MSc Computer Science
Online United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 12,858 / per course *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* £12,858 UK / £13,427 International (2025-26)
Key Summary
Are you looking for a route to break into the rapidly growing computing sector? This 100% online and part-time conversion degree takes you from computer science novice to capable programmer. Throughout the course, you will explore recent trends and key developments in computer science, as well as learning essential programming languages such as Python and SQL.
This online MSc Computer Science will provide you with practical skills and technical knowledge across a range of essential computing topics and build key skills such as problem-solving, research and teamwork. When you complete this course, you will have a strong academic foundation to build your career in whichever area of computer science you want to work in.
Teaching methods
We’re a 100% online education provider, so we use a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE) to deliver our teaching, resources and assessments. Our system tracks and manages the learning process in real-time and provides you with immediate access to your learning materials. The VLE is accessible 24/7 and allows both students and tutors to actively take part in real-time conversations and live seminars.
For our MSc Computer Science, there’s no need to download different software packages – all programming languages are included within the tuition fee and all work is carried out in an online development environment.
We believe you get the most out of your time spent studying when you are kept informed of your performance, and we achieve this by:
- assessing you throughout modules rather than waiting for the end of year assessments
- showing your marks in your grade book which can be viewed whenever you log onto the virtual learning environment (VLE)
- rapid turnaround on work assessed to ensure your grade book is always up to date
- ensuring you have regular contact with your Student Support team
Assessment methods
All assessments are delivered through our virtual learning environment (VLE). There is no requirement to travel to external test centres or to sit exams! Instead, you will submit assignments through the VLE, such as written reports, discussion forum participation or reflective journal entries.
We also have a policy of ensuring that the work submitted by students is authentic – we use a well-established electronic monitoring system to check for plagiarism.
Why Essex Online?
Study online. Graduate on campus.
You will complete your studies and assessments 100% online and your qualification will be awarded by the University of Essex, an award-winning university with a 60-year heritage of teaching and research excellence and one of the top 30 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025). Upon completing your course, you will graduate with the same certificate as campus-based students – your mode of study is only mentioned on your academic transcript.
World-class academic and mentoring support
Our online tutors are leading authorities and specialists in their respective fields. They are passionate about what they teach and combine their knowledge of industry practice with high-quality academic delivery, offering you an unparalleled learning experience.
We also have a dedicated team of Student Advisers and Study Skills Advisers that will support you from your first day to graduation. They will be on hand to help and guide you as you progress through your studies. Whatever the question or issue, they will work with you to find a solution.
We're proud to be rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Rankings 2024. Our achievement, which is based on four pillars - resources, engagement, outcomes and environment - recognises our commitment to excellent online education.
There is a huge level of demand for computer science professionals and this course is designed to enable you to make a career change to this technical field. After completing your studies, you will be prepared to succeed in roles such as Software Developer, Software Engineer, Web Developer, Requirements Analyst, Network Analyst, Information System Administrator and Project Manager.
You can study the following modules on the MSc Computer Science:
- Launch into Computing (20 credits)*
- Advanced Object-Oriented Design and Programming (20 credits)
- Secure Software Development (Computer Science) (20 credits)
- Network Security (10 credits)
- Information Security Management (10 credits)
- Software Engineering Project Management (20 credits)
- Research Methods and Professional Practice (20 credits)*
- MSc Computing Project and Dissertation (60 credits)*
*These modules are core and must be passed in order to achieve the award.
- 10% Course Scholarship available for the April 2026 intake.
- Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries.
- Students residing in Africa can also enjoy a 20% scholarship for the April 2026 intake.
- Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront.
- An alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee is available if you are a previous graduate of the University of Essex or the University of Essex Online.
You don’t need to complete a separate application form for a scholarship; it’ll be applied once you’ve received your official offer letter. Please note, scholarships can’t be combined but can be used alongside our full payment discount.
Teaching methods and style
We’re a 100% online education provider, so we use a state-of-the art virtual learning environment (VLE) to deliver our teaching, resources and assessments. Our system tracks and manages the learning process in real-time and provides you with immediate access to your learning materials. The VLE is accessible 24/7 and allows both students and tutors to actively take part in real-time conversations and live seminars.
For our MSc Computer Science, there’s no need to download different software packages – all programming languages are included within the tuition fee and all work is carried out on an online development environment.
Assessment
All assessments are delivered through our virtual learning environment (VLE). There is no requirement to go to external test centres; instead you will submit written assignments through the VLE. For the few courses where exams are required, we use a virtual system which allows you to take academically rigorous exams from the comfort of your own home.
We believe you get the most out of your time spent studying when you are kept informed of your performance, and we achieve this by:
- assessing you throughout modules rather than waiting for end of year exams
- showing your marks in your grade book which can be viewed whenever you log onto the VLE
- rapid turnaround on work assessed to ensure your grade book is always up to date
- ensuring you have regular contact with your Student Support team
We also have a policy of ensuring that the work submitted by students is authentic – we use a well-established electronic monitoring system to check for plagiarism.