MSc Computer Science

For the MSc, PGDip and PGCert, you must commence study of the Principles of Programming module before, or along with, any other modules. You must have passed 60 credits before you register for the Project. All other modules can be attempted in any order.

However, it is strongly recommended that you attempt the assessment of the Principles of Programming module before commencing study of the following modules: Object-Oriented Programming; Software Design and Programming; Applied Machine Learning; Data Management.

It is strongly recommended that you attempt the assessment of the Object-Oriented Programming module before commencing study of the Software Design and Programming module.

The MSc Computer Science is offered fully online and allows you the opportunity to flexibly fit your studies around your schedule. You can pay a full MSc fee upfront, or you can pay per module. If you choose to pay as you go, you will pay the fee each time you decide to study a module.

The degree consists of 11 modules, and you can take up to two per session (subject to module availability). That means, depending on your time and financial situation, you can complete the MSc Computer Science in two to five years. And if you need to take a session off, you won't be charged during that session.

Each 15-credit module equates to 150 hours. Over the 10 teaching weeks of a study session, students will need to dedicate around 15 hours of study per module per week. Find out further information are found in the programme structure, modules, and specifications.

Online support

This computer science degree is delivered online and there is no requirement to come to the UK as part of your studies. Our flexible online programme allows you to work around your own schedule and leads to a globally-recognised qualification.

When you register, we will give you access to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources including:

• The Student Guide provides information which is common to all students and gives useful information about your relationship with the University of London through to graduation.
• Access to all resources and study materials via your Student Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), which will help you complete each module successfully. You will gain access to a range of multimedia content, activities, and exercises, as well as the opportunity to engage with your online tutor and fellow students.

Online Library

As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.

Senate House Library

If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.

Online tutor support

Studying our online MSc Computer Science programme entitles you to receive tutor support and feedback. You will join an online tutor group to receive academic support and guidance on assessments. If you choose to study as a web-supported learner, you will have the opportunity to join an online tutor group and to engage with your fellow students. If you are interested in studying with a local teaching centre, you can benefit from face-to-face tuition.

Study materials

All essential resources, activities, videos, discussions and support are provided through the VLE. This allows you to fit your studies around your work commitments. There is no need to purchase additional textbooks.

Time commitment

The flexible approach to learning allows students to complete the MSc Computer Science in a minimum of two years (subject to module availability) to a maximum of five years.

Each module is run over a 10 week block, with the exception of the Project module which is run over two 10-week blocks.

Student support

We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently.

You will have access to support through:

• The Enquiry Hub – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
• TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.

Assessment

Modules include a mix of assessments, giving you the chance to undertake formative assessments, which will help you measure your progress and summative assessments, which will count to your final marks.  You can submit your coursework assignments anywhere in the world with an internet connection meeting our minimum requirements.

The following modules are assessed by two assessments: one online test of a suitable type for the specific module, for example, multiple choice questions (MCQs) or auto-graded problem-solving task using programming (25 per cent) and an end of term coursework assessment (75 per cent):

• Applied Machine Learning
• Cloud Computing
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Principles of Programming
• Software Design and Programming.

The following modules are assessed by an end of term coursework assessment (100 per cent):

• Computer Systems
• Data Management
• Fundamentals of Computing
• Information Security
• Information Systems.

The Project is assessed by two assessments: a research proposal (30 per cent) and a project report (70 per cent). All coursework and Project items are submitted through the VLE.

The MSc has been developed by Birkbeck’s highly regarded computing department. The Department of Computer Science at Birkbeck was one of the first computing departments established in the UK and a world-class centre of expertise in algorithms, data analytics, data management, experimental data science, knowledge representation, and programme verification.

The department engages in fundamental and applied research and hosts two research centres, Birkbeck Knowledge Lab and the Birkbeck Institute for Data Analytics. The department is also a member of the Institute of Coding (IoC) and through its partnership has developed new courses to provide opportunities for everyone to acquire the necessary digital skills.

Programme Director

Dr Martyn Harris is a post-doc researcher and Institute of Coding manager at Birkbeck, University of London, where he joined the department in October 2010 as a PhD. Martyn has held this post since 2018, during which time he has managed the development of face-to-face courses, including a PGCert in Applied Data Science in collaboration with the British Library and National Archives, as well as the co-development of the department's first online taster course in data science applications and techniques.

Martyn’s research now focuses on the development of Natural Language Processing techniques for analysing social media posts in the context of social dynamics – how external events such as the recent pandemic can be measured through social media platforms. Martyn has published journal articles in linguistics, and on applying text mining techniques to the analysis of large-scale digital archives.

What qualifications do you need?

To qualify to register for the MSc or PGDip, applicants will need a bachelor’s degree which is considered at least comparable to a UK second-class honours degree from an institution acceptable to the University.

If you do not meet the MSc and PGDip entrance requirements, successful completion of the PGCert will allow progression to the MSc or PGDip.

To qualify to register for the PGCert, you will need:

• A bachelor’s degree which is considered at least comparable to a UK second class honours degree from an institution acceptable to the University
• Or a minimum of two years’ work experience in a relevant field. This will most commonly be in a software engineering role but each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Entrance requirements for stand-alone individual modules

To qualify to register for a stand-alone individual module, you will need:

• A bachelor’s degree which is considered at least comparable to a UK second class honours degree from an institution acceptable to the University
• Or a minimum of two years’ work experience in a relevant field. This will most commonly be in a software engineering role but each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English language requirements

You need a high standard of English to study this degree. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:

• IELTS: at least 6.5 overall with 6.0 in the written test
• Pearson Test (Academic): at least 59 overall, with 59+ in reading and writing and 54+ in speaking and listening.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (grade C or above).
• TOEFL iBT: at least 92 overall, with 22+ in reading and writing and 20+ in speaking and listening.
• Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 120.
• If you do not meet the English language proficiency requirements but believe that you can demonstrate the requisite proficiency, the University may, at its discretion, consider your application.

Computer requirements

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.

Additional hardware capabilities and software for specific modules will be required, such as:

• Video and audio recording
• Programmer’s text editor such as Atom or Visual Studio and an integrated development environment software (IDE) such as IntelliJ
• Development kits for example Anaconda for python
• Java SDK, databases such as Mysql
• Web server such as Apache Tomcat
• Network analysis tools such as Wireshark.

You will also need access to hardware:

• Android or iOS device
• Microcontrollers e.g. Arduino
• Additional networking elements like routers and protocol service endpoints.

Finally, you will be required to create and use free accounts on several online services including but not limited to: github, Amazon Web Services Educate, Google Cloud Engine and Google Collaborate and Oracle Academy.

More about computer requirements

If you have studied material as part of a previous qualification that is comparable in content, level and standard to our postgraduate modules, you may be exempted from the equivalent course of our degree. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Exemption. You will not need to study or be assessed in the module(s) to complete your award.

To be considered for RPL you should make a formal request within your application when applying for the programme. Or, you can submit an online enquiry, if you have already applied.

You will need to have met the entrance requirements for the programme to be considered for RPL.

If you are registered for the MSc or PGDip, you may be awarded RPL up to 60 UK credits. RPL for the Project will not be considered.

You must have completed the qualification/ examination(s), on which the application for RPL is based on, within the five years preceding the application.

We will not recognise or accredit prior learning for a module later than 14 days after the module start date. You will be deemed to have started a module once you have been given access to the learning materials on the VLE.

Discretionary RPL

Your qualifications will need to be assessed by specialist academics on a case by case basis, before we can approve RPL. A formal application is required and an RPL application fee is payable. The RPL application fee is non-refundable, even if your prior learning is not recognised.

Your qualification must be at the appropriate level (usually equivalent to a UK Level 7/ Master’s degree qualification or above) to be considered.

For your discretionary RPL request to be processed, you will need to provide: a completed RPL request form, the supporting documentary evidence (normally a scanned copy of an official transcript and syllabus of your previous studies) and the discretionary RPL fee.

You should apply as soon as possible so that we can process your request. You will need to allow time for academics to consider your documentation, so you can register by the registration deadline.

All discretionary RPL requests must be submitted by the dates specified for the April or October intake, in the year that you apply. We must receive all required supporting evidence by the deadline stated.

If you submit your discretionary RPL application but are too late to be considered for RPL in the current session, we will still process your application to study the programme. If you receive an offer, you can still register. If you wish to be considered for RPL in a subsequent session, then you shouldn’t register on the modules you want to apply for RPL.

How to request RPL

Additional information about the process of applying for RPL. 

Further information regarding RPL is covered in the Recognition of Prior Learning section of the appropriate Programme Regulations and Section 3 of the General Regulations. 

The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.

Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.

The fees depend on whether you live in a developing (Band A) or developed (Band B) nation. See the list of Band A and B countries [PDF].

Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool

More about programme fees

*The full MSc programme fee is payable when you first register on the programme and includes access to study materials and your first entry into the assessments. It does not include resit fees, the module fee when repeating a module, applications for Recognition of Prior Learning and fees payable to a University of London Recognised Teaching Centres, if applicable. By paying in full at the beginning of your programme, you avoid any annual fee increases to module fees. With pay per module, you pay for each module as you register for it.

**The indicative totals given represent the amount you would expect to pay if you commence study in October 2024 and then complete the MSc degree in the minimum period of time (as per when modules become available), without resits, and paying per module with a year-on-year increase of five per cent. These totals do not reflect the cost of any additional tuition support you may choose to take, resit fees or the fee when repeating a module, or applications for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Sales Tax

Please note: student fees shown on our website are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.

Further information on Sales Tax.

Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

More on funding your study.

You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.

More on how to pay your fees

For students who are new to the subject, the degree provides a foundation for a career in IT, or software engineering. For those already working in these fields, you will have an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and upskill while obtaining a formal qualification. You will gain in-demand technical skills plus knowledge of how to manage complex issues systematically and creatively in the workplace.

The master's degree is valued by leading companies in the technology sector. Graduates from the on-campus programme have gained jobs with global brands including Amazon, Google and Microsoft, or have been promoted in their existing role.

Possible career paths include different software engineering roles ranging from testing and quality assurance to software architecture. This degree can also be useful in becoming a systems analyst, engineering manager, or other roles that require an in-depth understanding of software design and practice in a range of sectors or organisations.

What do employers think of our graduates?

In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching centre.

You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.

More on the University of London Careers Service