MSc Computer Science

If you're looking to build a strong, comprehensive foundation in computer science, whether you're new to the field or looking to formalise your experience, the MSc Computer Science at Northumbria University is designed to get you hands-on and career-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 from the ground up. You'll be based in our modern Computer and Information Sciences building, a fantastic facility with dedicated labs that provide the ideal environment for collaborative learning and practical experimentation.

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

• 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.

• 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) like IntelliJ, database systems like MySQL, and version control with Git.

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

• Bootcamp-Style Learning for Fundamentals: The programme is specifically structured to rapidly build your programming and problem-solving skills, ensuring you develop a deep, practical understanding of object-oriented principles, data structures, and algorithms, even if you're starting from scratch.

• 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 Northumbria’s award-winning University Library, with its vast collection of computing e-books, online journals, and academic databases, as well as 24/7 access to computing facilities and study booths.

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

Here are the concrete ways this degree supports your employability, how students are helped, and what you can expect after graduating:

• University Services that Help Students to Employ:

  • The Careers & Employment Service at Northumbria offers one-to-one advice, CV / interview skills workshops, employer events, and access to job/placement boards. 

  • Facilities: you get access to state-of-the-art computing labs, dedicated IT systems available evenings & weekends, in the new Computer and Information Sciences building. This lets you practise with industry-standard tools. 

  • Learning & Academic Support: workshops for academic writing, research methods, library services, and feedback on project work. 

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures:

  • According to UniversityGuru / Unistats, graduates from the MSc Computer Science course show £21,000 as median salary about 15 months after graduation. 

  • Unemployment rate in that same period is effectively 0% for that cohort (i.e. those who are not studying further or in unknown status), showing strong employability. 

  • Also, DiscoverUni / Graduate Outcomes data shows that for computing students (in related or earlier cohorts), around 78% are in highly skilled work roles 15 months after the course. 

• University–Industry Partnerships:

  • The degree is designed in consultation with partners from industry, so modules and content are chosen to match current demand. 

  • Northumbria contributes to the Institute of Coding, a £40m collaboration across UK universities to deliver digital skills training. This provides connections, workshops, and exposure. 

• Long-Term Accreditation Value:

  • The course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meaning it partially meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. 

  • Accreditation ensures that the syllabus remains relevant to professional standards, which helps your qualification be respected by employers long term. 

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • The course opens up careers in software engineering / development, systems analysis & design, networks, database development & management, software testing, project management. 

  • Some graduates go into consultancy or set up their own small IT-consulting roles. 

  • Also, through the research-rich teaching environment, graduates develop strong transferable skills: communication, problem solving, independent learning, working in teams, critical thinking. These are valued by employers beyond just technical ability. 

Further Academic Progression:

If after completing MSc Computer Science you want to keep going academically or build even more specialism, here are possible paths:

• PhD / Doctorate in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, networks, or human-computer interaction. Northumbria has active research groups in these areas, so it’s a possible jump if you perform well.

• Specialised Professional Certifications (after graduation) in cloud technologies (AWS, Azure), cybersecurity certifications, data science/AI specialties etc., which complement the master’s and boost your employability.

• Further Postgraduate Diplomas or Short Courses: perhaps focussed topics like data analytics, cryptography, ethical hacking, IoT, etc., to deepen specific skill sets.

• Academic / Teaching Roles: If you enjoy the research side, possibility of teaching assistantships, lab supervision, or research support roles, possibly leading to academic career paths.