MSc Computer Science (Online)

Equip yourself with the necessary technical know-how to transition to a career in computer science with this part-time, fully online conversion Computer Science MSc programme from the University of Liverpool.

Designed for professionals from a non-computing background, this programme will provide you with a comprehensive insight into the modern computer science landscape, and augment this with selected specialist knowledge in artificial intelligence. The career prospects for our graduates have never been better, with over 90% of Liverpool’s computer science graduates going onto well-paid graduate jobs.

Is this the right course for you?

This programme will provide you with a good understanding of the domain of computer science and the current practice of computer science. You will gain a systematic insight into the current theory and practice and brought bring your understanding of the subject matter up-to-date, in connection relevant to your first degree or profession.

The MSc programme is accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Through this programme, you will:

• Gain access to a high-demand job sector. This conversion degree is specifically designed for professionals from a non-computing background, providing a thorough grounding in the essential technologies and current trends of computer science.
• Extend your knowledge with specialist modules in artificial intelligence. The University of Liverpool is globally renowned for the strength of its research into artificial intelligence and, through our Digital Innovation Facility, provides a home for world-leading academic research into a broad spectrum of emerging technologies.
• Learn from leading experts in a culture of research excellence. Our passionate lecturers are highly regarded within the field for the topic they teach, from software development to machine learning. Our research-led ethos encourages students to participate in an innovative and stimulating environment.
• Access our online development environment to practice and refine your new skills. Throughout your programme, you will be exposed to state-of-the-art technologies and have access to industry-standard solutions, available to you as cloud services, open-source software or commercials technology; all included within your tuition fee.

Module information

The Computer Science MSc consists of the following taught modules and a final dissertation project.

• Global Trends in Computer Science (15 credits)
• Software Development in Practice (15 credits)
• Databases and Information Systems (15 credits)
• Networks and Web Technology (15 credits)
• Reasoning and Intelligent Systems (15 credits)
• Machine Learning in Practice (15 credits)
• Multi-Agent Systems (15 credits)
• Research Methods in Computer Science (15 credits)
• Computer Science Capstone Project (60 credits)

There is a brief break scheduled between modules to allow students to refresh themselves and reflect on what they have learned.

Shorter postgraduate diploma (120 credits) and postgraduate certificate (60 credits) awards are also available in this subject.

Learn from industry experts.

Computer science at the University of Liverpool is research-driven and internationally renowned for its cutting-edge work. The 2021 Research Excellence Framework rated us 5th in the UK for world leading (4*) research outputs, and 100% of research environment rated as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). We are especially well-regarded for our expertise in artificial intelligence, and our Digital Innovation Facility, which officially opened in 2022, provides a further hub for our collaborative research in emerging technologies.

Enhance your career opportunities.

The skills gap in the technology industry continues to increase. By studying this conversion degree, you will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to access careers across this field, including within the growing field of artificial intelligence. Job roles you may be eligible for following completion of the programme include software engineer, machine learning practitioner, big data analyst, network administrator, database manager, IT consultant, AI developer, research scientist and information strategy manager.

Learn online anytime, anywhere.

Get the University of Liverpool experience wherever you are in the world. This 100% online course features interactive classes and regular contact with staff and fellow students across the globe. Teaching is delivered through our state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), which provides students with access to all resources required for interactive study online. On this platform, you will be encouraged to work collaboratively with classmates and actively read around your topic through our comprehensive library of eBooks and journals.

Assessments are exclusively through online assignments rather than examinations. You will be assessed through a range of activities, including written assignments, discussion forum participation and journal entries.

The Computer Science MSc programme has been designed to provide students with a non-computer science first degree, with the necessary technical knowledge and skills required to take up rewarding careers within the computer science industry, including interdisciplinary career opportunities.

Applicants should possess either:

(i) a degree in any subject equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree (2:2 or above), or

(ii) at least 2 years experience in employment, which would normally be of a technical nature, comparable with the award of a bachelor’s degree.

All applicants must provide evidence that they have an English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5.

The Computer Science MSc will address this skills gap by providing graduates with employment opportunities across the sector with a particular focus on, but not limited to, career opportunities within specialist areas of computer science, including interdisciplinary opportunities by coupling knowledge of computer science with the knowledge that graduates have acquired from their first degree.