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Durham University: Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Environmental & Geographic Information Systems)

Institution Durham University View institution profile
Department Computer Science
Web durham.ac.uk
Telephone 0191 334 1000
Study type Taught

Summary

Course details Developments in fields such physics, engineering, Earth sciences or finance are increasingly driven by experts in computational techniques. Those with the skills to write code for the most powerful computers in the world and to process the biggest data sets in the world have the potential to make a positive impact on issues relating to the Earth and its environment. Our suite of Masters in Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (MISCADA) offers an application-focused course to deliver these skills with three interwoven strands:

Computer Science underpinnings of scientific computing Mathematical aspects of data analysis and the simulation and analysis of mathematical models *Implementation and application of fundamental techniques in an area of specialisation (For further details please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.)

The MISCADA specialist qualification in Environmental and Geographic Information Systems is designed to equip you with advanced knowledge and skills in the use of sophisticated datasets and tools to tackle cutting-edge and societally-relevant problems relating to the Earth’s environment and management of its scarce resources.

Why Durham University? The Department of Computer Science’s academic fusion of technology and independent thinking places it firmly at the cutting edge of computer learning. We bring innovative applications together with critical thought processes to give you the skills to play a key role in the data-led future. 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. 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.

Career 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.

MSc

University of Durham

Durham University 

  • World top 100 University: Joint 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
  • UK top 10 University: 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
  • 7th in the Complete University Guide 2025
  • World top 30 University for sustainability: 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
  • 65th in the world in the category of Employer Reputation. QS World University Rankings 2025

University of DurhamUniversity of Durham

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