MSc in Computer Science

Are you looking to break into the rapidly growing computing sector? This conversion degree takes you from computer science novice to capable programmer. Throughout the course you’ll explore emerging trends and key developments in computer science, as well as learning essential programming languages such as Python and SQL. You’ll gain practical skills and technical knowledge across a range of essential computing topics and build key skills such as problem solving, research and teamwork. When you complete this course, you’ll have a strong academic foundation to build your career in whichever area of computer science you want to work in. This degree is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). The MSc Computer Science is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

• Launching into Computer Science (20 credits)
• Objected Oriented Programming (20 credits)
• Secure Software Development (Computer Science) (20 credits)
• Network Security (10 credits)
• Information Security Management (10 credits)
• Software Engineering Project Management (20 credits)
• Research Methods and Professional Practice (20 credits)
• MSc Computing Project and Dissertation (60 credits)

Shorter awards are available for this course; the 16-month postgraduate diploma (PG Dip) at 120 credits and the 8-month postgraduate certificate (PG Cert) at 60 credits. On successful completion of your degree course, you’ll receive a degree validated by the University of Essex and be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus.

Online learning environment This course is delivered 100% online, part-time, providing you with the flexibility to fit your studies around work and other commitments. You’ll receive access to a cutting-edge virtual learning platform, where you can access core learning materials, lectures and seminars, as well as interact with tutors and other students.

Assessment This programme is assessed entirely by written coursework, which means there are no exams to sit. You’ll also benefit from seeing your provisional mark from the beginning of the course, which helps to evaluate your study approach and identify areas to improve.

The University of Essex Online delivers 100% online and part-time courses in business, computing, education, health, law, criminology and psychology. The qualifications we offer include CertHEs and Bachelors degrees at the undergraduate level, and PG Certs, PG Dips and Masters degrees at postgraduate level, with study durations ranging from 8 months to 4 years.

You can study with us from anywhere with an internet connection and at a time that suits your schedule best. Your course will be delivered through a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE), which provides you with 24/7 access to high-quality resources, including lecture casts, discussion forums, live seminars and Q&A sessions, as well as extensive eLibrary.

Even your assessments will be completed entirely online – none of our courses has a requirement to travel to testing facilities or exam centres. In fact, the majority of our courses don’t have exams at all! For the few courses that have exam requirements, we use a virtual proctoring system that enables you to sit academically rigorous exams from the comfort of your own home. Otherwise, you’ll be completing written assignments, taking part in discussion forums or writing reflective journal entries.

Whether you're an experienced professional looking to progress your career or a recent graduate who wants to boost their CV, online study is a cost-effective, convenient and flexible way to get ahead.

Why study with us?

We are one of the longest-running providers of 100% online degrees in the UK. All our courses are specifically designed for online delivery, combining gold standard teaching with the latest technology and enabling you to gain a top-class education from anywhere in the world.

We achieved a gold rating in the government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2018) for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students. With an 89% satisfaction rating, we are also the highest-rated online-only provider in the National Student Survey (NSS 2020).

Our online tutors are leading authorities and specialists in their respective fields. They are passionate about what they teach and combine their knowledge of industry practice with high-quality academic delivery, offering you an unparalleled learning experience.

Our team of dedicated student advisers and study skills specialists provide world-class mentoring and academic support to you from your first day to graduation. The team will be on hand to help and guide you as you progress through your studies. Whatever the question or issue, they will work with you to find a solution.

All our qualifications are awarded and validated by the University of Essex, an award-winning university with a 50-year heritage of teaching and research excellence. Upon completing your studies, you’ll be invited to graduate from the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. You will receive the same certificate as campus-based students – your mode of study is only mentioned on your academic transcript.

At University of Essex Online, we believe everyone should be able to access education. That’s why we take both academic and work-based experience into account when deciding if a student is eligible for a course.  All our potential students are assessed individually by a dedicated Admissions team who’ll determine whether they’re right for either our academic, open or work experience entry route onto our courses. Academic entry route

• an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree; or a relevant professional qualification

Work experience entry route

• three years’ relevant work experience

English language requirements As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency. You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of the countries listed on our website.

• Designated for postgraduate student loans in England.
• Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies.
• Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront.
• Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries.
• Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
• 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships.

There’s a global shortage of computer science professionals, which drives a huge demand for computing graduates. This course is designed to help you enter the computing field – and after completing your studies, you’ll be prepared to become a software developer, software engineer, web developer, requirements analyst, network analyst, information systems administrator or project manager. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees and a BCS-accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords. Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

• 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
• 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
• Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
• 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%