MSc Computer Science by Research

This research-intensive programme is designed to provide you with a deep, hands-on research experience, developing the advanced practical and analytical skills needed to tackle complex computing challenges through original investigation. You'll be based in our School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science in the Mile End campus, which houses specialised research laboratories for intelligent data analysis, cognitive science, risk and information management, and computer vision, all equipped with cutting-edge experimental hardware and software platforms. Your research journey will be powered by state-of-the-art tools and involves designing, implementing, and evaluating novel computing systems that address significant research questions.

Here's how you'll gain advanced research experience:

• Specialised Research Software & Tools: You will develop expertise with research-grade tools specific to your chosen field, which may include TensorFlow/PyTorch for machine learning research, OpenCV for computer vision, Hadoop/Spark for big data processing, or custom-built experimental frameworks.

• Original Research Project: The core of your programme is a substantial research project where you will design and execute a research plan, potentially involving system development, algorithm design, empirical studies, or theoretical investigation that creates new knowledge in your chosen area.

• Intelligent Data Analysis Lab: You may work in our data science laboratory with access to high-performance computing resources for large-scale data processing and complex computational experiments.

• Computer Vision and Multimedia Laboratory: You can utilize our specialized equipment including 3D scanners, motion capture systems, and image processing workstations for vision research.

• Risk and Information Management Research Group Facilities: You may access our resources for studying information retrieval, natural language processing, and risk modelling in complex systems.

• Cognitive Science Research Equipment: You can work with eye-tracking systems, EEG equipment, and other human-computer interaction tools for studying human cognition and behaviour.

• Research Group Integration: You will be embedded in one of our research groups, participating in lab meetings, research seminars, and collaborative sessions with fellow researchers and academics.

• Research Skills Development: You will receive training in research methods, experimental design, and academic writing, preparing you for potential further study or research-oriented roles in industry.

Graduates of QMUL’s MSc Computer Science by Research often move into roles like Research Associate, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, or AI Developer—equipped with both theoretical depth and hands-on research experience. Because this programme includes publishing a conference paper and an extended individual project, many alumni also follow into doctoral study or launch careers in research-intensive industry positions.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how QMUL helps you step up in your career and what outcomes you can expect:

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • You’ll receive strong supervision—an academic adviser guides your research project, and you’ll work within one of QMUL’s research groups (e.g. Computer Vision, Cognitive Science, Game AI, Computational Creativity). That helps you build high-quality research skills and outputs. 

  • The School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science keeps close links with industry through collaborations with companies like Google, IBM, Microsoft, BT, etc., meaning you’ll benefit from guest lectures, joint projects, and networking opportunities.

  • Employment stats and salary figures:

• • While this specific programme doesn’t list precise salary data, QMUL Computing graduates more broadly show strong early-career outcomes and roles with high technical responsibility. 

  • Also, many graduates from QMUL’s Computer Science and Data Science postgraduate programmes move into high demand fields like AI, vision, robotics, and software research. 

• University–industry partnerships (specific):

  • QMUL’s research groups are highly active: your project options include things like computer vision, cognitive science, risk & information management, game AI. These are areas with direct industry interest. 

  • There are established links and past collaborations with organisations such as Vodafone, Google, IBM, BT, NASA, BBC—connecting you with both research-led and industry-applied projects. 

• Long-term accreditation value:

  • This is a research-oriented MSc: you’ll develop solid theoretical & practical research competence, with the expectation of publishing at least one conference paper. That gives you credibility in research settings.

  • Also, successful completion opens up a route to PhD programmes or research roles in industry—so the qualification is more than academic; it’s a stepping stone to advanced professional paths. 

• Graduation outcomes:

  • You will graduate with an extended individual project that demonstrates a high level of independence, research rigour, and technical skills.

  • You’ll be able to select taught modules that align with your project specialism, amplifying your expertise in areas like computer vision, theory, cognitive science, or computational creativity. 

  • Many alumni then move into technical analyst, interactive systems developer, software developer, or other roles that combine research insight with programming or system development. 

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc by Research, you’re well positioned to continue into PhD studies in your chosen specialism—whether that’s game AI, computer vision, risk & information management, or something else you’ve explored in your project. Alternatively, many graduates move into research-focused industry roles, combining technical depth with innovation—your experience in publishing and independent research makes that transition much smoother.