Ranking
6th
Complete University Guide 2025
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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
If you want to deepen your understanding of Computer Science, this course is for you. You'll become a globally-qualified talent, ready for an exciting career in the industry.
Select from a broad range of advanced modules reflecting your own interests. You can broaden your knowledge or explore more deeply into areas that fascinate you. You'll undertake your own software-development or summer project (which may be research-focused) to expand your knowledge even further. Emerge from this course ready for a career in technology-focused global companies, academia or industrial research.
This multifaceted approach ensures that students gain expertise across a spectrum of essential topics, positioning them advantageously for a plethora of career pathways upon graduation. Graduates emerge not only with a specialized understanding of their chosen modules but also with a broader knowledge base that extends across various specializations within the expansive realm of computer science. This versatility enhances their professional prospects, enabling them to pursue careers in areas that align with their specific interests and expertise.
Course Structure
Broaden your knowledge of cutting-edge areas in computing. This programme is designed for graduates with a degree in Computer Science or a related discipline, and a solid foundation in programming.
You'll choose from a wide range of optional 20 credit modules, depending on your interests. You'll also begin to develop plans for your MSc project.
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Course highlights
This course supports you in your journey to becoming an expert in Computer Science. You'll learn from experts delivering high-quality research from AI to computation and cybersecurity. As technology advances fast, our computing graduates will be in higher demand than ever. Join us and say hello to an exciting new future.
- Benefit from our partnership with The Alan Turing Institute
- Take advantage of our state-of-the-art facilities
- Highlight your skillset through our various assessment modes
- Join a department that is a world leading centre for Computer Science research
- 6th
in the UK - Complete University Guide 2025
Join our Computer Science Society to meet like-minded people and network towards your future career
Course delivery
Taught modules are assessed in a variety of ways: summer written examinations, practical assessments during the Term, or a mixture of both. Each MSc project is assessed by a supervisor and a moderator.
- Learn through of a series of engaging lectures which demonstrate how experts approach problems in your field, helping you think critically and apply concepts
- Develop your critical analysis and debate skills through our seminars, encouraging high-level thinking
- Foster independent thinking through project work, preparing you for professional environments and ongoing personal development
- Benefit from 1:1 supervision that offers personalised learning giving you the opportunity to get tailored guidance and feedback that meets your individual needs
You'll study in our modern facilities, including two dedicated computing labs for computer science students, collaborative teaching spaces, study areas with large displays and presentation screens, GPU cluster and full wireless network, and research laboratories for Security and Medical Imaging.
Taught modules are assessed in a variety of ways so that all assessment strengths are considered: written examinations, practical assessment or a mixture of both, playing to all strengths. The project is assessed by a supervisor and a moderator.
We have dedicated Computer Science Student Experience Officers and Student Wellbeing Officers, whose sole job is to ensure you are supported, both physically, mentally and holistically with your studies and life as a computer science student.
Lecture
Seminar
Projects
1:1 Supervision
Module information
In the first eight months of the course you'll study your choice of taught modules to a total of 120 credits, which may include a mini-project. In the final four months, you'll work on your summer project and dissertation, individually supervised by a member of the research-active staff in the School.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2025/26
Core module
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Project (CompSci - MSc) | 60 | Semester 1 |
Optional modules
Select 120 credits of options; examples of optional modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Functional Programming (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Advanced Networking (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Algorithms and Complexity (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Computer Vision and Imaging (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Computer-Aided Verification (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Dependable and Distributed Systems (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Designing and Managing Secure Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Game Theory (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| High Performance Computing (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Human-Computer Interaction (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Intelligent Interactive Systems (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Intelligent Software Engineering (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Programming Language Principles, Design, and Implementation (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
Dr Rajesh Chitnis
Programme Director
Staff profile for Dr Rajesh Chitnis
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in Computing or a closely related discipline, with a solid foundation in programming and algorithms
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £13,040
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Computing encompasses all digital technology used to create, store, communicate, exchange, and utilise information. It's the backbone of business strategies and growth, and it revolutionises our personal lives, from mobile phones and online shopping to social media. We owe these conveniences and innovations to the brilliance of computer science.
A dynamic, fast-moving sector that offers exciting careers and excellent rewards
Our graduates find themselves in a variety of environments within academia, research, industry, government and private organisations
You could join a firm like Accenture and PwC, or one of the global IT giants such as Microsoft and Google
Your career prospects are great and computing graduates with a good degree are in demand. Plus, with the number of computer science graduates from the UK diminishing at the same time as jobs are increasing, students with a postgraduate degree have an excellent chance of securing employment.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.