MSc Computer Science

University of Essex Online

• Postgraduate Prospectus - download

Through this MSc Computer Science, 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.

The MSc Computer Science is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

• Launch into Computing (20 credits)
• Advanced Object-Oriented Design and 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.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2024 Career and Employability Survey showed:

• Over 80% of postgraduates saw a salary increase
• 3 in 5 postgraduate alumni said their degree helped them gain a promotion
• 2 in 5 students feel ready to make a career change
• 90% of students felt better prepared for their career after studying with us

This conversion degree is designed to provide you with specialist knowledge and transferable skills, enabling you to pursue a career as a computer science professional.

You’ll learn and be assessed wholly online via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), so there’s no need to travel to assessment centres. This means you can easily fit your professional development ambitions around your personal life, with no need to take a career break. Though you’ll study exclusively online, on successful completion of your MSc Computer Science, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus.

At University of Essex Online, we believe everyone should be able to access education. That’s why we offer two different entry routes onto our MSc Computer Science, which take into account both academic and work-based experience.

Our courses are taught in English, so to study with us you must have an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 or equivalent. If you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification, you’ll be required to pass a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

There’s a huge level of demand for computer science professionals and this course is designed to enable you to make a career change to this technical field. After completing your studies, you’ll be prepared to succeed in roles such as Software Developer, Software Engineer, Web Developer, Requirements Analyst, Network Analyst, Information System Administrator and Project Manager.