51Âþ»­

computing-msc

Computing MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

Concentrates on the latest tools and techniques of modern computer science, so you can develop the relevant practical skills and specialist understanding needed for a career in the computer industry. 

Block teaching designed around you

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive community. That’s why most of our postgraduate taught students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You will benefit from more regular assessments and feedback, a better study-life balance, and a simplified timetable that provides more time for work, professional development, caring responsibilities, and everything else that's important to you. Our block-taught courses are informed by industry practice, often accredited by professional bodies, and are delivered by passionate and talented academics, who will help you develop the skills to achieve your goals.

Read more about block teaching

Overview

As the world turns digital, computing expertise is becoming paramount to the success of organisations in every sector. Suitable for graduates from range of subject areas who wish to add this discipline to their portfolio, this course will prepare you for an exciting career in the fast-past computing sector.

Alongside a team of expert academics, you will master the skills and knowledge needed to become a leading-edge professional in business systems analysis and design and meet industry need. You will consider business analysis and modelling, enterprise architecture, digital commerce and human factors while also learning to apply current IT techniques and to assess and adapt to exciting new developments. In your final block of learning, you will have the opportunity to work on an individual project, giving you the opportunity to hone your passions by producing a substantial piece of work on a topic of your choice. 

By the time you graduate, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to enjoy a successful career in computing. Students from this course have gone on to obtain a wide range of roles, including systems analyst, programmer, web developer, software architect and research and development project leaders for companies such as Apple, Santander UK. Hewlett Packard and the NHS. 

Key features

  • Benefit from more than 50 years’ experience of teaching computing and our sector-leading knowledge of social media and mobile technologies, green ICT and privacy and security.

  • You will be taught by experts from the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, which is internationally recognised for applied research expertise, ensuring are exposed to the most recent developments in both the theory and practice of modern computing. 
  • Access specialist computer science laboratories, including a dedicated postgraduate laboratory. We have more than 20 computing laboratories equipped with machines ranging from HP dual-boot and all-in-one computers to specialist machines.

  • Develop your professional skills using our range of industry-standard, general purpose and specialist software, including Android Studio, MATLAB, MongoDB, NEO4J, Oracle Apex, R Studio, Tableau and Visual Studio.

  • Learn through a mixture of formal lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions, ensuring a good balance between theory and practice.

  • Meet like-minded people and develop your practical skills with our diverse computing-related societies, including 51Âþ»­ Hackers, an ethical hacking society who meet weekly to share cyber security skills and take part in events and competitions.

 

"The MSc Computing as a multidisciplinary programme covers a wide range of the field of study, including Information Systems discipline, Computer Engineering/Structure and eBusiness platforms at strategic, tactical and operational levels to equip MSc students with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and analyse IS/IT system solutions by adopting the latest emerging technologies and techniques."

Dr Kutoma Wakunuma, Programme Leader

Scholarships:

51Âþ»­ offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International Scholarships

Find out about available scholarships and country specific fee discounts for international students. 

 

Student success

After completing his Media Production BSc, Dan Wildman went on to study Computing MSc and graduated with a Distinction. He now works full-time as a web developer at a Birmingham-based brand and digital design agency.

 

More courses like this:

Cyber Security MSc

Information Systems Management MSc

Software Engineering MSc

 

51Âþ»­ has been shortlisted for the Postgraduate Award in the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), as voted for by students.

  • UK
  • EU/International

Programme code: G40073

Duration: 12 months (September start), 18 months (January start)

Start date: September, January

Fees and funding:

2024/25 full-time fees for UK students: £9,500 per year

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

 

Programme code: G40073

Duration: 

12 months (September start), 18 months (January start)

Start date: September, January

Fees and funding

2024/25 full-time fees for international students: £17,600 per year

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Entry criteria

Applicants will normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above in a relevant subject.

Relevant subjects include but are not limited to: Business Information Systems, Information Technology, Computing, Data and Information Systems, Information and Communication Technology, Management of Information Systems, Software Engineering, Computer Systems and Networks Engineering, Business Administration, Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems, Computer Systems Engineering, Accounting and Financial Information Systems, Geographical Information Systems, Digital Strategy/Digital Innovation, Computer Systems (Cyber Security), Computer Applications, Computer Science.

 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

 

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessments

Academic expertise

 
  • Block 1: Business Analysis & Modelling – 30 credits
  • Block 2: Enterprise Architecture – 30 credits
  • Block 3: Digital Commerce – 30 credits
  • Block 4: Human Factors, Research and Skills – 30 credits
  • Blocks 5 and 6: PGT Project – 60 credits

 

 

 

The course can be studied full-time either over 12 months beginning in September or over 18 months beginning in January.

There will be two- or three-week vacations at Christmas and New Year (December/January) and Easter (March/April), and some students also take a brief break in June or July before completing their dissertation.

Teaching includes formal lectures, tutorials and labs. You will also be expected to undertake independent study and research to support your assignments and your dissertation. Assessment will be by various group and individual methods including exams, projects, presentations, written essays and reports.

 

 

 

You will normally be expected to attend a two-week induction to ensure that you are well prepared for the modules taught in the first semester. This course offers a degree of flexibility, and you may have the option to switch over to our Information Systems Management MSc after the first term (subject to approval).

 

The Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility is internationally recognised for its applied research expertise. In a world where individuals, businesses and governments increasingly depend on information and communication technologies, this acclaimed research centre is looked to for authoritative advice on their social, organisational and ethical impacts. Our experts collaborate with a range of worldwide partners assessing implications and shaping codes of practice.

 

You will benefit from our history of more than 50 years of research and teaching in computing and technology, and the expertise of our academic staff. 

Facilities and features

Facilities

We have over 20 computing laboratories equipped with machines ranging from HP dual-boot, all-in-one computers in the Computer Science laboratories to specialist machines. Student work is stored and backed up on dedicated high performance network file servers.

A wide range of industry-standard, general purpose and specialist software is available to support teaching. Many software packages are freely available to students via open source and similar licensing (for example Linux and Java) and all students have access to Microsoft Office.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our , e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, 51Âþ»­ Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live , online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our , and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘51Âþ»­ Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

51Âþ»­'s award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities 51Âþ»­ Careers Team
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Placements

Our students have the opportunity to secure a work placement during their studies*, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during their degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.

Previous Computing MSc students have taken up placements with a variety of leading organisations including GE, IDR Solutions, Warehouse Control Solutions and 3T Logistics.

Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.

*Country restrictions apply

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51Âþ»­ Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

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Graduate careers

MSc Computing student, Sravani Jakkula, undertook a placement year at Warehouse Control Solutions Limited (WCS) organised by our Careers Team and following graduation went on to secure an internship with Deloitte UK.

“It was a wonderful experience to be part of this placement and as I kept updating my LinkedIn profile, I would get job offers from LinkedIn. After my placement I started looking for a summer internship and I secured an internship at Deloitte. I think this shows how the placement has routed my career to the best possible options for me.”

Take your next steps