We want to create an open and inclusive workplace and study culture where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Diversity and equality are an important part of this commitment. We strive to ensure that this ethos informs everything we do at all levels.
We are working hard to make Durham the number one destination for women Computer Science undergraduates
Computer Science for Girls is a DUWiT-led community that aims to foster a friendly atmosphere and help female GCSE and A Level students discover Computer Science. We want to answer questions, give advice, help with homework and build a tightly-knit group full of curious minds while promoting the concept that Computer Science is for everyone. Teachers and parents of students are also welcome to enter. The group is ran by members of DUWiT as well as Durham University staff members. Click here to find out more
Tech should be a space where women are the norm, not the novelty. DUWiT Hacks is DUWiT’s flagship hackathon, the UK’s first student-led hackathon for women in tech, built on the belief that change doesn’t start in the workplace. DUWiT Hacks is for women and non-binary participants. In 2026 the event was sponsored by Neptune North, Accenture, GitHub, and Rewriting the Code. Click here to find out more and learn how to get involved.
Many of our initiatives focus on making undergraduate life at Durham not only intellectually stimulating but fun too. In 2019 we took five of our women undergraduates to the Grace Hopper Conference and #OURCS women in tech conferences in the US where they had the opportunity to connect with many global tech employers, other women in tech from around the world as well as learn from women experts in AI, data science, cybersecurity and all sorts of cutting edge technologies.
Have a quick read of this lovely blogpost by Hannah Bellamy one of our 2019 graduates who attended the Grace Hopper conference in October 2019 to see how much she enjoyed the trip.
We want you to have a great time at Durham and know that sometimes a bit of financial support can make all of the difference. All of our women undergraduates are given the opportunity on entry acceptance by the university to apply for our AMI scholarships.
In 2024 we were awarded the Athena Swan Silver Award for 5 years. The accolade recognises a significant record of activity and achievement by our department in promoting gender equality including the representation, progression and success for all.
Professor Sue Black OBE is a Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist within the Department. Sue is well known for championing women in technology having set up the UK’s first online network for women in tech back in 1998 – BCSWomen, #techmums – a social enterprise focused on igniting tech potential in mums through digital skills programmes and TechUPWomen – a £1million Institute of Coding and industry funded programme retraining underserved women into tech careers.
Sue also ran the successful campaign to save Bletchley Park from 2008-2011 getting the BBC, Stephen Fry, Maggie Philbin and thousands of others involved through Twitter. Sue wrote a book Saving Bletchley Park with her friend Steve Colgan, one of the QI Elves which details the history and contribution of Bletchley Park as well as the story of the campaign.
Sue is a member of the Department of Computer Science Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee, teaches on the 1st year Computational Thinking module inviting many tech industry speakers to come and talk to students, and carries out research into Bias in AI. She is actively looking for self-funded PhD students in the area.
Anne-Marie Imafidon is Head Stemette and cofounder of Stemettes – an award-winning social enterprise inspiring the next generation of females into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Anne-Marie joined our Department External Advisory Board in 2016 and has been pivotal in the launch of the Department’s core diversity programmes, including the AMI scholarship.
The Department is committed to supporting staff and students who have disabilities and creating an inclusive community, which promotes positive attitudes towards people with a disability. Students seeking advice on requesting reasonable adjustments regarding their studies should contact the SSO.
We seek to promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive work and study environment that respects the dignity of staff and students, regardless of their background, circumstances, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
Staff and students have the opportunity to raise issues of discrimination directly via a number of people or processes, including:
Further information on the University EDI work.
