Computer Science MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
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This master’s degree aims to expand your capability and expertise in IT related fields. It focuses on the underlying theories of computer science and their practical applications.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2-3 years part-time
2 years sandwich

Course code

EECT043

Start date

May 2025


Course overview

This course aims to provide you with a sound understanding of development platforms, protocols and standards with an emphasis on agile software development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analysis, internet security and the development of web-based and mobile applications.

  • The course is designed with the inputs from our industry professionals to deliver the syllabus that is up-to-date and reflects employment trends.
  • Upon successful completion of this course, you should have acquired the advanced skills and knowledge needed to help you to develop a career in IT-related fields. You may, for example, look to progress as a computer system designer, programmer, consultant, or researcher.
  • You will have the option to apply for a ‘work placement’ opportunity2, which if secured, is designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.
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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

The curriculum has been designed with the aim of supporting you in pursuing employment or further research opportunities in computing or IT-related fields.

The course emphasises both the underlying theories of computer science and their practical application to provide solutions to real-world problems. The course covers a wide range of key topics to reflect the latest technologies and employment trends, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, security of connected systems, web-based and mobile applications, as well as agile software development projects.

  • If you are interested in learning about programming or wish to update your existing skills in building computer systems, this course provides opportunities to equip you with the skills and knowledge of IT and computing professionals.
  • This course aims to provide you with a sound understanding of essential development platforms, protocols and standards.
  • We offer excellent facilities4, so you have the opportunity to explore core technical competencies of disciplines for building applications, and to learn advanced topics at the forefront of the computer science research community and industry.

Collaborations

Visual Paradigm supports Coventry University with the use of UML tools, BPMN tools and agile story mapping tools, under the Academic Partnership Program.

Being part of this MSc program is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The course has provided me with the required problem-solving and IT skills to effectively apply knowledge in the real-world environment. I am truly grateful for this experience and would recommend it for any student. 

Chidiebere Okeke, Computer Science MSc, 2022
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What you'll study

During this programme you will focus on the core technical knowledge and skills used in building computer systems with emerging platforms, protocols, industry-recognised best practices and standards. This programme aims to cover key technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, machine learning and their application in big data, web-based and mobile applications.

Furthermore, this programme should enable you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have learned by undertaking a software development project in a teamwork environment and an in-depth individual project. Guided by an experienced tutor, the projects will help develop your research skills and experience the work of IT professionals.

Modules

With work placement pathway

The ‘With work placement’ opportunity2 enables you to apply in semester 1 for an optional work placement of up to 12 months, extending the duration of your master’s to 24 months. The placement provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation. The work placement would take place in semesters 3, 4 and 5.

Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Placement opportunities may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Work placements are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the work placement option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Part-time students should be aware that not all modules run every semester; your study plan for the course will be arranged between yourself and the Course Director and is subject to module availability.


How you'll learn

Teaching methods may include:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Presentations
  • Group projects
  • Workshops
  • Practical laboratory sessions4

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.


Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is estimated 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters with self-study approximately 36 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The MSc project-based semester will include supervisor meetings about 1-2 hours per week (depending on the arrangement with the supervisor), with self-study approximately 45 hours per week.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which may vary depending upon the modules. Assessment methods may include:

  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Post studies, I secured a position as a Researcher/Software Developer for an SME in Cyprus, focusing on conducting research in the security domain through European funding. Having the opportunity to study at Coventry University has provided me with all required skills to secure this position. The constant updates of material throughout my course provided me with every chance possible to learn and use the latest and most useful technologies.

Kyriakos Georgiades, Computer Science MSc, 2022
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Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

To apply for this course, you need to have one of the following:

  • A minimum of a second class honours degree in a computing related subject. Applications from graduates in other disciplines (such as mathematics, physics or engineering) with experience in programming would also be considered on individual merits. For further information on the type of subjects that would qualify, please fill in our request information form.
  • An unclassified degree plus at least two years' further study or professional experience in programming related areas.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

  • A minimum of a second class honours degree in a computing related subject. Applications from graduates in other disciplines (such as mathematics, physics or engineering) with experience in programming would also be considered on individual merits. For further information on the type of subjects that would qualify, please fill in our request information form.
  • An unclassified degree plus at least two years' further study or professional experience in programming related areas.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year Request fee information
EU £11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year with EU Support Bursary**
£20,050 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £20,050 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

The course offers facilities in the modern Engineering and Computing Building and Beatrice Shilling Building, located on the Coventry main campus, with laboratories equipped with the latest workstations and virtual applications, which may include Android Studio, IntelliJ IDEA and Microsoft Azure software packages4.

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The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library and computing facilities, dedicated careers advice and Your Students’ Union.

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Jaguar Centre

The Jaguar Centre has been specifically designed to provide facilities and services to support our postgraduate students including social spaces, computer suites and separate areas for small group study.

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The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student campus life. It's also home to the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Spirituality and Faith Centre, the Tank Studio, Student Success Coaches and the Enterprise Hub.


Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will have knowledge of/be able to:

  • Critically evaluate computation complexity associated with programming algorithms to deliver effective solutions to real-world problems
  • Critically evaluate computer architecture and networked system solutions along with their related security issues and threats
  • Develop relevant technical skills in emerging technologies to adapt to the challenges in the computing related field in a global context
  • Develop a wide range of postgraduate level professional and transferable skills in building computer-based systems in a teamwork environment
  • Develop the awareness of professional, social, ethical, and legal issues along with commercial risk and management for computer-based systems
  • Develop research skills required for advanced computer science topics selected according to the interests of individual students
  • Critically evaluate and develop solutions to complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues that can be found in a variety of organisations and professional contexts.

The content of this course acknowledges the borderless nature of computer science alongside the common practices and technologies used throughout the globe. Our course will offer you the opportunity to acquire relevant skills and experience with the use of emerging technologies and tools in a global context.

The practical nature of our course means that upon successful graduation, you should have developed a wide range of technical, analytical, design and professional skills, which should support a move into a range of IT and computing related areas. The course content is annually reviewed within the School of Computing, Mathematics and Data Science (CMD) in consultation with industry experts to ensure its currency and validity.

Where our graduates work

Career opportunities in the areas of IT and computing are many and varied, including IT consultants, system designers and programmers.

You may find yourself working in the private and public sector in computing or IT related areas, in sectors such as business, health, education, finance and manufacturing.

The course forced me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to learn for myself through building varied projects and learning to apply my knowledge in new ways. Wonderful lecturers shared their valuable practical experience and encouraged me to try new approaches even if it wasn't strictly necessary. It was a great year where I made friends from all over the world and experienced a modern university committed to continuously improving.

Bassel Ballout El Mawla, Computer Science MSc, 2022
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How to apply