MSc in Computer Science

The MSc Computer Science provides an intensive programme of study without any prior knowledge of computer science. As well as gaining a broad knowledge of the subject, students acquire practical skills and have the opportunity to investigate areas of current research more deeply.

The MSc Computer Science looks at issues important in our society including intellectual property, digital surveillance, data privacy and ethical issues in computing.

By studying this programme, students will:

• be able to demonstrate knowledge and acquire digital skills in several areas including programming principles, the mathematic and algorithmic foundations of computing, information systems design, and database design and management.
• gain a comprehensive and practical understanding of current techniques in cloud computing, network security, data management, software engineering, and machine learning.
• gain the soft skills needed to be able to act autonomously in planning, implementing, and managing tasks at a professional level.
• develop a systematic understanding and a critical awareness of computer science, much of it at the forefront of the discipline.

How you study

The MSc Computer Science is offered fully online and allows you the opportunity to flexibly fit your studies around your schedule. You can choose to study individual modules on a pay-as-you-go basis and build up your qualification at your own pace.

Online support

This computer science degree is delivered online and there is no requirement to come to the UK as part of your studies. Our flexible online programme allows you to work around your own schedule and leads to a globally-recognised qualification.

When you register, we will give you access to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources including:

The Student Guide provides information which is common to all students and gives useful information about your relationship with the University of London through to graduation.

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which offers online learning support, access to the student café and discussion areas, and other study materials.

The Online Library provides access to over 100 million academic electronic items comprising E-books, E-journals, conference proceedings etc. In addition, students can request items which are not held in the library via the library's Inter-Library loans service with the British Library. All registered students have free access to the University of London’s Online Library(Opens in new window).

Senate House Library provides free reference access for all registered distance and flexible learning students.

Tutor support

All students receive online tutor support and feedback while studying this programme. Tutors introduce the modules, respond to queries, monitor discussions and provide guidance on assessments.

Time commitment

The flexible approach to learning allows students to complete the MSc Computer Science in a minimum of two years (subject to module availability) to a maximum of five years.

Each module is run over a 10 week block, with the exception of the Project module which is run over two 10-week blocks.

Assessment

The following modules are assessed by two assessments: one online test of a suitable type for the specific module, for example, multiple choice questions (MCQs) or auto-graded problem-solving task using programming (25%) and an end of term coursework assessment/online examination (75%):

• Applied Machine Learning
• Cloud Computing
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Principles of Programming
• Software Design and Programming.

The following modules are assessed by an end of term coursework assessment/online examination (100%):

• Computer Systems
• Data Management
• Fundamentals of Computing
• Information Security
• Information Systems

The Project is assessed by two assessments: a research proposal (30%) and a project report (70%). All coursework and Project items are submitted through the VLE.

We are one of the largest, most diverse universities in the UK with over 120,000 students in London, and a further 50,000 studying across 180 countries for a University of London degree.

The University of London, dating back to 1836, is the third oldest University in England. It is a federation of 17 member institutions and nine research institutes catering for 120,000 students in London, as well as a global operation serving more than 51,000 students in over 180 countries and 1.3million learners enrolled on its MOOCs through the online Coursera platform. This makes the University of London ‘The World’s Largest Classroom’.

So, no matter where in the world you are, you can get an internationally recognised degree from the University of London, either on campus or through flexible and distance learning. The University offers more than 100 degrees, diplomas, certificates and short modules across the world at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and is able to support all your learning requirements.

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The University of London was established by Royal Charter in 1836 for the public benefit and is recognised globally. Throughout our long history, the University has offered access to a wide range of academic opportunities. As a world leader in higher education, the University has pioneered change in the sector. We were the first university to admit students regardless of their gender, race or religion, the first to admit women to degree programmes and, in 1865, the first to give students the opportunity to study wherever they are, providing access to higher education across the globe. For almost 200 years, we have improved the lives of millions of people around the world through our unique approach to education, prompting Charles Dickens to term us the 'People's University'.

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Whether you wish to join our vibrant academic community in the heart of London or Paris, study independently or with the support of a Recognised Teaching Centre, you will become a University of London student and join the world class.

Study at the University of London

We are a federation of 17 independent member institutions of outstanding global reputation, ranging from larger universities such as UCL or King’s College London to smaller specialised institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music or the Courtauld Institute of Art.

There are also research institutes, united through the School of Advanced Study, offering postgraduate study and research in the humanities as well as the University of London Institute in Paris and our flexible and distance learning programmes.

Students of the member institutions are also University of London students, giving them access to our wide range of services in central London. The academic quality of your qualification is of the very highest standard, wherever you study.

Student Services

As well as providing world-class education, we also offer a range of other services including careers advice and access to Student Central and the prestigious Senate House Library. The University also manages a range of high-quality student accommodation in central London where students can mix with others from across a range of member institutions.