Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
Take your background in computer science to an advanced, research-led level and open up exciting career opportunities with global institutions and companies.
Application Deadline
Thursday 7 August 2025
Programme Details
Starts
September 2025
Duration
One year full time
School
School of Computer Science
Fees
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £29,990
Why Study This Course?
This course allows those with a strong undergraduate background in computer science to follow their interests in studying the subject at an advanced, research-led level. You will have the option to choose from a range of advanced topics including artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, networks and distributed systems, and software engineering.
- Enjoy the flexibility to pursue your own interests within computer science.
- Easily change to other specialist MSc programmes during your studies.
- Extend your specialist knowledge and critical thinking with a project involving a wide-ranging investigation and a substantial software development, leading to your dissertation.
- Access modern computing laboratories 24 hours a day.
Teaching
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Practical classes
Class Sizes
Typically range from 20 to 110 students.
Dissertation Project
A three-month project leading to a 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
- Practical coursework exercises
- Exams
Modules
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
- Compulsory:
- Object-Oriented Modelling, Design and Programming
- Optional:
- Critical Systems Engineering
- Data Ethics and Privacy
- Data-Intensive Systems
- Digital Heritage and Preservation
- Fundamentals of Software Engineering
- Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods
- Information Visualisation
- Interactive Software and Hardware
- Knowledge Discovery and Datamining
- Language and Computation
- Machine Learning
- Principles of Computer Communication Systems
- Software Architecture and Design
- Software Product and Project Management
- Software Quality
- Symbolic Artificial Intelligence
- Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence
- User-Centred Interaction Design
- Web Technologies
- Additional optional:
- Advanced Communication Networks and Systems
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Security
- Concurrency and Multi-Core Architectures
- Databases
- Distributed Systems
- Logic and Software Verification
- Programming Language Design and Implementation
- Signal Processing: Sound, Image, Video
- Video Games
What It Will Lead To
Careers
In an increasingly digital world, graduates in Computer Science are in high demand, and there are a wide range of meaningful, exciting, and well-paid career opportunities open to you.
- Access to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring
- One-to-one guidance covering everything from career choice to application support and interview coaching
- Employer connections, global vacancies, and practical experiences
- Academic and professional skills development
Elevate Your Career
Graduates from the School of Computer Science have taken up roles in a wide variety of organisations including:
- BT
- Civil Service
- Jaguar Land Rover
- National Security Agency
Further Your Education
The EngD programme in Computer Science is a four-year Engineering Doctorate involving an industrial partner. If you have already completed an MSc you may be able to proceed directly to the individual research component of the EngD.
Why St Andrews?
The School of Computer Science is highly rated for its theoretical and practical research in areas such as:
- AI
- Symbolic computation
- Networking
- Distributed systems
- Human computer interaction
- Systems engineering
Entry Requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in Computer Science, or strongly related discipline.
- Applicants to this programme are expected to be competent programmers with prior practical experience in a programming language such as Java, C, Python, C++ or JavaScript.
English Language Proficiency
For direct entry to a Masters in Computing Science, you will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Application Requirements
- CV
- Personal statement (optional)
- Two original signed academic references
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Fees and Funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £29,990
Scholarships and Funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
Computing Science scholarships
Curriculum Development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience.
University of St. Andrews
Overview:
The University of St. Andrews is Scotland's first university, established in 1413. It is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in postgraduate studies, and consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services for students, including:
MySaint:
A student portal for accessing various resources and information.Moodle:
An online learning platform for course materials and communication.Library:
A well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.MMS:
A student support system for managing academic and personal matters.Accommodation:
On-campus housing options for students.Fees and Funding:
Information on tuition fees and financial aid opportunities.Scholarships:
Various scholarships available for eligible students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, characterized by:
Close-knit community:
A strong sense of belonging fostered by the small town setting.Academically stimulating environment:
Opportunities for intellectual growth and engagement.Active research:
Involvement in cutting-edge research projects.International community:
A diverse student body from around the world.Numerous extracurricular activities:
Opportunities for social interaction and personal development.Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-ranked university:
Consistently ranked among the best in the UK.World-leading research:
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources.Excellent postgraduate programs:
A wide range of taught Masters degrees and online courses.Strong academic reputation:
A prestigious institution with a long history of academic excellence.Supportive and welcoming community:
A close-knit environment that fosters a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including: