MSc in Computer Science

The MSc Computer Science provides an intensive programme of study without any prior knowledge of computer science. As well as gaining a broad knowledge of the subject, students acquire practical skills and have the opportunity to investigate areas of current research more deeply.

The MSc Computer Science looks at issues important in our society including intellectual property, digital surveillance, data privacy and ethical issues in computing.

By studying this programme, students will:

• be able to demonstrate knowledge and acquire digital skills in several areas including programming principles, the mathematic and algorithmic foundations of computing, information systems design, and database design and management.
• gain a comprehensive and practical understanding of current techniques in cloud computing, network security, data management, software engineering, and machine learning.
• gain the soft skills needed to be able to act autonomously in planning, implementing, and managing tasks at a professional level.
• develop a systematic understanding and a critical awareness of computer science, much of it at the forefront of the discipline.

How you study

The MSc Computer Science is offered fully online and allows you the opportunity to flexibly fit your studies around your schedule. You can choose to study individual modules on a pay-as-you-go basis and build up your qualification at your own pace.

Online support

This computer science degree is delivered online and there is no requirement to come to the UK as part of your studies. Our flexible online programme allows you to work around your own schedule and leads to a globally-recognised qualification.

When you register, we will give you access to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources including:

The Student Guide provides information which is common to all students and gives useful information about your relationship with the University of London through to graduation.

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which offers online learning support, access to the student café and discussion areas, and other study materials.

The Online Library provides access to over 100 million academic electronic items comprising E-books, E-journals, conference proceedings etc. In addition, students can request items which are not held in the library via the library's Inter-Library loans service with the British Library. All registered students have free access to the University of London’s Online Library(Opens in new window).

Senate House Library provides free reference access for all registered distance and flexible learning students.

Tutor support

All students receive online tutor support and feedback while studying this programme. Tutors introduce the modules, respond to queries, monitor discussions and provide guidance on assessments.

Time commitment

The flexible approach to learning allows students to complete the MSc Computer Science in a minimum of two years (subject to module availability) to a maximum of five years.

Each module is run over a 10 week block, with the exception of the Project module which is run over two 10-week blocks.

Assessment

The following modules are assessed by two assessments: one online test of a suitable type for the specific module, for example, multiple choice questions (MCQs) or auto-graded problem-solving task using programming (25%) and an end of term coursework assessment/online examination (75%):

• Applied Machine Learning
• Cloud Computing
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Principles of Programming
• Software Design and Programming.

The following modules are assessed by an end of term coursework assessment/online examination (100%):

• Computer Systems
• Data Management
• Fundamentals of Computing
• Information Security
• Information Systems

The Project is assessed by two assessments: a research proposal (30%) and a project report (70%). All coursework and Project items are submitted through the VLE.