Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
The MSc in Computer Science is a conversion course that provides a broad and balanced introduction to computer science. The course aims to prepare students for technical roles in the IT industry by introducing the key technologies and skills needed for employment.
Introducing STEAMhouse
STEAMhouse is a centre for technology, innovation, creative thinking, prototyping, and business development. Our £70 million pound building is the home for all of our Computing courses.
What's covered in this course?
The course has been designed to provide students with practical experience with models, techniques, and tools from the forefront of the discipline that drive innovation in the design of software-based systems within this domain. The key topics taught on the course include:
- Software Development (using the programming language in demand in the industry)
- Software Analysis & Design (techniques for designing large and complex software)
- Database Design & Development (backend storage for almost every IT installation in the world)
- Web Application Development (full stack web application development)
- Artificial Intelligence (foundation of machine learning and the future of all contextual decision making)
Students will also learn the key skills of research, academic writing, and project management required for study at master's level. These skills are further developed and placed in the context of the dissertation.
As a conversion course, it is assumed that students are starting fresh with little or no experience of computer science. The course offers several arrangements to ensure a smooth transition to computer science. This includes a pre-semester week-long programming boot camp, where students will have the opportunity to develop a fundamental understanding of the programming languages that will be taught in the course. Before starting the course, students will be directed to some online short courses that will help them develop a basic understanding of various technical aspects covered in the course. Students will be allocated to a personal tutor, who will be there to monitor their personal and academic welfare. In weekly meetings, the personal tutor will review progress, discuss goals and expectations, and help students set action plans.
The philosophy of the course is to promote lifelong self-learning by providing a curriculum that promotes a variety of approaches to study. The curriculum is designed to develop not only academic knowledge but also the engineering ethos and practical skills required by the modern computer science professional. Academic members of staff will teach topics and supervise projects according to their personal research interests. This will give students a cutting-edge experience, one that opens up new opportunities for career advancement in industry. For students who show an aptitude for research, there is also the possibility of continuing their studies on a PhD programme.
The development of transferable skills is core to the learning strategy of the programme and is incorporated into work units and assessments. For example, team-working skills are fostered through the use of group, task-based practical projects. Keeping lab-books and submitting self-assessment documentation in support of personal performance fosters self-management and personal development. Students are required to meet strict deadlines, which will help them plan their overall workload and develop time management skills.
Entry Requirements
Essential requirements
Applicants must have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in any subject area.
Applying with international qualifications
International qualifications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band, or equivalent.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months
- Fees: £10,000 in 2025/26
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 18 months with Professional Placement
- Fees: £11,000 in 2025/26
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode: Part Time
- Duration: 20 months
- Fees: £1112 per 20 credits
- Year 1: 80 credits
- Year 2: 100 credits
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months
- Fees: £18,600 in 2025/26
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 18 months with Professional Placement
- Fees: £20,460 in 2025/26
Course in Depth
Module Professional Placement Year (optional)
Module
In order to complete this course, a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
- Software Development 20 credits
- Software Analysis and Design 20 credits
- Database Design and Development 20 credits
- Web Application Development 20 credits
- Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals 20 credits
- Research Methods and Project Management 20 credits
- Individual Master’s Project 60 credits
Professional Placement Year (optional)
In order to qualify for the award of MSc Computer Science with Professional Placement, students must successfully complete all of the Level 7 modules listed above as well as the following Level 6 module.
- Professional Placement 60 credits
Employability
Enhancing employability skills
We know that employers are looking for graduates who have a good balance between in-depth academic knowledge and technical and practical expertise, which is why our course is geared towards employability.
What you learn on our course will help you to stand out when you look for your first professional role. Because you will know how to use sophisticated, industry-standard software, you will be able to demonstrate that you can put into practice your deep theoretical knowledge.
We will also prepare you for a career by equipping you with a range of transferable skills, such as complex problem-solving expertise, the ability to analyse in a careful and considered manner, and working as a team member. We aim to have you employer-ready by the time you graduate and, as part of your Advanced Computer Science course, we will invite guest speakers to underpin the subjects taught.
Thanks to our excellent partnerships and working relationships with some of the UK’s leading companies, you have the chance to network with leading organisations such as IBM, Dignity plc, Mortgage Brain, and Griffiths Waite. In addition, our specialist industry links with the Linux Professional Institute, the Oracle Academy, Cisco, and Microsoft, plus our world-class facilities, will mark you out as a highly employable graduate.
This is why our graduates have gone on to pursue computing and software development and designer careers in a wide range of industries, from SME software companies, to industry, government, banking, and healthcare. Furthermore, many graduates continue their studies to Doctorate level.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities. This course will be taught at Millennium Point at the City Centre Campus.
The course is supported with a wide range of cutting-edge facilities in the City Centre Campus. We have a state-of-the-art computer games technology lab which contains high-performance PCs, Sony PlayStation development kits, and a range of industry-standard software including Unity, Unreal, and a suite of professional Microsoft development tools.
We also have many open access areas where students can study together and even hire out laptops for use in these spaces and others within the university.
Within the University, there are many internationally recognised research teams giving you the opportunity to collaborate with them on exciting interdisciplinary projects.
Computer networking
The laboratories are well-equipped for all our computer networking courses, as well as specialist areas for practical work such as voice-over internet protocol (VoIP), forensic and ethical hacking technologies, wireless and mobile technologies, and radio frequency identification technologies to name but a few.
Software development and computer programming
There are a number of open access, software development, and computer programming laboratories that can be used to develop systems and programmes, including database management systems such as MySQL, to name but a few.
Systems laboratories
Our embedded systems laboratories are used to develop real-time systems, such as specialist hardware training and development resources, and industrial-standard software development and simulation tools. These include microcontroller software and robotics design and development, to name but a few.
Electronic systems
To underpin the basic principles of electronic systems, we have a well-equipped laboratory of general and specialist test and measurement kits, including powered prototyping development boards, dual power supplies, frequency generators and counters, and digital multi-meters to name but a few.
Forensic computing
Our successful development of forensic computing has led to a specialist forensics laboratory that is fully equipped with essential hardware and software for this sensitive area of study. The laboratory includes high-spec PCs with built-in multi-interface Tableau write blockers, EnCase and FTK computer forensic software, and steganography detection and analysis software, to name but a few.
Our staff
- Dr Khaled Mahbub
- Dr Antonio Nehme
- Dr Faisal Saeed
- Dr Debashish Das
- Rasheed Mohammad
- Dr Essa Shahra
Birmingham City University
Overview:
Birmingham City University (BCU) is a large and diverse university located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It boasts over 31,000 students from over 100 countries, emphasizing practice-based learning.
Services Offered:
BCU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
Seven halls of residence with various on-campus and inner-city living options.Financial Support:
Scholarships and financial aid programs to help students fund their education.Career Services:
Support for graduate employment, self-employment, volunteering, mentoring, and graduate events and training.Learning Support:
Resources and assistance for students with learning difficulties.Library Services:
Access to the university library for alumni and students.Student Union (BCUSU):
A student-led organization providing representation, activities, and support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
BCU offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities to explore:
Life in Birmingham:
The university provides information and resources for students to navigate life in the city.Campus Facilities:
Access to industry-standard facilities, innovative learning spaces, and social spots.Virtual Tours:
Immersive 360-degree tours of the campuses to experience student life virtually.BCU Boost:
A financial support package designed to simplify student life, including travel incentives, financial management tips, and discounts.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practice-based Learning:
BCU focuses on practical skills development and real-world application of knowledge.International Opportunities:
The university offers international study opportunities and a diverse student body.Employability Focus:
BCU emphasizes career readiness and provides resources to help students find employment.Gold for Student Experience:
BCU has received the highest possible rating for student experience in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).Academic Programs:
BCU offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties: