MSc in Computer Science
Southampton, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 35,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and international students | £10,400 - UK students
Enhance your understanding of computers with a master's in computer science at the University of Southampton.
This flexible programme allows you to choose modules from our master’s degrees in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cyber Security
- Data Science
- Software Engineering
- Web Science and Technology
By the end of your studies, you will have developed a set of specialised skills in several computer science disciplines. Many of our graduates become software developers, but you could also apply your talents as a consultant, project manager or technical specialist.
Computer science involves the study of computers and the design of software systems. It also informs the fundamental technologies and computing equipment of today’s connected world. At the University of Southampton, we’ve pioneered many of the most important advances in this area over the last 10 years.
We’re partnered with the Alan Turing Institute, recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security by the UK government, and our researchers helped to establish the European Data Science Academy.
Our researchers create modules based on their own research, which means you’ll get the latest insights and information from the field. We’ll give you access to specialist project labs, computer workstations and online tools to support your learning in an ideal environment.
There are 12 Electronics and Computer Science scholarships of £5,000 each, available for international students applying to study for an Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) undergraduate or postgraduate master's degree.
Find out more about the Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Global Scholarship, including eligibility and how to apply, on our website.
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2), you’ll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You’ll take exams at the end of both semesters.
You’ll begin preparing for your research project and dissertation during semester 1, and continue this work in semester 2.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
You must study the following modules:
- MSc Project and Dissertation
- Research Methods and Project Preparation
- Topics in Computer Science
You must also choose from the following modules:
- Advanced Databases
- Advanced Programming Language Concepts
- Algorithmic Game Theory
- Bayesian, Active & Reinforcement Learning
- Biometrics
- Computer Vision (MSc)
- Cryptography
- Data Economy
- Data Mining
- Data Visualisation
- Deep Learning Technologies
- Differentiable Programming and Deep Learning
- Digital Forensics
- Evolution of Complexity
- Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
- Foundations of Cyber Security
- Foundations of Data Science
- Foundations of Machine Learning (MSc)
- Image Processing
- Intelligent Agents
- Introduction to Quantum Computing
- Knowledge Graphs for AI Systems
- Machine Learning Technologies (MSc)
- Mobile Applications Development
- Natural Language Processing (MSc)
- Network and Web-Based Security
- Optimisation for Machine Learning
- Probability in Computing
- Simulation Modelling for Computer Science
- Social Media and Network Science
- Software Modelling Tools and Techniques for Critical Systems
- Software Project Management and Secure Development
- Software Security
- Web and Cloud Applications Development
Dissertation
This is an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of all relevant techniques and methods of enquiry. You will carry out a research project lasting 3 months, assessed by a 15,000-word dissertation.
The way we’ll teach you will depend on the modules you choose. Most modules involve a mixture of lectures, seminars and computer-based practical work.
You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of:
- key concepts in computer science
- specialist fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and software engineering
- the latest tools and techniques used in these specialist fields
- the most effective methods of research and enquiry in computer science
Employability Skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Networking
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Resilience
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us, you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit from your career development and progress.
Career Pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors, including: Manufacturing, Scientific and Technical, Water and Waste Management, Education, Public Administration, Defence, and Finance.
Careers directly related to this course:
- Computer scientist
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Cyber security engineer
- Technical consultant
- Technology analyst
- Web developer
- Game developer
- Systems engineer
Wider career opportunities:
- Software developer
- Data scientist
- IT project manager
- University lecturer
- Patent attorney
- IT consultant
- Investment banker
- Technical sales manager
- Cyber security specialist
Example job titles of Southampton MSc Computer Science graduates*:
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Project manager
- Algorithm researcher
- Application engineer
- Cyber security engineer
- Data analyst
- Financial data scientist
- Network engineer
Depending on the modules you take, we’ll assess your progress through a mixture of:
- exams
- lab reports
- technical reports
- design exercises
- individual and group projects
- your dissertation