Computer Science Master’s Entry Requirements | Computer Science MSc - Entry Requirements | MSc/MPhil Advanced computer science degree course - Entry Requirements
By Lipa Bunton
Acquiring a Master’s degree in computer science can be a great way to learn more, explore more specialized areas of the field, and prepare for a career in many different fields. However, Master’s programs in computer science are frequently extremely competitive, so it’s imperative for applicants to fulfil the minimal entrance standards in order to have a chance at being accepted. Computer science tutoring online can help you with the support you need through the application process but also to ensure you achieve the degree results you want. An online computer science tutor is an invaluable resource.
This guide discusses the various types of Master’s programs in computer science, their academic entry requirements, and other entry requirements you should take into account before applying.
Advanced Computer Science courses
The study of advanced computer science is offered at many universities. These classes typically cover advanced topics in theoretical computer science, practice, and postgraduate research methods.
To apply for MPhil/MSc Computer Science courses, universities typically require applicants to have a strong undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a highly quantitative field. Additionally, they might ask for applicants to have completed relevant undergraduate courses with a particular grade or to have worked with a specific programming language. The entry requirements for the best UK universities for computer science that offer the MSc/MPhil (Advanced) degree course in computer science are listed below.
University Entry Requirements For MSc computer science and postgraduate programme 2023
University of Cambridge
MPhil Advanced Computer Science
1st class honours degree in Computer Science (or equivalent). Alternatively, a degree of equal status in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or another quantitative degree where the applicant can demonstrate significant relevant preparation for the course.
University of Oxford
MSc Advanced Computer Science
1st class honours degree in Computer Science or Mathematics (or equivalent). Applicants should have carried out some programming projects either in employment or study.
University of Warwick
MSc Computer Science
1st class or high 2:1 honours degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or another relevant quantitative degree (or equivalent).
University of St Andrews
MSc Computer Science
2:1 honours degree in Computer Science or strongly related discipline (or equivalent). Applicants should also be competent programmers with prior practical experience in a programming language such as Java, C, Python, C++ or JavaScript.
University of Manchester
MSc Computer Science
1st class honours degree (70% average) in a Computer Science degree with a minimum of 50% Computer Science content (or equivalent). Applicants should have a strong background in Computer Science reflected, for example, in solid programming and software development skills.
University of Southampton
MSc Computer Science
1st class degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related subject.
You must also have an upper 2:1 score in the following modules:
2 modern object-oriented or functional programming language modules (e.g. Java, C++, C#, Visual Basic)
1 Maths module
2 Computing modules (e.g. Cryptography, Software, Data Structures, Databases, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Web, Networks, Operating Systems)
King’s College London
MSc Advanced Computing
High 2:1 honours degree in Computer Science or a relevant quantitative discipline (such as Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, etc.), with a final mark of at least 65% or above.
Applicants should also be competent in computer programming to the level expected at the end of the first year of a BSc honours degree in Computer Science.
Computer Science conversion courses
Several good conversion courses are offered in computer science at the universities in addition to, or in place of, more advanced and specialized courses. Students with backgrounds outside of computer science can pursue postgraduate degree programme in the field through conversion courses.
Although a degree in the subject is not required, these courses typically require some prior analytical and computational thinking abilities as well as strong mathematical abilities. The entry requirements for some universities that offer master’s degrees in computer science conversion are listed below.
Qualifications necessary for admission in degree in computer science
Imperial College London
MSc Computing
1st class honours degree (or equivalent) in degree in any subject other than Computing.
University College London (UCL)
MSc Computer Science
2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a subject other than Computer Science or Information Technology. This course is intended for those new to Computer Science. Applicants should demonstrate suitable mathematical skills (to at least Mathematics A standard), analytical skills, and standard 2 computational thinking skills, as programming is a core part of the programme.
University of Bath
MSc Computer Science
1st or strong 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject. The course may not be suitable for those who have studied Computer Science before due to significant content overlap. Applicants must demonstrate evidence of relevant quantitative skills (especially algebra and calculus) either through your degree study or by alternative means.
University of Bristol
MSc Computer Science (conversion)
2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject other than Computer Science or a Computer Science related subject (such as Information Technology). Applicants should demonstrate competence in Mathematics and have at least a B grade in GCSE Mathematics , a university diploma or equivalent university level experience.
Newcastle University
MSc Computer Science
2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject except those related to Computer Science. Graduates of subject area related to Computer Science should apply for Newcastle’s ‘MSc Advanced Computer Science’ course instead.
Specialist courses in the field of Computer Science
Numerous specialist courses in various branches of computer science are offered by some universities. These won’t be referred to as “Master’s in Computer Science," but they will typically be offered by the department of computer science and request for prior experience and expertise in the field. Scientific computing, data analysis, data science, big data, business analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI technologies, AI systems, and AI development), and more are a few typical examples of the topics covered.
Applicants for specialized Computer Science courses typically need to have a strong undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a subject with a focus on mathematics. The entry requirements for some of these Master’s courses in 2023 are listed below.
Durham University
MSc in Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (MISCADA)
Specialisations available:
- Financial Technology
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Astrophysics
1st class or 2:1 bachelor honours degree (BSc) in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Engineering, or any Natural Sciences course with a strong quantitative element.
It is strongly recommended that computer science students sign up for a specialisation area that they already have a strong background in. Graduate level programming knowledge in both C and Python is required.
University of Bristol
MSc Data Science
2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, or another highly mathematical subject.
London School of Economics (LSE)
MSc Data Science
2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline that includes a substantial amount of Mathematics.
Imperial College London
MSc Artificial Intelligence
1st class degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or other degree with substantial Mathematics content.
King’s College London
MSc Artificial Intelligence
High 2:1 honours degree (with a final mark of at least 65% or above) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline (such as Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, etc.). Applicants should also have a sound background in basic Mathematics, including concepts of calculus, trigonometry, linear algebra, vectors and matrix mathematics. In addition, applicants should be competent in undergraduate level computer programming.
City, University of London
MSc Cyber Security
2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science or a related discipline with some mathematical content. Relevant industrial experience may also be considered for entry to this course.
English Language requirements compulsory for admission
If you are applying to study a Computer Science Master’s course at a UK university of technology and have not previously studied in the English language or your first language is not English, you will be required to take an English language test. The most common and widely preferred English language qualification test is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The minimum entry scores compulsory to obtain to be accepted to some of the best universities in the UK are listed below.
University IELTS Score
University of Cambridge
7.5 overall and at least 7.0 in every individual element.
University of Oxford
7.5 overall and at least 7.0 in every individual element.
Imperial College London
7.0 overall and at least 6.5 in every individual element.
King’s College London
7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in every individual element.
University of St Andrews
7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in every individual element.
University of Manchester
7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in every individual element.
UCL
7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in every individual element.
University of Southampton
6.5 overall and at least 6.0 in every individual element.
City, University of London
6.5 overall and at least 6.0 in every individual element.
University of Warwick
6.5 overall and at least 6.0 in every individual element.
Further resources and information about the subject area, related subject requirements and scholarship criteria
You must also make sure you meet the entry requirements in order to enrol in a postgraduate computer science program in the UK. Most importantly, you must complete the process and submit your application for each of your chosen universities. This will typically include writing a Master’s personal statement detailing your motivations for studying Computer Science MSc and any relevant experience and skills that make you an excellent candidate. You may also need to attend an interview with your chosen universities as part of the admissions process. Some universities have a staged admissions process in place for some programmes. Because of the staged admissions process, when you apply, your application will be considered alongside all others submitted before that deadline. More information can be found in postgraduate admissions guides:
- For more information on the application process and application deadline for Master’s Computer Science courses, check out our guide on How to apply for a Master’s degree.
- For guidance on how to write a personal statement/statement of academic purpose, read our guide on How to write a Master’s personal statement.
- For information on what a Master’s interview involves and how to prepare, read our guide on How to prepare for a postgraduate interview.
- For information on how to apply, entry requirements, and what to do after you apply. Fees and funding UK and international student finance and scholarships.
If you need help securing a first class or 2:1 degree and any other entry requirements to study a Master’s in Computer Science, our team of experts can help. Our Online Computer Science tutors have many years of experience tutoring a wide range of topics at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Our qualified tutors have command over postgraduate taught courses and dissertation writing.
In fact, 100% of our tutors have at least 2 years of teaching experience, and more than 90% have postgraduate qualifications, meaning you’ll be getting the best quality tuition to maximise your chance of receiving an offer. For a free initial consultation from our team, please contact us right away.
FAQs
Is it worth doing a Master’s in Computer Science?
A Master’s course in Computer Science can provide great benefits to your academic and professional career. Advanced and specialised Computer Science courses allow you to grow your existing knowledge and recognise skills and go into greater depth in areas you are particularly interested in, such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Financial Technology, Cyber Security, and more. Master’s level Computer Science conversion courses can allow students from other disciplines to enhance their Computer Science knowledge, opening doors to further study, scholarship and technological career paths.
Tuition fees for Computer Science Master’s courses in the UK typically cost between £20,000 to £40,000 for international students and between £12,000 to £18,000 for home students. Whether this is a worthy financial investment will depend on your current skills, your goals, and desired career path. According to data from Payscale, the average yearly base salary for MSc Computer Science graduates in the UK is £43,000.
Is a Master’s in Computer Science difficult?
The difficulty of a Computer Science Master’s course depends on what type of course it is (advanced, specialised or conversion) and which university it’s at. Conversion courses, which are intended for graduates with little to no prior knowledge of computer science, have the most in common with the material covered in undergraduate programs.
On the other hand, Advanced Computer Science Masters, as the name suggests, cover more advanced content and require an existing university level understanding of many topics and programming languages. Similarly, specialised Master’s courses such as MSc programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security build on existing Computer Science knowledge to allow students to go into greater depth in one particular area of interest.
Generally, the most competitive Computer Science master’s courses are offered by the highest-ranked universities in the UK, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, Imperial College, and others.
Is a Master’s in Computer Science better than a Bachelor’s?
An undergraduate qualification in computer science is a bachelor degree. This means that you can study it after completing A levels or an equivalent qualification at school or college. On a full-time basis, these courses are typically completed in three years.
A Master’s degree in Computer Science, on the other hand, is a postgraduate level qualification. This means that you will require an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in order to study an MSc course in Computer Science. Master’s in Computer Science are typically more advanced and can be more intensive, taking one year to complete on a full-time basis.
Whether a Master’s is better than a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science depends on what your academic and professional goals are. A Bachelor’s degree opens many career paths, and Computer Science graduates are in high demand. On the other hand, a Master’s degree may allow you to pursue more specialised careers and opens up the possibility of further study at PhD level.
How long does a Master’s in Computer Science take?
Most Master’s courses in Computer Science take one academic year to complete on a full-time basis. Some universities may allow students to study MSc Computer Science on a part-time basis over two academic years, but depending on the institution, this is not always an option.
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