MSc Computer Science

If you're looking to build a strong, comprehensive foundation in computer science and launch a successful career in the heart of a major tech hub, the MSc Computer Science at Manchester Metropolitan University is designed to get you hands-on and industry-ready. This programme is perfect for converting from another discipline, as it immerses you in the core principles of software development, programming, and systems design. You'll be based in our modern facilities right in the centre of Manchester, a city with a thriving digital sector, giving you unparalleled access to industry networks and opportunities.

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

• Industry-Standard Software & Tools: From day one, you'll gain hands-on experience with the essential tools of the trade. This includes programming languages like Java and Python, integrated development environments (IDEs), database systems, and version control with Git in our dedicated computing labs.

• Dedicated Computing Laboratories: Your teaching will take place in our specialist computing labs, which are equipped with high-specification PCs and all the professional software you need for programming, database management, and web development.

• Collaborative Team Projects: A key part of the Manchester Met experience is working on team-based software projects. You'll apply practical methodologies to design, develop, and deliver software solutions in a team, mirroring the collaborative environment of a professional development studio.

• Structured Learning for Fundamentals: The programme is specifically structured to build your programming and problem-solving skills from the ground up, ensuring you develop a deep, practical understanding of object-oriented principles, data structures, and algorithms.

• Individual MSc Project: The programme culminates in a substantial individual project. This is your chance to bring all your new skills together to create a significant software application or conduct a focused investigation, resulting in a major portfolio piece to demonstrate your capabilities to employers.

• Extensive University Resources: You will have full access to Manchester Met’s library services, with its vast collection of computing e-books, online journals, and academic databases, as well as access to computing facilities and study spaces.

This programme is your launchpad into the tech industry. It's carefully crafted to transform you into a confident, capable, and industry-ready software professional, equipped to take on roles in software engineering, web development, and technical analysis.

On completing MMU’s MSc Computer Science, many graduates go into roles such as Software Developer / Engineer, App Developer / Web Developer, Software Tester / Quality Assurance Engineer, or Programmer / Backend Developer. Because of the option of industry-placement and strong project work, many hit the ground running, gaining relevant experience early on and becoming competitive in both local and international job markets.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are the specific ways this programme supports you, what kind of stats and accreditations it has, and how that translates into job-readiness:

• University Services that Help Students to Employ:

  • MMU’s Department of Computing & Mathematics works in tandem with the University Careers Service. From the moment you join, you get career & employability advice, workshops (CV, interviews, job search), plus support for up to three years after graduation. 

  • Optional placement year: there is an option to do a year in industry (placement) which gives real-world experience and helps bridge theory to practice.

  • Access to modern learning & lab facilities: part of a large investment to improve science & engineering campus (Dalton building etc.), new computing labs, specialist studio/workspace that allows practical & group work.

  • Accreditation & Industry Links:

• • The MSc Computer Science at MMU is accredited by BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT), which gives you professional recognition and credibility with employers. 

  • Part of the Institute of Coding (IoC), which means access to shared national computing labs, partnerships, and being part of efforts to build strong digital and computing skills in the UK. 

• Employment Stats & Salary / Outcomes Indicators:

  • While specific salary numbers for this particular MSc are not fully published, the university’s listings say graduates have gone to work with organisations like Barclays, Autotrader, RealTime Dispatch etc. as developers, testers, app/w web developers etc. 

  • The Complete University Guide listing indicates a good graduate prospects score for MMU’s Computer Science offering, suggesting that many graduates secure suitable work after the course. 

• Graduation Outcomes / What You Leave With:

  • By the end of the programme, you gain both theoretical understanding and practical skills in modern computing: advanced programming, software development, possibly modules in AI, data, networks etc. Plus, with the project component you’ll have built something you can show to employers. 

  • Graduates are often well-prepared for roles in both public & private sectors, and many find jobs locally in Manchester’s large tech / digital sector. 

Further Academic Progression:

Here’s how you could continue after your MSc at MMU:

• PhD / Doctoral Research: If you enjoy the research / project part of your master’s, you could apply for PhD programmes (either at MMU or elsewhere). This is particularly feasible if you did strong project work or publications during the MSc.

• Specialised Certifications / Postgraduate Short Courses: After the master’s, you could deepen niche technical skills (cloud, security, AI/ML, data pipelines etc.) via professional certifications (AWS, Azure, Cisco, etc.) or short training.

• Professional Recognition: Because of the BCS accreditation, you’ll be in a position to apply for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status or similar professional credentials, which improves employability and status.

• Industry / R&D Roles or Innovation Projects: With project experience + optional placement, many graduates are ready to take on roles in R&D teams, innovation labs, or work in companies pushing new tech (startups etc.).

• Teaching / Academic Roles: If you prefer academia, possibilities include teaching assistantships, lab supervision, or collaborating on research projects with faculty, especially if your MSc has a strong research component.