MSc Computer Science
BRIGHT
FUTURES
BEGIN
HERE
Key Course Details
Fees
£10,150 (2025 / 2026)
Entry requirements
2:2 Honours degree (or equivalent)
Mode of study
Blended learning – daytime or evening and weekend timetables available
Duration
1 year
Start dates
September and January intakes available
Location
London City Campus
Course Menu
Are you ready to take the first step towards a rewarding and impactful career in computer science?
Our MSc Computer Science is designed to help those with limited subject knowledge build a strong foundation in the field. You will gain both a practical and theoretical understanding of computing systems, covering topics such as software design and development, engineering principles, and more.
Did you know?
Swansea University is ranked 29th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2025) and received 100% world-leading and internationally excellent ratings for research impact (Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021).
Swansea University is also ranked amongst the top 150 in the world for Computer Science and Engineering (Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024) and 30th in the UK in the Computer Science subject area by The Good University Guide 2025 from The Times and Sunday Times.
How you’re taught
This is a full-time blended learning postgraduate programme and will take one year to complete. The course is taught through a combination of online and on-campus learning with lectures, seminars, tutorials, and lab sessions.
We offer the flexibility to fit your studies around existing commitments with a choice of blended learning timetables:
- Daytime students: 2 days per week
- Evening and weekend students: 2 weekday evenings and 1 weekend day
Learn more about our study options at Swansea University Centres.
You will be taught by experienced lecturers and academics who will utilise their knowledge of the latest developments in computer science to keep your learning up-to-date and relevant to the industry.
Access to a laptop/PC is required for this programme.
You will have access to Canvas – our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Canvas is a web-based learning environment where you can access interactive teaching materials, extra-curricular skills sessions, and more.
You will also have access to the Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) Team, who offer face-to-face and online support with your academic development. The ACE Team provide a range of academic support services and guidance throughout your studies with us.
Assessment methods
Assessment for this postgraduate degree in computer science will be through a mixture of practical work, presentations, report writing, individual project work, and exams.
Learn more about the student support services available at Swansea University Centres.
What you will learn
Through modules in programming, software development and testing, web applications, database development, and computer concepts and security, you will develop the skills necessary to tackle challenges in a range of tech-related fields. You will also explore real-world issues such as cybersecurity, computing ethics, professional responsibility, and the fundamentals of AI.
You will also examine the role of future technologies in applications and society, including ethical computing and sustainability, to ensure that you’re able to consider the societal and ethical impacts of your work in the field as well as learning the technical side.
Through your studies you will:
- Learn how to use data structures, algorithms, and computational methods to create efficient solutions, considering performance, scalability, and maintainability trade-offs
- Design and develop software solutions using problem-solving methods, formal techniques, and engineering principles to ensure correctness, maintainability, and professionalism
- Discover how to effectively communicate complex computing concepts, research, and documentation to diverse audiences, while being aware of ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities
What careers are available with this Master's?
Completing this MSc Computer Science will significantly improve your career prospects by showcasing your newfound knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the field.
Here are some examples of the possible graduate careers you could gain access to after completing this Master’s degree:
- Software Engineer
- Change Coordinator
- Software Developer
- Workflow Developer
- IT Developer
- Programmer
- Web Developer & Web Support
- Associate Business Application Analyst
- Technical Support Consultant
MoDULES
All modules are worth a total of 20 credits unless stated otherwise.
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
This module offers a comprehensive introduction to Java programming, covering essential concepts and best practices. You will learn basic programming principles, rules, and conventions, as well as how to run and debug Java programs. The curriculum includes handling input and output, understanding variables and data types, using operators, and mastering typecasting and parsing.
Key topics such as conditions, loops, and scopes are explored with an emphasis on good practices. Additionally, you will develop methods, and delve into object-oriented programming with classes and objects, equipping you with the skills needed to write professional-quality Java programs.
Computer Systems Concepts and Security
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of computing systems. It begins with an exploration of number systems, including base conversions and computation. You will learn about data representation in numbers, images, and text signals, and delve into the hardware aspects of computing systems, such as gates and circuits.
The course covers operating systems and their management, various computer components, and introduces key security concepts. Additionally, you will gain foundational knowledge in cryptography, access control, and network security, and explore the intersection of security and artificial intelligence, with a focus on biometrics. This module will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to understand and address the complexities of modern computing systems.
Database Systems & Web Apps
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to database and web application development, starting with the relational model and SQL for data manipulation and definition. You will learn design principles, normalisation, and data integrity, along with entity and dependency diagrams. The curriculum covers optimisation, relational algebra, and views, as well as concurrency, security, and authentication.
Key topics covered on this module include transactions and recovery, UX and web programming principles, as well as HTML, CSS, forms, and frameworks.
This module will also explore ‘convention over configuration’, migrations, models, relationships, MVC and Laravel setup, and MVC-driven web applications. You will develop practical skills in seeding, factories, CRUD operations, controllers, views, creating data, debugging, and routing.
Research Methods
This module offers a comprehensive series of lectures and seminars covering key aspects of computer science research. Topics include an introduction to research motivation and overview, the culture and various topics within computer science research, and methods for discovering and defining your research.
On this module you will learn how to conduct academic literature surveys, follow report and thesis writing guidelines, and engage in experimental research. The module also addresses participants and research ethics, academic integrity, project planning and management, and the ethics of computer science research, enabling you to develop your skills including the ability to carry out effective presentations.
Problem Solving & Software Efficiency
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to Python programming, covering essential concepts and advanced techniques. On this module, you will also focus on and learn about complexity/efficiency measures.
The course will delve into tracing execution, defining algorithms and specifications, and understanding algorithmic problems and running time. By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation in Python programming and the ability to appreciate the complexity of computational problems.
Software Engineering Principles & Software Testing
On this module you will be introduced to the principles of software development and the main professional issues associated with its practice. You will also have the opportunity to develop a significant piece of software in teams.
By the end of the module, you will be able to evaluate various methodologies and approaches to software development, demonstrating an advanced knowledge of their theoretical foundations, practical applications, and impact on project outcomes.
Project (60 credits)
This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore a particular topic in Computer Science in depth.
On this module you will undertake independent research into appropriate areas of Computer Science to plan and undertake a significant independent piece of project work. You will also learn how to critically evaluate your work in the context of current work in related areas.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- Minimum 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject (except computing)
English language requirements
- IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English test
If your first degree was not instructed in English, or if English is not your first language, you may be required to demonstrate your English language abilities through a recognised English test. QA Higher Education offers an English language test – please contact us to find out more.
All applications will be considered on an individual basis.
Not sure if you meet the entry requirements? Don’t worry, our team can guide you and help you understand how your qualifications and experience align with this programme. Please submit an enquiry and we’ll be happy to help.
Fees & funding
UK tuition fees 2025/26
- £10,150
Your tuition fees cover the cost of teaching, access to resources, registration costs, and Student Support Services. They do not include the cost of course books, stationery and photocopying/printing costs, accommodation, living costs, travel, hobbies, sports or other leisure activities.
Additional costs
Access to a laptop/PC with a microphone, speakers, webcam and a reliable internet connection is required for accessing your online sessions and learning, and completing your assessments.
Funding options
For more information on funding options including Student Finance and scholarships, please visit our Finance page.
APPLY
You can apply online to study this programme through the application links on this page.
As part of your application, you are required to provide some supporting documents (examples below):
- Your passport personal details page
- A personal statement (more than 250 words)
- Copies of previous qualifications, including final certificates and transcripts, translated into English (if not in English)
- Your CV (if required)
Apply online
Select your chosen study timetable and apply online using the links below to the QA Higher Education application portal.
September 2025
Enquire