Program Overview

MSc Computer Science (Conversion)

Overview

This MSc conversion programme is for students from a variety of academic backgrounds who have little or no previous academic computing experience. The aims of the programme are to build:

• an understanding of the basis of computer science and its importance in software development;
• an understanding of the underlying principles of computer systems and their applications;
• an introduction to industrial-style methods of analysis, design, implementation, testing and documentation in software development.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline:
  • Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
  • Home applicants: 8 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

The programme is split into two teaching blocks and a summer project that involves researching, planning and implementing a major piece of work with a significant scientific, technical or software development component. The main programming languages taught on the course are C and Java. There is a strong emphasis on individual and group projects for putting into practice what you learn about software engineering, web technologies, databases, computer architecture and research skills.

By the conclusion of the first teaching block, you will have a solid foundation in imperative programming and computer architecture. You will also have begun to acquire complementary technical skills through the software tools unit. By the end of the second teaching block, you will be able to apply industrial-style tools and techniques for software development and web applications in a teamworking context.

Over the summer you will implement and evaluate your project, and you will submit a dissertation describing your work in September.

Entry Requirements

• You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any subject that is not related to computer science.
• Applicants with a degree in Computer Science or a related subject (including Computer Engineering, Intelligent Science and Technology or Software Engineering) are unsuitable for this conversion programme and cannot be considered.
• You will also need to demonstrate suitable mathematical skills, either with one unit of mathematics in your bachelor's degree or at least a Grade B/Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths (or international equivalent).

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £18,400 per year
• Overseas: full-time £35,500 per year
• Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Funding and Scholarships

• MyWorld Scholarships: UK offer holders for this programme may be eligible for a scholarship of up to £5,000 towards their tuition fees.

Career Prospects

This programme aims to provide a sufficiently comprehensive and practical foundation to enable you to start a new career in IT, or to stand out from the crowd and enhance your employment opportunities within your existing field.

It will also provide the required background in computer science to enable you to undertake further study, leading to the specialisation needed for a research career.

World-Leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.