If you hold an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field, taking an MSc in Computing can be the next step in gaining the advanced skills to open up career opportunities and increase earnings.
Alternatively, if you have a career background in software development or computer systems, an MSc can validate your professional experience and help you develop your career in a specific area.
This guide provides the key information you need to assess and compare online offerings from different universities.
What You Need to Know About Online MSc Computing courses
Since it’s a postgraduate course, to apply for an MSc in Computing, you generally need to have completed an undergraduate degree in a related field. It also helps to have some related experience in the computing/IT field to demonstrate that you have the aptitude and motivation to complete the course.
Some universities can be flexible around prior qualifications for candidates with suitable career experience and competency.
Online courses are designed for working professionals, and most universities offer a two-year part-time study option. However, you can find courses that are full-time or offer more flexibility, allowing up to five years to complete.
Once you graduate from an MSc Computing course, you can demonstrate to current and potential employers that you have advanced knowledge in a specialised area of computing.
What You Should Ask Universities to Help You Compare Courses
Several UK universities offer Online MSc Computing courses. However, there are a few important questions to ask universities when you’re comparing courses and deciding which is best for you:
- If you can speak with current or past students about their experience
- How flexible is the leaving format, and how many hours a week do you need to study?
- What elective modules (if any) do they offer, and are they aligned with your areas of interest?
- Is the course externally accredited by a professional body, such as BCS or the Chartered Institute for IT?
Computer Science at Postgraduate Level
Studying a computer science course at postgraduate level builds on and enhances the general computer science theories and practice you may have learned through undergraduate study, work experience or other courses.
At the master’s level, courses are more focused on specific areas of computing, allowing you to delve into cutting-edge fields that are experiencing high industry demand, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and cybersecurity.
Having this specialised knowledge will elevate your CV and equip you with the skills to be a highly sought-after computer science professional. In addition to increased earning potential in commercial roles, a master’s in computer science can open up opportunities for further study and academic research at PhD level.
Why Study a Computer Science MSc?
If you’re interested in being part of the exciting and highly-evolving IT industry, there are many reasons why studying an MSc in Computer Science is an excellent choice, both on a personal and professional level:
CS Master’s Degree Structure
Generally, MSc Computer Science courses include compulsory modules that give you foundational knowledge and skills in computing and elective modules that allow you to specialise in an area of interest.
Core module examples include:
- Programming languages
- Software systems & design
- Computer Architecture
- Database systems
- Computer science theories
- Network Architecture
- Quantum computing
- Cyber security
Some elective module examples include:
- AI
- Computer graphics
- Machine learning
- Algorithms
- Cryptography
The final third of a master’s in Computer Science is made up of an individual research project. This can take the form of a dissertation or a report tackling a real-world problem with practical applications.
As well as covering specific areas of computing, most courses will develop skills in data analysis, data visualization and software engineering.
Computer Science Careers
Given that so many organisations globally incorporate technology into their operations, there’s a wide range of roles and companies you can work in after you graduate with an MSc in Computer Science.
Here are just some examples of computer science careers outside computer programming you can embark on once you graduate:
- Data scientist
- Data analyst
- Data Engineer
- Business intelligence analyst
- IT manager
- Cybersecurity manager
- Solutions Architect
- Machine learning engineer
Master’s Degree Accreditation
In the UK, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, is the professional body for computing professionals. BCS-accredited courses can qualify you for membership, which can further boost your career opportunities and earning potential in the field. You can find out more about BCS membership.
It’s also important to note when looking at MSc Computing course options that for universities to have degree-awarding authority in the UK; they need to be recognised and accredited by the UK Government – find out how to check if a university is accredited in the UK.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications Needed
To apply for an MSc in Computing, you’ll usually need the following:
- A second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject
- An IELTS score of 6.5 or above if English isn’t your first language
If you don’t have a degree, some universities may instead consider relevant work experience. If this applies to you, we advise you to check with your preferred university to see whether you meet their entry requirements based on your professional experience.
Start Dates
Start dates for online MSc Computing courses are usually in January and September each year, although some UK universities may offer monthly start dates.
Application Deadlines
Because of their popularity, places on MSc Computing courses tend to be in high demand and very competitive, so it’s a good tip to submit your application as early as you can for courses where places are capped.
We recommend that you start working on your application at least three months before the application deadline so you have enough time to prepare your documents and organise funding for your course.
The documents you’ll need to apply for an online MSc Computing usually include:
- An online application form
- CV
- Personal statement
- Previous certificates and transcripts
Learning Format
Online MSc Computing courses allow you to study online – when and where it suits you.
Most online MSc Computing courses offer asynchronous course content, meaning you won’t need to attend live lectures or tutorials. However, other courses may have live tutorials and/or lectures you’ll need to attend online. Universities understand that the individuals taking their online courses are balancing work and study and generally offer flexibility around live events.
Remote/Online Learning
When you study an MSc Computing course online, you can continue to work full-time and earn while studying.
You’ll have online access to all the learning support and resources you need to help you throughout your course. This includes online access to tutors, academics, and a global student cohort of IT professionals.
You also have the benefit of being able to set your own study schedule so that it works best for you.
Age and Experience
Online MSc Computing courses are popular among working professionals who want to change careers, move into software development, or build on their existing knowledge and skills.
Studying an online MSc Computing as a mature age student can enable you to:
- Get a promotion and attract a higher salary within your current organisation, or pursue higher-paid IT roles with other organisations
- Leverage your existing professional experience to achieve success in your studies
- Further expand your IT knowledge and skills through the unique perspectives and insights of your global student cohort
- Use the professional skills you’ve gained in the workplace to help you effectively manage your studies alongside your work and personal commitments
Duration and Time Commitments
A master’s degree in Computer science consists of 180 Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points, or ‘credits’, equivalent to around 1,800 total study hours.
Because of work commitments, mature students often opt to study an online MSc in Computing part-time. Part-time study lets you break down your study hours into more manageable chunks. Our part-time study calculator can help you find out how long it may take to finish your MSc Computing course based on your study hours.
Effective time management is very important when you’re studying an online MSc Computing course alongside your full-time job and personal commitments. Setting up a clear study schedule before your course starts can help you stay on track.
Costs Involved
General Costs
Costs involved in studying an online MSc Computing include:
Tuition fees – These can range from £8,000 to £18,000, depending on the university. Check your chosen course page for specific fee details.
Other costs – If your chosen MSc Computing course requires you to complete exams, you might also need to pay exam fees (plus travel-related costs if you need to travel to an exam centre).
Funding Options
If you’re a UK resident studying a master’s degree, you may be eligible for a Master’s Loan—a government-funded loan that can cover your course cost. If you have a Master’s Loan, you’ll only need to make repayments once you earn over a set amount.
We have a number of guides on funding options for online study.
Scholarships and Grants
Many universities in the UK offer scholarships and/or grants, so it’s a good idea to check with your chosen university if they offer any of these before you decide how you’ll fund your studies.
You can also check The Scholarship Hub website for more information on UK scholarships, grants and bursaries that may be available.
If you’re a registered UK Study Online subscriber and meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll be entered into the draw to receive a scholarship that can be used towards your tuition fees.
