MSc Computing

If you're looking to build a strong, comprehensive foundation in computing and launch a successful career in technology, the MSc Computing at Bangor University is designed to get you hands-on and industry-ready. This programme is perfect if you're coming from a different academic background, as it immerses you in the core principles of software development, programming, and modern computing practices from the ground up. You'll be based in our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, which offers a supportive learning environment with dedicated facilities to help you develop practical skills in a collaborative setting.

Your learning is built around mastering the essential, practical skills that form the foundation of a successful tech career:

• Dedicated Computing Laboratories: Your teaching will take place in our specialist computing labs, which are equipped with modern workstations and the professional software you need for programming, database management, and systems development.

• Industry-Relevant Software & Tools: From the start, you'll gain hands-on experience with key tools of the trade. This includes programming languages like Java and Python, database systems, and integrated development environments (IDEs) that are widely used in the software industry.

• Practical Project-Based Learning: A core part of your experience will be applying your skills through projects. You'll work on practical assignments and team-based tasks that simulate real-world development challenges, helping you build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your capabilities to employers.

• Collaborative Development Work: The programme includes opportunities for collaborative work, allowing you to develop teamworking and project management skills that are essential in professional software development environments.

• Individual MSc Project: The programme culminates in a substantial individual project. This is your chance to bring all your learning together to create a significant software application or conduct an in-depth investigation in your chosen area of interest.

• University Resources: You will have full access to Bangor University's library services, including its collection of computing texts, e-books, and online journals, as well as our virtual learning environment and IT support services.

This programme is your pathway into the growing tech industry. It's carefully structured to help you develop into a confident, capable computing professional, equipped with practical skills that are relevant for roles in software development, IT analysis, and technical support.

Graduates of Bangor’s MSc Computing (generalist track) frequently move into roles such as Software Developer / Engineer, Systems Analyst, Web or App Developer, Data / Information Manager, or IT Consultant. Because the programme allows students from any discipline to enter, it’s particularly strong for career changers or for those who want to add computing skills regardless of prior background.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are the concrete supports, advantages, and what you can expect upon graduating:

• University Services that Help Students to Employ:

  • Careers & Employability Service: Bangor provides guidance and workshops for CVs, interviews, job search, part-time / internship opportunities and graduate roles. 

  • Skills & Employability Service: Students can take part in the Bangor Employability Award (BEA), which helps you build additional skills and document them; the HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Report) also records extracurricular achievements that can help in job applications. 

  • Internship / Work Experience Schemes: The School runs schemes (twice a year) allowing postgraduate students to gain experience in real work settings. 

• Employment Stats and Salary Indicators:

  • Bangor’s Computing MSc is well known as a conversion/generalist master’s, enabling students without computing degrees to move into tech roles. While specific salary figures for this MSc are not widely published, the kinds of roles are in demand locally and in the UK more broadly. 

  • Because of the individual project (60 credits) and variety of modules, graduates tend to leave with a portfolio or evidence of hands-on work, which improves their employability. 

• University-Industry / Real-World Exposure:

  • Individual projects cover a wide range of real-world and research-level topics: databases, AI, virtual environments, computer graphics, pattern recognition etc. You work with module conveners to choose topics that align with current trends.

  • Modules are taught by recognised experts, and the school maintains connections with local companies / SMEs in Wales, providing exposure and local job opportunities. Bangor is regularly ranked among UK universities for employability in Computer Science. 

• Long-Term Accreditation Value:

  • The programme includes a strong component of professionalism and ethics in computing, which is increasingly valued by employers, especially in sectors handling data/privacy/security. 

  • The generalist nature allows you flexibility: you build foundational theory plus select optional modules that suit your intended career path. This means the qualification remains relevant even if industry demands shift.

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • On completion, students have solid skills: programming, software design, databases, networking, security basics, ethical/ professional awareness. Combined with a substantial individual project, that gives a “showcase” piece for employers. 

  • Graduates are typically well placed to enter the tech sector or IT roles in non-tech industries (finance, government, services) — roles requiring computing literacy, problem-solving, implementation skills.

Further Academic Progression:

If you complete MSc Computing at Bangor and want to go further, here are logical next steps:

• PhD / Research Degrees: If you enjoyed the project work, you could move into doctoral research in areas like AI, data science, computer graphics, networks, pattern recognition etc. Bangor has active research groups in many of these fields.

• Specialised Certifications / Upskilling: After the MSc, you might pursue certifications in cloud computing, cybersecurity, advanced data / ML tools, human-computer interaction, or graphics/VR if those align with your interests.

• Technical / Specialist Roles in Industry: With project work plus optional modules, you’ll be in a strong position to get roles beyond entry level — perhaps junior/mid software engineer, junior data roles, web developer, system admin, etc.

• Professional Recognition & Continued Learning: Use your MSc plus work experience to apply for professional credentials (where relevant in your country) or engage in continuous learning via MOOCs / workshops to stay current.