If you didn’t study computer science at degree level, this MSc combines a wide-ranging introduction to the analysis, design and implementation of computer systems, with a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge research. You'll be immersed in software design, programming, datasets, information systems and web applications and develop all the skills needed to conduct independent research in computer science.
This MSc provides a depth of knowledge in computer science, underpinned by a thorough understanding of key issues at the forefront of current research in this discipline.
You’ll learn how to design and create software, gain experience of modern programming languages, and discover how databases are used in modern information systems, from supermarket checkouts to online banking.
We’ll also equip you with a good understanding of the most significant technologies for developing web applications. These include HTML, Cascading Style Sheets, JavaScript, and PHP.
Further opportunities to specialise and enhance your knowledge are available through a range of optional modules. You could choose to focus on topics including artificial intelligence, biologically inspired optimisation, neural networks, data mining, machine learning, multi-agent systems, e-commerce, online map visualisations, or software safety and dependability.
You’ll have the opportunity to work as part of a small group on a practical project to find a solution to a computer science problem. We’ll also provide a thorough grounding in how to plan and conduct research in preparation for your dissertation.
In year two, you’ll undertake an industrial project in a real-world environment as part of an extended placement opportunity. While on placement, you’ll develop transferable skills and gain insight into the operations, products, practices and culture of the placement provider.
This MSc is suitable for graduates with a science or engineering background, such as a degree in mathematics or physical sciences, who wish to build upon the IT skills and knowledge gained during undergraduate study. The programme is not suitable for computer science graduates. If you already have a degree in computer science, you may be interested in Advanced Computer Science with a Year in Industry MSc.
Which postgraduate degree is right for you? The Department of Computer Science offers master’s programmes for students with undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and other disciplines.
If you have a Computer Science related degree, you could be eligible for the following master’s courses:
Computer Science related degrees may include degree titles such as: Computer Applications, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Applications and Engineering, and Software Engineering. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Any Computer Science related degree should contain a significant amount of computer science related modules to be relevant (as assessed by the Department of Computer Science).
If you don’t have a Computer Science related degree and you are interested in learning more about the field, you may be eligible to study:
Please check individual course pages for detailed entry requirements.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country .
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications .
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests , to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.