Key information
For:
1 year full-time (September start) starting September 2025
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Master contemporary tools and frameworks used to solve real problems of the modern world in this MSc Computer Science. You'll build on your scientific curiosity and technical understanding with a powerful toolkit of skills and knowledge across data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and networking.
As you learn to analyse and implement complex computer systems, you'll explore the ways your technical skills and knowledge of theory can align with future trends. You'll be prepared for senior roles in industries including software, commerce, medicine or finance, or you could go into further computing research in universities or business.
You'll study with academic staff who are undertaking funded research in their fields of expertise, and can contribute to their projects through your work. You'll also have access to a network of professional computer scientists through their industry contacts, and your fellow students.
When you graduate, you'll bring a critical understanding of current developments to your chosen industry, ready to progress or enter your computer science career. In a market seeking professionals with advanced technical expertise, you'll be set to steer a path through future developments, and to shape those developments in line with your vision for tomorrow.
Course highlights
- Use modern, industry-standard equipment and software in our computing and networking laboratories
- Access a private cloud infrastructure
- Prepare for technical and managerial roles in multiple industries
- Cover a range of computer science topics, without compromising on in-depth understanding
- Explore the latest innovations within the field, through research-informed lectures and dissertations aligned to current funded research projects
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
September 2025 / January 2026 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2026 / January 2027 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
September 2025 / January 2026 start
-
Full-time: £10,900
-
Full-time: £10,900 with EU Scholarship applied
- Full-time: £19,200
September 2026 / January 2027 start
Please note, we'll confirm 2026/27 course fees soon.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
You need to study modules worth a total of 180 credits. On this course you'll study 6 modules worth 30 credits each.
Modules studied
Core modules
Applying advanced techniques like semantic analysis and clustering algorithms, you will uncover hidden patterns across text, speech and multimedia to solve real-world challenges.
You'll explore multi-core CPUs, GPUs and national lab supercomputers, as you learn how parallel programming techniques interact with processor architectures. You'll identify which computational tasks parallel programming is appropriate for, estimate the improvements parallelism will bring, and deliver effective parallel programs that operate on the architectures available to you.
Using mathematical and heuristic techniques such as adversarial learning, genetic algorithms and advanced reasoners, you'll explore unreliable data sources and manage uncertainty. You'll learn to select appropriate machine learning tools for business demands and deliver optimized, trustworthy AI solutions.
In this hands-on module, you'll work with the Open Nebula platform as you build and evaluate applications for common business needs. You'll learn to analyse the requirements of a given scenario, apply cloud computing concepts to meet those requirements, and optimise your solution in line with user feedback. You'll emerge from this module ready to support virtualisation projects for industry.
In this module, you'll study the computer science, mathematics, and physics you'll need to work in this interdisciplinary field. You'll learn to handle quantum computing's unique and sometimes counterintuitive concepts, applying quantum principles, such as superposition and entanglement, to harness powerful algorithms.
Whether you're developing novel software or pursuing theoretical advances, you'll formulate robust aims backed by methodical data gathering/analysis. Once you've reached your findings, you'll present polished written and oral reports that show your knowledge of ethical and professional considerations, demonstrating your abilities to direct projects advancing industry or academia.
Optional modules
You'll dig into algorithms, probability models and ways to perform "risky inference" as you build a data model. Using concepts such as cross validation, Bayesian inference and regularisation, you'll prepare for careers or further research in machine learning, with advanced understanding of the theories that power it.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Facilities
Cisco Networking Academy
Use our bespoke network laboratory with in-lab and remote access to over 200 routers and switches in a data-centre environment. The lab also has specialist dual-boot (Linux and Windows) PCs and a private cloud, for implementing and testing virtualised computing and network infrastructures.
Future Technology Centre
The Future Technology Centre offers students, researchers and partners a collaborative, hands-on learning environment with open spaces to run experiments, debate and explore ideas.
Maths cafe
No problem is too small or too tough for our Maths Café tutors, who are on hand every day during term-time to help you if you get stuck or need something explained.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take 12 months full-time study, starting in September.
You'll be demonstrating your learning through both your individual research project and other group project opportunities.
Full-time study
You can expect:
- 6 - 10 hours of teaching time every week, made up of lectures and tutorials
- 20 hours of independent study each week, depending on the modules being studied.
You'll be able to access the hardware and labs you need whenever you're on campus.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course is highly practical, including tutorial and laboratory sessions. You'll also attend lectures covering the theoretical material you're putting into practice.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- examinations
- coursework assignments
- group projects and reports
- a dissertation project
You'll plan and deliver an individual dissertation through your year of study, guided by the course teaching team. Your lecturers will provide opportunities for you to align your proposed research with projects that are ongoing within the faculty.
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge through lab demonstration and activities before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project/dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career opportunities
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
With a predicted growth of over , computer science is a career pathway that can see you working in a key role to solve problems and advance technology for businesses.
This Master's will see you showcase skills in databases, programming languages and software development in an industry looking for the professional knowledge you'll work on over your year of study.
You'll graduate with hands-on experiences in the computer science sector, having used industry-standard equipment.
With the impact of advanced systems across commerce, medicine, finance and art, you could find yourself in a senior role upon graduation of this course. With experience in research and AI developments, you'll also be well-placed to follow an academic career by studying for a PhD.
Graduates of this course could go onto career routes includinG:
- AI and machine learning
- Cyber security
- Robotics
- Cloud computing
- Technology and software
- Finance and banking
- Healthcare
- Government and public sector
- Start ups
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
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Ready to apply?
When you're ready to begin your application, choose your start date.
Start this course in September 2025
Start this course in January 2026
Start this course in September 2026
Start this course in January 2027
I'm a current 91ÉçÇø student, or a recent 91ÉçÇø graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at 91ÉçÇø, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
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Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the 91ÉçÇø, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.