
Standard offer: AAA including Maths
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BSc in Computer Science with European Studies
4 years
3rd year is spent abroad at a European university or work placement
Standard offer: AAA including Maths
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MEng in Computer Science
4 years
Additional year comprising advanced modules and a research project
Standard offer: A*AA including Maths
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Natural Sciences / Joint Honour degrees

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Software Development for Business undergraduate degree e-skills UK in collaboration with Accenture, IBM,
BBC, ARM, Cisco, Microsoft, BT etc.
Mix of technical and professional skills with input from industry
4 year BSc with year 3 taken out in industry
Much overlap with the CS degrees
Entry requirements AAA (to include Maths)
Further information: http://www.softwaredevelopmentforbusiness.com/

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Skills
◦ Logical thinking
◦ Computing experience is helpful but not a pre-requisite
Good personal statement:
◦ This is the only part the student has to write
◦ Needs to demonstrate why they think they would be a good
CS student
◦ General interests are helpful
The right grades and enthusiasm
◦ How to write and effective personal statement
◦ What to included in your personal statement
◦ Teaching Kits – personal statements and references

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Destination figures for 2012 are again excellent, with 91.2% of Computer Science leavers securing employment or going on to further study within six months of graduating. This is above the
University average of 88.3%
The unemployment rate for the department is only 2.9% compared to a University average of
7.2%
The department’s performance in relation to
Graduate Prospects score ranks us 13 th (out of
101 CS depts.) in the 2014 Times Good
University Guide – this is improving year on year

DLHE survey of 2012 leavers

We have long industrial relationships offering excellent internship opportunities
Performance through technology

Source: DLHE survey of 2010 leavers

Source: DLHE survey of 2010 leavers

Source: DLHE survey of 2010 leavers

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SE involves team work which requires collaboration and communication skills to be developed
Typical team projects have real world customers e.g.
◦ Proctor and Gamble
◦ Durham Wind farm planner
◦ Durham Software for Wind-tunnels
◦ Durham Wildlife Trust/Biological
Sciences
◦ 3 rd Sector regional organisations
(Charities and Not-for-profit)
Talks and workshops given by
Industrialists

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Departmental admissions contacts
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E-mail: ecs.admissions@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 334 1700
Admissions tutors:
Computer Science: Dr Sarah Drummond
Engineering: Dr David Sims-Williams