Advanced Computer Science MSc (with optional Placement/Project year)

Program Overview

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Advanced Computer Science (with optional Placement/Project year) MSc

Overview

This course aims to enhance your current skills and introduce a variety of cutting-edge computer science competencies, enabling you to tackle complex technical challenges as a highly independent thinker and an advanced, reflexive practitioner.

Study Options

• Full-Time, Part-Time at Exton Park, Chester
• Full-Time with Project/Placement Year at Exton Park, Chester

Level

• Postgraduate

UCAS Code

• N/A

UCAS Points

• N/A

Start Date

• Oct 2025, Jan 2026, May 2026, Oct 2026, Jan 2027, May 2027

Duration

• 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Location

• Exton Park, Chester

UK Fees

• £10,530 per year (2025/26)

International Fees

• £15,000 (2025/26)

Level

• Postgraduate

Start Date

• Oct 2025, Jan 2026, May 2026, Oct 2026, Jan 2027, May 2027

Duration

• 2 years

Location

• Exton Park, Chester

UK Fees

• £13,280 for the full course (2025/26)

International Fees

• N/A

Accreditations

• BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT (partial accreditation for full-time and part-time study options)

Course Content

Course Summary

This course focuses on key themes relating to advanced topics in software, algorithm development, and user experience, preparing you to tackle complex problems using a variety of modern techniques.

Optional 2-year Master's To Suit Your Needs

• Professional Placement MSc
• Professional Project MSc

Why You'll Love It

• Exton Park, Chester
• Academic Skills Support
• Personal Academic Tutors

What You'll Study

• Year 1
• Placement/Project Year

Modules

• Research Methods (20 Credits) Core
• User-Centred Design and User Experience (20 Credits) Core
• Programming and Optimisation (20 Credits) Core
• Databases and Security (20 Credits) Core
• Bio-Inspired Computing (20 Credits) Core
• Software Studio (20 Credits) Option
• Robotics (20 Credits) Option
• Statistical Programming (20 Credits) Option
• Programming for AI/Machine Learning (20 Credits) Option
• Digital Forensics and Penetration Testing (20 Credits) Option
• Research Project (if not studying a project/placement year)

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Stuart Cunningham
• Dr Mike Morgan
• Ashley Wood
• Dr Toyosi Oyinloye
• Dr Richard Stocker
• Dr Joe Collenette

How You'll Learn

• Teaching is via lectures, workshops, seminars, and case studies
• Assessment is via coursework and exams
• This course is designed around in-person study
• There may be some online learning activities

Entry Requirements

• Home Students
• International Students

Honours Degree

• Students are normally required to have a 2:2 honours degree or above in a computer science-related discipline.
• It is also required that any student wishing to enrol on this course must have gained at least 20 credits of programming modules at Level 5 or above.

English Language Requirements

• For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester

The Location

• Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student.

Modern Learning Resources and Library

• We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library.

Fitness Facilities

• Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities.

Student Services

• Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services.

Chapel, Chaplaincy, and Multi-Faith Spaces

• Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services.

Accommodation

• Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

• We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students
• International Students
• Additional Costs
• Bursaries

Per Year (2025/26)

• Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2025/26 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

For a Full-Time Course (2025/26)

• The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £15,000.

Additional Costs

• The professional placement/project year will cost an additional £2,750, due at the start of the second year of the course.

Bursaries

• The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Your Future Career

Careers Service

• The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.

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