Newcastle University Postgraduate programs
Advanced Computer Science MSc
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
24 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 31,700 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* no application closing date for this course
** international students | GBP 14,500 - home students full-time | GBP 7,250 - home students part-time 24 months per year
Key Summary
Our Advanced Computer Science master's provides you with training in a range of emerging computer science topics that will underpin your future career in computing.
- This Advanced Computer Science master's is suitable if you're an honours graduate in computing science. You can also be a graduate from a discipline with a significant computing component such as:
- engineering
- systems engineering
- mathematics
- We also value relevant industrial computing experience and transferable skills
We provide flexible study options so you can tailor your module choices to match your interests and skills. You can select from a wide range of taught modules in the first half of the course and then select your own focus for the final project.
Comprehensive computer science research training will help to develop your skills in computer and information systems. This provides a basis for PhD study. You'll also develop your technical and professional skills to underpin personal development and future career success.
The MSc Advanced Computer Science is demanding and rewarding. It has close links to ongoing research in the School of Computing. We have leading international research groups and three research centres focusing on a wide range of computer science fields, including:
- security and resilience
- dependable systems
- cybercrime
- cloud computing
Professional accreditation and recognition
British Computer Society (BCS)
The course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). The BCS is the chartered institute for IT. Studying for a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS upon graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.
Network of Teaching Excellence in Computer Science
The School of Computing at Newcastle University is an accredited and recognised Partner in the Network of Teaching Excellence in Computer Science.
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University - QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
What you'll learn
Topics are taught at an advanced level. The topics link closely with the research strengths of the School. This means we'll introduce you to the latest developments. You'll focus on both the theory and application of the associated techniques.
The topics covered include:
- advanced programming
- distributed algorithms
- information management
- safety and dependable systems
- security and trust
- formal modelling and system validation
- internet programming
- human factors engineering
A team project is also incorporated into the course to provide an opportunity for the development of team working skills.
Modules
You will study modules in this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Compulsory Modules
- Research Methods and Group Project in Security and Resilience 20
- Project and Dissertation for MSc in Advanced Computer Science 90
Optional Modules
- Engineering for AI 10
- System Security 10
- Distributed Algorithms 10
- Enterprise Middleware 10
- System Evaluation 10
- Cloud Computing 10
- Machine Learning 10
- Internet of Things 10
- Research Methods and Group Project in Cloud Computing 20
- The Challenge of Dependable Systems 10
- Information Security and Trust 10
- High Integrity Software Development 10
- Security Analysis of Complex Systems 10
- Advanced Programming in Java 10
- Object-oriented programming 10
- Model-Based Systems Engineering 10
If you have the necessary prerequisites you may (at the end of Semester 1) get Degree Programme Director's permission to replace Research Methods and Group Project in Security and Resilience with Research Methods and Group Project in Cloud Computing.
You're normally required to take one of the following modules:
- Advanced Programming in Java OR
- Object-oriented programming*
*If you have limited programming experience on entry, you are required to take this module option.
Our Advanced Computer Science Master's will provide you with the skills to pursue a career as a software architect or project manager. You'll also be able to undertake basic research or establish your own consulting or software development company.
Graduates from this course have undertaken various roles including:
- Big Data Engineer at Microsoft
- Bioinformatics Developer at Anthony Nolan
- Computer Programmer at Agriculture Bank of China
- Geo Technical Technician at IBM
- Blockchain Engineer at Purple Mountain Laboratories
You can study over one year full time, or two years part time, leading to the award of an MSc.