Computer Science with a Year in Industry MSci

Study with us and you’ll explore the key components of computer science, computational systems, software engineering and programming. From apps and robotics to software and AI, you’ll be ready for leadership roles in many industries. You'll spend a year working in industry to test-drive career options.

Course structure

Our comprehensive MSci Computer Science with a Year in Industry degree enables you to gain a thorough grounding in the theoretical foundations of the subject. You'll delve into specialist areas of your interest, and use your skills during a year in industry.

You’ll work in teams to produce software and learn new styles of programming. With lectures and labs, you’ll develop analytical and practical problem-solving skills ready for graduate roles.

Your placement year will show you how to apply your knowledge, develop professional skills and build your networks. In your final year, you’ll deepen your specialist knowledge with a project that will help you establish yourself as an expert in your chosen field.

• Benefit from our links with industry including IBM and ARM
• Kickstart your future career by developing experience, links, and networks during your year in industry
• Choose your own topics and prepare for your future career
• Benefit from high performance computing through the University's supercomputer BlueBEAR

• Study in our state-of-the-art facilities including research labs for Medical Imaging, Intelligent Robotics, HCI and Security.
• Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by industry-leaders
• Develop a range of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
• Participate in laboratory work that offers practical, hands-on experience that allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in the real-world

Assessment

Your modules will be assessed independently through examinations, written assignments, oral and poster presentations, computer-based tests, marked exercises, and laboratory and project reports.

You'll receive plenty of feedback to help you progress, ranging from written feedback on your assessments to class feedback sessions and discussions with your tutor. The feedback will highlight the positives of your work as well as any areas that need more attention.

You'll be assigned a personal tutor who'll remain with you throughout your studies to help you in three important areas: supporting your academic progress, developing transferable skills and dealing with any welfare issues.

You'll also need to undertake a considerable amount of self study. It's an essential part of the programme, which requires self motivation and enthusiasm for your subject. It also allows you to pursue your own lines of enquiry and become an independent thinker.

Any modern laptop running MacOS, Windows or Linux, with 8–16GB RAM, a recent x86 or ARM processor and standard storage will be adequate for studying with us. We do not recommend using Chromebooks or tablets as your primary device because of software limitations. You will not be disadvantaged if you cannot bring your own device. We will ensure suitable resources are available for anyone who needs them.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades: A-level Mathematics grade A.
General Studies or Critical Thinking not accepted.

It is desirable, but not essential, to have some experience of writing computer programs.
Please note that Access qualifications are not suitable for this programme.

BTEC

Only accepted in combination with other qualifications, which must include A-level Mathematics (or equivalent). BTEC IT is not accepted in combination with A-level Computer Science.

Foundation Year

Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? If you are not studying A-level Mathematics, you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:

• UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
• international students

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

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 or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
• IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
• Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2026 entry is £9,790 for UK students. If you are applying for 2027 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

Apply

The UCAS code for this course is I103.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

Our Computer Science graduates are making an impact across a wide range of sectors such as Information Technology, Computer Software, Education Management, Management Consultancy and Financial Services. They have gone on to work for leading employers such as EY, Vodafone, PwC, Kainos and Squarepoint Capital.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

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.

Flexible programmes to suit you

Not sure what you want to study?

Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.