MSc Computer Science

The MSc in Computer Science at Swansea is specifically designed for students who are new to the field, meaning your journey here will be intensely hands-on and practical from the very first module. You'll quickly build a robust foundation in core programming and software development, learning by doing in our state-of-the-art Computational Foundry. This isn't just about learning to code; it's about gaining the practical, problem-solving skills and technical confidence to launch a successful career in tech.

Your learning experience is built around applying fundamental skills in a real-world context:

• Immersion in a World-Class Facility: Your primary learning environment is the £32.5 million Computational Foundry, a purpose-built hub where you'll study in collaborative spaces and computer labs equipped with modern technology.

• Foundation in Key Software & Tools: You will gain hands-on experience with essential programming languages and development environments that form the bedrock of the software industry, building a strong, practical skillset from the ground up.

• Collaborative Group Projects: A core part of your development will involve team-based projects, designed to mirror a professional software development environment. This is where you'll learn to collaborate, manage code, and deliver a product as part of a team.

• Access to Specialist Resources: As part of the wider University, you will have full access to the extensive resources of the Library and Information Centre, including its vast collection of computing texts, academic journals, and online databases to support your learning.

• Industry-Informed Curriculum: The programme is shaped by industry needs, ensuring the core skills you develop—in software engineering, programming paradigms, and systems design—are directly relevant and highly sought after by employers.

This programme is your launchpad into the world of computing. It’s structured to transform you into a capable and confident practitioner, ready to take on roles in software development, technical analysis, and beyond.

Graduates from Swansea’s MSc Computer Science frequently move into roles like Software Developer, Web Developer, Systems Engineer, or IT Developer—even if they come from non-computing backgrounds. Because the course combines strong theoretical foundations with a big individual project and up-to-date labs (via the Computational Foundry), many find themselves well prepared for high responsibility roles or further study soon after finishing.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Swansea equips you, and what you can expect after graduating:

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • You’ll learn in top-notch facilities: the Computational Foundry on Bay Campus offers a Vision & Biometric Lab, Cyber Security/Networking Lab, Maker Lab, User Lab, Visualisation Suite, and more. These give you hands-on exposure to real tech and tools. 

  • Academic support includes 1-to-1 tutoring, peer mentoring, and help from the Centre for Academic Success. Also, Swansea has Career & Employability services that run workshops, employer talks, fairs and provide guidance & advice. 

• Employment stats and salary figures:

  • The course is a “conversion” MSc: designed so students with limited previous computing experience can still complete and gain the skills needed. 

  • Recent Swansea Computer Science and related graduates have gone into roles at companies such as Motorola Solutions, CGI Group, NS Technology, and many more. 

  • The BSc/MSci Computer Science undergraduate outputs show that ~92% of graduates are in either work or further study 15 months after graduating. This suggests strong employability from Swansea’s Computer Science School. 

• University–Industry partnerships (specific):

  • Lecturers and research staff are engaged in active research in areas like cybersecurity, networks, big data, web app development, crypto & privacy. These links ensure what you learn is relevant — often aligned with what industry is asking for. 

  • Graduates’ destinations show that Swansea students have been hired by a variety of respected employers: CGI, NS Technology, Motorola Solutions, Irwin Mitchell, Crimson Consultants, amongst others. 

• Long-term accreditation value:

  • Swansea’s Department of Computer Science is part of a research-led environment with high REF scores: 100% “world-leading and internationally excellent” in research impact in REF 2021. That means your degree will carry credibility in both research and industry. 

  • The programme includes a substantial project (60 credits) which is often a major showcase of technical and independent work. Employers often value this kind of evidence of capability. 

• Graduation outcomes:

  • You’ll graduate able to do both practical implementation (programming, web apps, databases, software engineering) and theory (algorithms, security, efficiency etc.) with good exposure to current tools and labs. 

  • Graduates are likely to find roles such as Software Developer, Workflow Developer, IT Developer, Web Support, Programmer, or related positions—often with minimal delay after finishing. 

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Computer Science at Swansea, you have strong options to continue:

• You could pursue PhD study in areas you specialise in during your project—such as cybersecurity, networks, algorithms, or data systems—leveraging Swansea’s research groups and labs.

• Alternatively, you might move into R&D or technical roles in industry, where you build on your MSc experience, maybe taking on leadership or specialised technical paths.

• You might also pursue professional certifications or short courses (e.g. cloud computing, security, big data) to deepen niche skills or shift into specific tech sectors.