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Computer Science - MSc

Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry.

The MSc in Computer Science is a conversion course that provides you a broad and balanced introduction to computer science. The course aims to prepare you for technical roles in the IT industry by introducing the key technologies and skills needed for employment.  

  • Level Postgraduate Taught
  • Study mode Full Time/Part Time
  • Location City Centre
  • School School of Computing and Digital Technology
  • Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment

Overview

The MSc in Computer Science is a conversion course that provides you a broad and balanced introduction to computer science. The course aims to prepare you for technical roles in the IT industry by introducing the key technologies and skills needed for employment.  

STEAMhouse building exterior

Introducing STEAMhouse

STEAMhouse is a centre for technology, innovation, creative thinking, prototyping and business development. Our brand new £70 million pound building is the new home for the School of Computing and Digital Technology.

Find out more

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

The course has been designed to provide you with practical experience with models, techniques and tools from the forefront of the discipline that drive innovation in the design of software-based systems within this domain. The key topics taught on the course include Software Development (using the programming language in demand in the industry), Software Analysis & Design (techniques for designing large and complex software), Database Design & Development (backend storage for almost every IT installation in the world), Web Application Development (full stack web application development) and Artificial Intelligence (foundation of machine learning and the future of all contextual decision making). You will also learn the key skills of research, academic writing and project management required for study at masters’ level. These skills are further developed and placed in the context of the dissertation.

As a conversion course, it is assumed that you are starting fresh with little or no experience of computer science. The course offers several arrangements to ensure your smooth transition to computer science. This includes pre-semester week long programming boot camp, where you will have the opportunity to develop fundamental understanding of the programming languages that will be taught in the course. Before starting the course, you will be directed to some online short courses that will help you to develop basic understanding of various technical aspects covered in the course. You will be allocated to a personal tutor, who will be there to monitor your personal and academic welfare. In weekly meetings, your personal tutor will review your progress, discuss goals and expectations, and help you to set action plans. The philosophy of the course is to promote lifelong self-learning by providing a curriculum that promotes a variety of approaches to study.  The curriculum is designed to develop not only the academic knowledge, but also the engineering ethos and practical skills required by the modern computer science professional. Academic members of staff within the School of Computing and Digital Technology will teach topics and supervise projects according to their personal research interests. This will give you a cutting-edge experience, one that opens up new opportunities for career advancement in industry. For students who show an aptitude for research, there is also the possibility of continuing their studies on a PhD programme.

The development of transferable skills is core to the learning strategy of the programme and is incorporated into work units and assessments: for example; team-working skills are fostered through the use of group, task-based practical projects. Keeping lab-books and submitting self assessment documentation in support of personal performance fosters self-management and personal development. You are required to meet strict deadlines, which will help you to plan your overall workload and develop time management skills. 

The course structure and its content have been developed by taking into account input from various sources, including the curriculum philosophy of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment, suggestions from industrial partners, feedback from current students, QAA benchmark statements, British Computer Society (BCS) requirements for accreditation, and the Computer Science curriculum guidelines released by The Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula comprising the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society. 

This course is offered full-time, part-time and also full-time with the Professional Placement option to give you the opportunity to gain work experience as part of your degree. 

I made the decision to enrol on the new MSc Computer Science course as it was a conversion course and thus was designed for people with no prior physical experience in technology, like myself. The course introduced us to various fields of technology such as software development, artificial intelligence, and IT project management—fields of technology I had never considered pursuing before.

Our lecturers are incredibly informed about our field, and they have incorporated any trends or updates into the curriculum to make sure we are keeping up with market demands and mastering the appropriate programming languages and software technologies.

Lindelani Moyo

Why Choose Us?

  • Industry-ready - we will prepare you for the software development industry by introducing the key technologies and skills needed for employment
  • Practical experience in programming languages and platforms that are in high demand in the industry
  • Excellent links with industry – including SAS and Oracle. Our curriculum is embedded by industry so that you graduate able to progress into a professional career.
  • Graduate jobs – after successful completion of the course you could go on to jobs such as Web App Developer, Python Developer, Database Engineer, Data Scientist (entry point), Research 
  • Women in Computing – we support females in computing to share experiences and become confident computing professionals through special events and society activities
  • Lab-based learning - our campus has over 20 industry-standard computer labs, so you will enjoy practice-based learning throughout the course

OPEN DAY

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. You'll get the chance to learn about courses in subject talks, chat to tutors and explore our campus. We'll post you a detailed event programme to help plan your day and find your way.

Next Event: Saturday 24 June

Book your place

Entry Requirements

Essential Requirements

In order to be considered for a place on this course, you must have an Honours degree at minimum of 2:2 or equivalent.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: MSc

Starting: Sep 2023

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 12 months
  • £9,250 in 2023/24
  • Full Time
  • 18 months with Professional Placement (see below*)
  • £10,175 in 2023/24
  • £1028 per 20 credits
  • Year 1 - 80 credits
  • Year 2 - 100 credits

Fees for Part-time students

This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.

Award: MSc

Starting: Jan 2024

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 12 months
  • £9,250 in 2023/24
  • Full Time
  • 18 months with Professional Placement (see below*)
  • £10,175 in 2023/24

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: MSc

Starting: Sep 2023

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 12 months
  • £16,870 in 2023/24
  • Full Time
  • 18 months with Professional Placement (see below*)
  • £18,557 in 2023/24

Award: MSc

Starting: Jan 2024

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 12 months
  • £16,870 in 2023/24
  • Full Time
  • 18 months with Professional Placement (see below*)
  • £18,557 in 2023/24

The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.

Professional Placement option*

The Professional Placement option will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.  Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.

You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement.  The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study.  You will also benefit from support sessions delivered by Careers+ as well as advice and guidance from your School. 

Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course.  All students who do not find a suitable placement or do not pass the competitive selection process will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.

Personal statement

You’ll need to submit a personal statement as part of your application for this course. This will need to highlight your passion for postgraduate study – and your chosen course – as well as your personal skills and experience, academic success, and any other factors that will support your application for further study.

Not sure what to include? We’re here to help – take a look at our top tips for writing personal statements and download our free postgraduate personal statement guide for further advice and examples from real students.

Course in Depth

Module

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):

Professional Placement Year (optional)

In order to qualify for the award of MSc Computer Science with Professional Placement, you must successfully complete all of the Level 7 modules listed above as well as the following Level 6 module.

Download course specification

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Knowledge and understanding are acquired though a mixture of formal lectures, tutor-led seminars and practical activities, with other independent learning activities at all stages.

Emphasis is placed on guided, self-directed and student-centred learning with increasing independence of approach, thought and process.

The course provides access to effective commercial development environments and ensures students have practical awareness of computer systems requirements. You are required to meet strict deadlines, and to manage and plan overall workload.

Knowledge is assessed formatively and summatively, by a number of methods, including seminars, course-work, viva, presentation, and project work.

Assessment criteria are published both at a generic course level and to provide guidance for individual items of assessment.

You will undertake a major project involving research and application of that research in the solution of appropriate systems problems.

Professional Placement option*

The Professional Placement option will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.  Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.

You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement.  The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study.  You will also benefit from support sessions delivered by Careers+ as well as advice and guidance from your School. 

Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course.  All students who do not find a suitable placement or do not pass the competitive selection process will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.


This course is accredited by the following organisations:

Our accreditations from these bodies show employers that you have the level of knowledge and skills they need when you graduate.

Employability

Enhancing your employability skills

We know that employers are looking for graduates who have a good balance between in-depth academic knowledge and technical and practical expertise, which is why our course is geared towards employability.

What you learn on our course will help you to stand out when you look for your first professional role. Because you will know how to use sophisticated, industry-standard software, you will be able to demonstrate that you can put into practice your deep theoretical knowledge.

We will also prepare you for a career by equipping you with a range of transferable skills, such as complex problem-solving expertise, the ability to analyse in a careful and considered manner, and working as a team member. We aim to have you employer-ready by the time you graduate and, as part of your Advanced Computer Science course, we will invite guest speakers to underpin the subjects taught.

Thanks to our excellent partnerships and working relationships with some of the UK’s leading companies, you have the chance to network with leading organisations such as IBM, Dignity plc, Mortgage Brain and Griffiths Waite. In addition, our specialist industry links with the Linux Professional Institute, the Oracle Academy, Cisco, and Microsoft, plus our world-class facilities, will mark you out as a highly employable graduate.

This is why our graduates have gone on to pursue computing and software development and designer careers in a wide range of industries, from SME software companies, to industry, government, banking and healthcare. Furthermore, many graduates continue their studies to Doctorate level.

International

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities. This course will be taught at Millennium Point at the City Centre Campus.

The course is supported with a wide range of cutting-edge facilities in the City Centre Campus. We have a state-of-the-art computer games technology lab which contains high-performance PCs, Sony PlayStation development kits and a range of industry standard software including Unity, Unreal and a suite of professional Microsoft development tools.

We also have many open access areas where students can study together and even hire out laptops for use in these spaces and others within the university.

Within the University there are many internationally recognised research teams giving you the opportunity to collaborate with them on exciting interdisciplinary projects.

Computer networking

The laboratories are well-equipped for all our computer networking courses, as well as specialist areas for practical work such as voice-over internet protocol (VoIP), forensic and ethical hacking technologies, wireless and mobile technologies and radio frequency identification technologies to name but a few.

Software development and computer programming

There are a number of open access, software development and computer programming laboratories that can be used to develop systems and programmes, including database management systems such as MySQL, to name but a few.

Systems laboratories

Our embedded systems laboratories are used to develop real-time systems, such as specialist hardware training and development resources, and industrial-standard software development and simulation tools. These include microcontroller software and robotics design and development, to name but a few.

Electronic systems

To underpin the basic principles of electronic systems, we have a well-equipped laboratory of general and specialist test and measurement kits, including powered prototyping development boards, dual power supplies, frequency generators and counters and digital multi-meters to name but a few.

Forensic computing

Our successful development of forensic computing has led to a specialist forensics laboratory that is fully equipped with essential hardware and software for this sensitive area of study. The laboratory includes high-spec PCs with built-in multi interface Tableau write blockers, EnCase and FTK computer forensic software and steganography detection and analysis software, to name but a few.

More on our facilities

Our staff

Dr Khaled Mahbub

Associate Professor in Software Engineering

Khaled started his academic career, in September 1999, as a Lecturer (US hierarchy) in Computer Science & Engineering at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he worked until March 2001.

More about Khaled

Dr Antonio Nehme

Lecturer in Computer Science

Antonio Nehme holds a BSc in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics from the Lebanese American University and a PhD in Cyber Security from Birmingham City University. His research focuses on identity management and access control, security of microservices-based applications, auditing and secure collaborations in distributed systems,...

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Faisal Saeed

Senior Lecturer

Faisal Saeed is a Senior Lecturer in the Computer Data Science Department at the School of Computing and Digital Technology, Birmingham City University. Previously he worked as Associate Professor at Taibah University, KSA from 2017-2021, and as Senior Lecturer at the Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Computing, Universiti Teknologi...

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Dr Debashish Das

Data Science Lecturer

Having 20 years of teaching and research experience at leading universities in UK, Malta, Malaysia and Bangladesh, Debashish joined Birmingham City University as a Data Science Lecturer at the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment.

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Rasheed Mohammad

Lecturer in Computer Science

Dr. Rasheed has 20-year teaching experience. He has taught several courses in computer science including website development, operating system, database I&II, Data structure, Java programming, c/c++ programming, intelligent systems, computer organization, computer system security etc.

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Dr Essa Shahra

Assistant Lecturer

Essa Shahra recently joined the Computing and Data Science department at Birmingham City University as Assistant Lecturer.

More about Essa