Program Overview

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Computer Science (MSc)

Award: Master of Science

Duration: 1 year

Course Type: Full-time

Campus: Highfield

About this course

Enhance your understanding of computers with a master's in computer science at the University of Southampton.

This flexible programme allows you to choose modules from our master’s degrees in:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Cyber Security
• Data Science
• Software Engineering
• Web Science and Technology

By the end of your studies, you will have developed a set of specialised skills in several computer science disciplines. Many of our graduates become software developers, but you could also apply your talents as a consultant, project manager or technical specialist.

Computer science involves the study of computers and the design of software systems. It also informs the fundamental technologies and computing equipment of today’s connected world. At the University of Southampton, we’ve pioneered many of the most important advances in this area over the last 10 years.

We’re partnered with the Alan Turing Institute, recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security by the UK government, and our researchers helped to establish the European Data Science Academy.

Our researchers create modules based on their own research, which means you’ll get the latest insights and information from the field. We’ll give you access to specialist project labs, computer workstations and online tools to support your learning in an ideal environment.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected.

Course lead

Your course leader is Dr Hikmat Farhat.

Accreditations

• British Computer Society (BCS)

Entry requirements

You’ll need a First class degree in:

• computer science
• computer engineering
• software engineering
• media technology
• e-business
• information technology

You must also have a good 2:1 (65%) score in the following:

• 2 modern object-oriented or functional programming language modules (Java, C++, C#, Visual Basic)
• 1 advanced maths module, such as: advanced maths, discrete mathematics, logic and reasoning, linear algebra, calculus or algorithms
• 2 computing modules, such as: cryptography, software, data structures, databases, artificial intelligence, machine learning, web, networks or operating systems

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

Course structure

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.

In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll study the taught part of your course.

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You’ll take exams at the end of both semesters.

You’ll begin preparing for your research project and dissertation during semester 1, and continue this work in semester 2.

For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

• MSc Project and Dissertation
• Research Methods and Project Preparation
• Topics in Computer Science

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Advanced Databases
• Advanced Programming Language Concepts
• Algorithmic Game Theory
• Bayesian, Active & Reinforcement Learning
• Biometrics
• Computer Vision (MSc)
• Cryptography
• Data Economy
• Data Mining
• Data Visualisation
• Deep Learning Technologies
• Differentiable Programming and Deep Learning
• Digital Forensics
• Evolution of Complexity
• Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
• Foundations of Cyber Security
• Foundations of Data Science
• Image Processing
• Intelligent Agents
• Knowledge Graphs for AI Systems
• Machine Learning Technologies (MSc)
• Mobile Applications Development
• Natural Language Processing (MSc)
• Network and Web Based Security
• Optimisation for Machine Learning
• Probability in Computing
• Simulation Modelling for Computer Science
• Social Media and Network Science
• Software Modelling Tools and Techniques for Critical Systems
• Software Project Management and Secure Development
• Software Security
• Web and Cloud Applications Development

Learning and assessment

The way we’ll teach you will depend on the modules you choose. Most modules involve a mixture of lectures, seminars and computer-based practical work.

You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of:

• key concepts in computer science
• specialist fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and software engineering
• the latest tools and techniques used in these specialist fields
• the most effective methods of research and enquiry in computer science

Depending on the modules you take, we’ll assess your progress through a mixture of:

• exams
• lab reports
• technical reports
• design exercises
• individual and group projects
• your dissertation

Careers and employability

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Networking
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Manufacturing
• Scientific and Technical
• Water and Waste Management
• Education
• Public Administration
• Defence
• Finance

Careers directly related to this course:

• Computer scientist
• Data scientist
• Software engineer
• Software developer
• Cyber security engineer
• Technical consultant
• Technology analyst
• Web developer
• Game developer
• Systems engineer

Wider career opportunities:

• Software developer
• Data scientist
• IT project manager
• University lecturer
• Patent attorney
• IT consultant
• Investment banker
• Technical sales manager
• Cyber security specialist

Fees, costs and funding

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £33,900.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

How to apply

Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.

Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.

Search for the course you want to apply for.

Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.

Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).

Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.