Intro

Our Computer Science MSc is responsive to emerging technologies and is led by industry. Aimed at students who don’t have an undergraduate computing qualification, this MSc allows you to acquire core computing skills and develop the knowledge and experience to move into a career in this fast-paced field. 

You will develop skills in artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, and programming and data structures, and choose option modules that reflect your areas of interest. You’ll also create practical applications and websites alongside building your understanding of the legal, social and ethical issues in computer science.

Our close ties with industry, including guest lecturers and visits to tech companies, provide plenty of networking opportunities, and live briefs give you real-world experience. You will be based in one of the most important cities in the UK for digital technology businesses and are also encouraged to attend local computing and digital media events, giving you opportunities to exchange ideas and build your technical and professional skills.

You have access to our specialist facilities for hands-on learning, including CISCO-certified networking and cyber security lab, usability lab, games studio, VR suite and robotics and autonomous systems lab.

You’ll also have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through a paid placement in industry.

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

September
Full-time 1 year or 2 years with placement year
Part-time 2–6 years

Apply now for your place

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and experience
Normally, a good honours degree in any subject.

If you do not have a degree but do have relevant industrial experience we'll usually ask you to attend an interview.

 

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

View our English language courses

For pre-sessional English preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Course content

Course structure

The taught element of the course is delivered during the first two semesters. You will study five core modules and choose two option modules enabling you to specialise in areas of the course that interest you most. 

The third semester focuses on your major project. 

You also have the option of a placement year. 

Student working on a computer with large projection of a building behind her

Syllabus

As an MSc student you will study five core modules and choose two option modules allowing you to specialise in areas of the course that interest you most. Full-time students who start the course in September also have the option of a placement.

Core modules

  • Final project
    For your final project you will take the role of a developer to design and produce a software product.
  • Programming and Data Structures
    This module enables you to develop the skills needed to create applications using an industry standard programming language and development environment even if you have little or no previous programming experience.
  • Applied Artificial Intelligence
    Develop a critical understanding of the fundamental concepts of AI and use real-world examples to explore AI principles, ethical issues, implementation techniques and technologies. 
  • Computer Systems Security
    This module develops your understanding of cyber security and privacy together with the skills and mechanisms needed to create secure information systems.
  • New Horizons in Computer Science
    You will undertake and present independent research in trends and innovations in your chosen area of computer science.

Options*

  • Web Development
    This module introduces you to standards-based web technologies. You will learn how to apply best practice in front-end web design and development.
  • Data Management
    You will develop an in-depth understanding of contemporary database management systems and build your skills in searching, reporting and analysing data. 
  • Interface and Information Design
    You will develop your understanding of user centred interaction design process, this module helps you build your interface design skills to commercial design quality.
  • The Business and Information System
    You learn how to critically evaluate the role of information systems within the wider enterprise, assess and propose solutions to issues a business analyst may face in this environment.
  • Work placement
    You will undertake a minimum of 24 weeks work experience (48 weeks for international students) where you'll put your computer science knowledge and skills into practice in the workplace, and enhance your teamwork, leadership and other professional skills.
  • Research
    This option is an opportunity to engage in an in-depth piece of independent research in a subject aligned with the expertise of the course team.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

To further increase your employability and international experience we offer full-time students starting in September the opportunity to take a placement year. This means that your course will take two years, but you’ll be graduating with work experience. 

The year on placement in a role related to your course will allow you to put all that you have learned on your masters into practice, enhancing your career opportunities and giving you practical experience in your area of expertise.

The placement is assessed formatively throughout the year, giving you the chance to reflect on your experience and helping to build your CV.

Work placements are optional, and you'll arrange your placement with support from our dedicated Placements and Employability team.

We offer a two-year international study visa route to support applications for this course.

Careers

Prepare for your career 

In your career you need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – and you’ll get all of this from your degree. 

  • With a flexible timetable to suit full-time or part-time students and commuters, and lecturers available to support you in your module choices, there are different study routes available to you.
  • Build advanced research, analytical and communication skills through working on your dissertation.
  • At the end of the taught element there is the possibility of a placement in the computing industry. This puts real experience on your CV as you consolidate your expertise.
  • You will benefit from access to our computer suites with professional standard software, CISCO-certified networking and cyber security lab, usability lab, games studio, VR suite and robotics and autonomous systems lab.
Student looking at a robot in the robotics lab

Industry links 

  • We have close ties with companies ranging from industry giants to local startups.
  • The course is informed by our Industrial Advisory Board (IAB).
  • You will have opportunities to network with companies and organisations in the sector through external speakers and taking advantage of the many digital media events organised in the city.

 

Graduate destinations 

Computer Science MSc graduates will be able to work in fields including:

  • cyber security analyst
  • AI developer
  • software engineer
  • UX designer
  • web designer
  • web developer
  • business analyst.

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,450 GBP

International (full-time) 15,900 GBP

Placement year

Home 1,500 GBP

International 2,280 GBP


Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

Fee information for this course for 2025 entry will be updated here no later than December 2024.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2024–25.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Moulsecoomb has been transformed by a recent development of our estate. On campus you'll find new Students' Union, events venue, and sports and fitness facilities, alongside the library and student centre.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

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Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you applied for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

  • Mithras Halls are stylish new high-rises in the heart of the student village at our revitalised Moulsecoomb campus with ensuite rooms for more than 800 students.
  • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently?
We can help – find out more about private renting.

Relaxing in halls

Modern accommodation at Moulsecoomb

Mithras halls room with a view

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Student Union social space

Student Union social space at Moulsecoomb

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and there are daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more about how we support your wellbeing.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

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