MSc Computer Science

The Computer Science Masters/MSc degree course is for students who have a first degree in a subject other than computing. Established in 1969, it is now the longest-running conversion programme to computing in the UK.

Our Computer Science Masters/MSc programme is different to IT programmes, in that it is a technical degree with a significant programming component. It is designed to give you a grounding in both the fundamentals of computer science and practical software development skills through a series of compulsory modules. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. Competency should be demonstrated in mathematics and scientific subjects, for example at 'advanced' high school level, which should allow understanding of the new Computer Science subjects.

The core components of this degree course are a software workshop, taught modules and a summer project. The software workshop involves two terms of intensive training in Java programming, including lectures, supervised laboratory work and small-group tutorials.

The four summer months are spent working on your project. Projects vary from applied software engineering through to work that is linked to our research groups. The common factor is that almost all projects involve the development of a large software system. Usually, projects are selected from a list of topics proposed by the teaching staff (possibly on behalf of an external customer) or you can suggest your own project, providing it is appropriate.

Students join this programme from a wide range of first degrees, from the technical and scientific to the social sciences and humanities. Graduates of this degree are highly sought after by employers due to the special knowledge, expertise and skills acquired.

Employability

A dynamic, fast-moving sector that offers exciting careers and excellent rewards.

The term computing covers every kind of digital technology that we use to create, store, communicate, exchange and use information. This makes it the foundation for small and large businesses to build their strategies and grow. It is also the key to making our personal lives easier and more fun: mobile phones, online shopping, social media – we owe them all and a lot more to computer science.

What can I do with a postgraduate degree in Computer Science?

Our graduates find themselves in a variety of environments within academia, research, industry, government and private organisations. The following is a short list of research and vocational areas:

• Software Engineering: developing methods for producing software systems on time, within budget and with few or no defects
• Software Applications: applying computing and technology to solving problems outside the computer field, eg, in education or medicine
• Computer/Cyber Security: covers all the processes and mechanisms by which computer-based equipment, information and services are protected from unintended and unauthorised access, change or destruction
• Artificial Intelligence: developing computers that simulate human learning and reasoning ability
• Information Technology: developing and managing information systems that support a business or organisation
• Theoretical Computer Science: investigating the fundamental theories of how computers solve problems and applying the results to other areas of computer science
• Operating Systems and Networks: developing the basic software computers use to organise themselves or to communicate with other computers