Computer Science MSc
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2025
- Duration: One year full-time / Two years full-time with one year placement / Two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Clifton Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
You will experience the analysis, design and development of computing systems solutions relevant to the computing industry. You will develop your ability to research and critically assess material and techniques relevant to a particular problem or project. Equally important, you will improve your knowledge of computer technology, architecture and digital communications as a means to developing computer-based systems in industrial and business environments.
Develop your specialism in a technologically advanced area as an independent learner who can analyse the requirements for computing applications, evaluate tools and find creative solutions.
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Take the optional work placement year and you could gain an additional qualification. -
In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science and Informatics submission was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent. -
100% of postgraduate Information Technology students who entered employment are in a 'High Skilled' role 15 months after finishing their degrees (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21)
What you’ll study
You will study six core modules and pick one optional module from two choices. If you are a part-time student, you will continue to study the second year from the modules listed below.
Core Modules
Advanced Software Engineering (20 cp)
Extend your existing programming skills and develop expertise in a variety of intelligent system engineering contexts and object-orientated program development.
Systems Analysis and Design (20 cp)
Understand the life cycle of a software process. The module introduces a number of Systems Development methodologies and associated techniques such as: Systems Analysis and Design, Data Modelling and Usability Engineering.
Service-Oriented Cloud Technologies (20 cp)
Learn the theory, practice, and advanced techniques associated with implementing large-scale distributed computing systems in Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA). Gain the necessary knowledge to design and implement enterprise-level computer applications and associated data-storage as services that can be cost-effectively deployed in scalable Cloud infrastructures.
Applied Artificial Intelligence (20 cp)
Learn about a variety of artificial intelligence methods such as machine learning, reasoning and optimisation techniques, and how they can be used to solve real-world problems in engineering, operations research and science.
Research Methods (20 cp)
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that will enhance your independent learning abilities and enable you to write effective project reports and technical papers.
Mobile Interactive Systems (20 cp)
Examine the key issues in the implementation of interactive mobile applications, and gain an appreciation of the platform design guidelines, capabilities and constraints of a variety of mobile computing technologies and applications.
Major project (60 cp)
On completion of the taught modules on this course you will then have the opportunity to undertake an MSc topic. This gives you 15 weeks to concentrate full time on a specialist area that interests you and apply what you have learnt to a specific problem.
How you’re taught
You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of software implementation, emerging technologies and large-scale computer applications. You will develop the knowledge and skills to analyse and plan a wide range of computer systems projects and carry out research in a range of advanced computing applications.
The course offers an excellent combination of theoretical studies and practical experience through coursework assignments, software development and group projects culminating in a significant and practical Masters project individually tailored to meet your career aspirations.
You will learn through:
- Lectures
- Guided reading supported by the University's virtual learning portal
- Workshops and laboratories
- Seminars
- Case studies and project work
You will be assessed by a variety of methods including:
- Research project
- Written assignment
- Case studies
- Oral presentations
- Coursework reports
Contact hours
Lectures / seminars / workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)
Careers and employability
Your career development
The industry-focused nature of this course will ensure that you stand out from the crowd when it comes to job applications and pursuing your future career. Nottingham Trent University graduates are widely respected amongst employers and our students are perceived as having the competitive edge due to the hands-on approach of our teaching.
Recent graduates have become technical specialists, support engineers and software engineers for companies such as:
- Siemens
- Schlumberger
- Rolls-Royce
Placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
The school of Science and Technology will work closely with you to help find a placement and strengthen your CV and interview techniques. You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement and submit your placement report, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice.
Please note that placements are not guaranteed and the process is competitive through an application and interview process.
If you take the sandwich route, you will take a one-year work placement after the first three terms before returning to NTU the following year to start your research project.
Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including eSparse Matrix Solutions (India), Gedling Borough Council and ENSEK. They secured varied roles such as Android Developer, Software Engineer and Public Protection Officer.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research. Students have access to specialist centres including:
- games console laboratories
- networking and security laboratories
- human-interactive technology
- stereo-projection.
Students also enjoy working with the latest software. Examples include:
- EnCase
- 3D StudioMax
- XNA Xbox development suite
- The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop)
- the Unreal and Half-life Games Engines.
Across NTU, we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research, including:
- an £8m computing and informatics building
- a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber
- a crime scene house forensic-training facility
- as well as a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A UK honours degree (2.2 minimum) or equivalent in a Computer Science or Computing related subject such as Software Engineering and Information Systems.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need:
- A UK honours degree (2.2 minimum) or equivalent in a Computer Science or Computing related subject such as Software Engineering and Information Systems.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
The course fees for September 2025 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,990 | £19,900 |
| Full-time with placement year | £9,990 + £1,850 | £19,900 + £1,850 |
| Part-time | £4,995 | £9,950* |
* For part-time study, please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Alumni discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on: +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help please contact us on: +44 (0)115 848 4460.
The course fees for September 2025 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,990 | £19,900 |
| Full-time with placement year | £9,990 + £1,850 | £19,900 + £1,850 |
| Part-time | £4,995 | £9,950* |
* For part-time study, please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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