The MSc in Computer Science is a full-time one-year Masters degree that offers two routes of study, depending upon the experience and knowledge of the student.
The collection of intensive modules offered in ‘route 1’ are designed to get students up to speed in computing and to open up exciting new career prospects.
The Software Workshop introduces students to object oriented design and programming skills, and develops these abilities through two terms of intensive training in Java. The combination of lectures, supervised laboratory work and small-group tutorials allows students to develop software development skills, create test plans and produce documentation for large software systems.
During the first two semesters, students can choose additional modules from the following areas:
Summer projects are undertaken individually with supervision from a member of the School's teaching staff. The projects are varied in their aims and cover most areas of Computer Science, allowing students to apply what they have learnt and demonstrate their competence as computing professional. The project can be allocated or selected from a list of topics put forward by the School/Industry or can be developed from the student's original idea.
The wide range of optional modules offered in ‘route 2’ allows significant development opportunities for graduates with some existing experience of object-oriented programming.
The compulsory Internet Computing Workshop builds upon a graduate’s prior knowledge of imperative programming, and introduces specific technologies and toolkits for building internet-based software. Lectures and extensive practical work prepares students to make an effective contribution to building large internet-based software systems as professional software engineers.
During the first two semesters, students can choose additional modules from the following areas:
Summer projects are undertaken individually with supervision from a member of the School's teaching staff, and allow students to demonstrate professional competence in a substantial software-related task. The project can be allocated or selected from a list of topics put forward by the School/Industry or can be developed from the student's original idea.
International Student Master's Scholarship
A £3,000 scholarship will be awarded to a number of privately funded, full fee paying, international Master's students.
Applicants must have accepted an unconditional offer on one of the School's MSc programmes. These scholarships are open to students from outside the European Union. Applicants are nominated by the Admissions Tutors.
The minimum entry requirement for admission is a Lower Second class degree (or an international equivalent). Applications are accepted from able graduates from all subject areas, and an assessment of prior computing knowledge is undertaken after application to determine suitability for route 1 or route 2.
Graduates with a first degree in pure computing may be advised to consider one of our other Masters degrees.
Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test
The course begins in October. Although there is no deadline for applications, it is best to apply as early as possible.
Applications for all Computer Science MSc programmes are made directly to the University of Birmingham. For full details visit 'How to Apply'.
Most students graduating from the MSc in Computer Science use their new computing skills to enhance their employment prospects in work related to their first degree. Each year, some students join sales and software support teams in industry and commerce or start their own companies. Some graduates join our PhD programme.
If you have further questions, please see the FAQ or feel free to contact the Programme Director for this Masters.
