Computer Science MSc

Postgraduate

Elevate your expertise in computer science by integrating foundational theories with practical applications. Cover a range of advanced topics to give you a comprehensive understanding of the major challenges and opportunities of the field.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
With Professional Placement

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years full-time with professional placement

Course code

EEST029

Start date

September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Postgraduate events

Course overview

This course aims to equip you with the skills needed to drive innovations in fields like weather prediction, financial forecasting, medical diagnostics and customer behaviour analysis.

Master core concepts: get to grips with the essential principles driving developments in parallel computing and distributed systems.
Specialise: go deep into high-demand fields like artificial intelligence, cyber security and data science.
Get qualified: the Advanced Software Development module is designed to include the criteria set out by the CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice¹ which you will gain alongside your degree, subject to meeting requirements.
Real-world focus: don't just focus on the theory. Handle real-world programming challenges, collaborative software projects and industry-standard security protocols.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Voted 1st in West Midlands for Postgraduate

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

Ranked 4th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025

Why you should study this course

Develop practical skills: engage in hands-on projects using modern, industry-standard hardware and software, preparing you for real-world challenges
Gain industry-relevant professional skills: work with peers on real-world programming and software projects.
Drive innovation: equip yourself with the skills needed to lead and innovate in the rapidly evolving computing industry.
Gain practical experience: boost your CV with an additional professional placement. See the modules for more details.²

Accreditation and professional recognition

Chartered Management Institute

The module Advanced Software Development meets the criteria set by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. Students who successfully pass this module will be eligible to gain the award as an additional qualification at no additional cost.

What you'll study

This course isn't just about learning code; it's about understanding the architecture of modern computing. Integrate foundational theory with the messy reality of practical application, covering the major challenges facing the industry today.

Modules

Advanced Programming – 30 credits

Move beyond basic coding. This module looks at the heavy lifting required for high-performance computing and complex application spaces. Examine different paradigms, procedural, object-oriented, functional and logic, and critique the best approach for the job. Engage with languages such as Python, C++, Haskell, Prolog, Z3 or equivalent.

Compulsory

Advanced Software Development – 30 credits

Software engineering is rarely a solo activity. This module mirrors industry practice, requiring you to work in teams to design and build complex, scalable systems. You will cover modern development frameworks, DevOps and continuous integration.

This module is designed to include the criteria set out by the CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice¹.

Compulsory

Secure Computing Systems – 30 credits

Security cannot be an afterthought. Focus on network security, cryptography and threat intelligence for both local networks and the cloud. The aim of this module is to get you spotting vulnerabilities and handling threats using industry-standard tools (like Metasploit or Snort) and frameworks like ISO27001.

Compulsory

Machine Learning and Big Data – 30 credits

Data is useless if you can't interpret it. Explore how machine learning is applied in sectors like healthcare, bioinformatics and image recognition. Get hands-on with supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning models, and learn to handle the ethics and mechanics of big data.

Compulsory

Master’s with professional placement

If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master’s with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master’s course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final 60-credit module.

Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement.
The placement must be sourced and secured by you during your first semester. Our careers and employability team are available to support you with the sourcing process.
Start your professional placement after completing the first 120 credits of your course.
The professional placement will be integrated into your course learning and outcomes. This will take the form of a reflective diary demonstrating your learning and engagement with the placement experience.
The professional placement option is subject to additional fees, living costs, visa requirements, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.²

For full terms and conditions please visit the enhanced master’s landing page.

Optional

Individual Research Project – 60 credits

This is your chance to produce a substantial piece of original work. You will manage a research project from concept to dissemination, developing a software artefact or deep analysis that demonstrates your ability to work independently.

By the end of the module, you should be well-prepared to conduct your own research and produce a substantial piece of original work.

Compulsory

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.

How you'll learn

Teaching methods may include:

lectures - provide a strong foundation in advanced computing concepts such as algorithms, software development, artificial intelligence and data systems, ensuring you understand both theory and real-world application.
seminars - encourage discussion and deeper analysis of emerging technologies, helping you critically evaluate new developments and industry trends.
tutorials - offer smaller, focused sessions where you can ask questions, receive personalised feedback and strengthen your programming or problem-solving skills.
presentations - build your ability to explain technical ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, all essential skill in industry roles.
group projects - reflect real-world software development environments, helping you develop teamwork, collaboration, version control and project coordination skills.
workshops - provide hands-on experience with programming tools, frameworks and development practices, allowing you to apply theory in practical scenarios.
practical laboratory sessions - enable you to design, build and test software systems in a controlled environment, developing technical confidence and industry-relevant coding expertise.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

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

reports
tests
essays
coursework
assignments
group work
presentations.

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

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a computational discipline.

Knowledge and experience of programming are essential.

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

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

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a computational discipline.

Knowledge and experience of programming are essential.

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.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,700 per year £1,575 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year	Not available
EU	£11,700 per year with EU Support Bursary £1,575 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year with EU Support Bursary £19,500 per year without EU Support Bursary £1,900 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£19,500 per year £1,900 professional placement fee (if placement secured) 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 Postgraduate Master's 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.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 364 days a year. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one guidance lasting up to 18 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you may choose to pursue a career as:

Software developer/software engineer - Develop advanced programming skills, learn modern software development methodologies and gain hands-on experience through practical labs and group projects. This mirrors real-world development environments and prepares you to design, build and test robust software systems.
Data scientist/data analyst - modules in data management, analytics and algorithms strengthen your ability to work with large datasets, apply statistical techniques and develop data-driven solutions, all key skills in analytics-focused roles.
Artificial intelligence/machine learning engineer – you explore AI concepts, computational models and intelligent systems, supported by practical implementation work. This builds both the theoretical understanding and applied coding ability needed for AI development roles.
Cyber security analyst - learning about secure systems, networks and risk management equips you to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital infrastructure. Analytical training also supports threat detection and problem-solving in security environments.
Systems analyst/IT consultant - develop your ability to analyse organisational needs, design technical solutions and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Presentations and collaborative projects build the professional skills required for client-facing and strategic roles.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:

Infinitive
Unity
Next
Loycol
Booker Group
Morse Micro
Wordplay.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, guest speakers, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees annually, but such increases will be no more than 5% above the inflation rate. If you defer your course start date or extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (for example, to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.