Program Overview

Computer Science MSc | PGDip | PGCert – Online Course

The Computer Science MSc | PGDip | PGCert – Online Course is a postgraduate program designed for students from a non-computing background. The program explores the fundamentals of computer science and software development, with a focus on key trends and themes within the field.

Programme Duration and Structure

The program duration is approximately 24 months for the MSc (part-time and online). The program consists of the following modules:

• Global Trends in Computer Science (15 credits)
• Software Development in Practice (15 credits)
• Databases and Information Systems (15 credits)
• Networks and Web Technology (15 credits)
• Elective modules (choose two from):
  • Reasoning and Intelligent Systems* (15 credits)
  • Machine Learning in Practice* (15 credits)
  • Robotics* (15 credits)
  • Data Visualisation and Warehousing (15 credits)
  • Cloud Computing (15 credits)
  • Security Risk Management (15 credits)
  • Information Technology Leadership (15 credits)
  • Strategic Technology Management (15 credits)
  • Technology Innovation and Change Management (15 credits)
• Multi-Agent Systems (15 credits)
• Research Methods in Computer Science (15 credits)
• Computer Science Capstone Project (60 credits)

Entry Requirements

All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should hold either:

• A degree in any subject equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree (2:2 or above)
• At least 2 years of experience in employment, which would normally be of a technical nature, comparable with the award of a bachelor's degree Applicants must also provide evidence of English language proficiency equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5.

Fees and Funding

The fees for the academic year 2025/26 are:

• MSc: £17,357
• PGDip: £11,572
• PGCert: £5,786 These fees are fully inclusive of all costs, including teaching materials, core textbooks, assessments, and resits. An Executive Scholarship of 15% is available on the May and July 2026 intakes for the full master's award.

Teaching and Assessment

The program is delivered through a specially designed online learning platform, which includes:

• Innovative lecturecasts
• A comprehensive eLibrary of ebooks and academic journals
• Forums for discussion with peers
• Support from academic staff and a dedicated Student Support team Assessments are based on work carried out in the virtual classroom and may include report writing, reflective practice, research projects, and individual or group presentations.

Career Prospects

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to take on roles such as software engineer, machine learning practitioner, big data analyst, network administrator, database manager, IT consultant, AI developer, research scientist, and information strategy manager. The program also develops professional skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and research, enhancing career prospects and access to more senior roles.

About the University

The University of Liverpool is a world-class, research-intensive institution and a member of the Russell Group. The Department of Computer Science has a strong international reputation for research in artificial intelligence and algorithms, with the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021 rating it 5th in the UK for world-leading (4*) research outputs.