Msci Computer Science with an Industrial Year

This integrated Master's programme is designed to create exceptional computer science professionals by combining advanced academic study with invaluable real-world industry experience. You'll begin by developing your technical foundation in our outstanding facilities in the School of Computer Science, which houses advanced computing laboratories, AI research equipment, and high-performance computing resources. Your third year will be spent on a paid industrial placement with one of our partner organisations, where you'll apply your skills in a professional setting before returning to complete your advanced Master's level research project.

Here's how you'll gain exceptional practical and professional experience:

• Industrial Placement Year: You'll spend your third year on a salaried placement with leading technology companies, software houses, or research departments, applying academic learning to real-world projects and developing professional competencies.

• Industry-Standard Development Tools: You'll gain proficiency in professional programming environments and tools including Java, Python, Git, and specialized software relevant to your placement role and final year project.

• Advanced Computing Laboratories: You'll work in our dedicated computing labs equipped with modern development environments, specialized hardware, and research equipment for complex computing projects.

• AI and Machine Learning Facilities: You'll have access to our robotics laboratory, GPU clusters, and machine learning platforms for developing intelligent systems and algorithms.

• High-Performance Computing Access: You'll use our advanced computing resources for computationally intensive projects in data science, computer vision, and distributed systems.

• Professional Development Support: You'll receive dedicated assistance from our Careers Network to secure your industrial placement, including CV workshops, interview practice, and access to our partner network.

• Final Year Research Project: You'll undertake a substantial research and development project in your fourth year, informed by the professional experience gained during your industrial placement.

• Industry Connections: You'll benefit from our school's strong industry links, with opportunities to work on real-world briefs and establish professional networks during your placement year.

Graduates from Birmingham’s MSci Computer Science with Industrial Year programme regularly step directly into roles such as software engineer, systems architect, AI developer, or cyber-security specialist. With graduates earning a median salary of £35,000 within 15 months and 90% in employment or further study by that time, you're entering the world with skills, clarity, and confidence. Impressively, around 85% report using what they learned in their current roles—highlighting the course’s workplace relevance.
 

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Birmingham equips you to excel from Day 1 through to your professional launch:

• University Services to Boost Employability

  • A dedicated Computer Science Careers Officer will guide you through everything from CV crafting to interview readiness and networking sessions. You’ll also have access to Birmingham’s wider Careers Network—with drop-in hubs and tailored workshops to boost your industry readiness.
     

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures

  • 90% of graduates are employed or pursuing study 15 months after graduation, with a median salary of £35,000—a strong return on investment.

  • Graduates also value their degree in practice: 85% report using what they've learned in their current roles, and 85% say the course helped develop skills they’ll need long term.
     

• University–Industry Partnerships

  • The industrial placement year (Year 3) offers full-time, salaried roles working on real, technical projects—often ending in employment with that same employer. It’s your chance to connect theory with practice in sectors like AI, robotics, cybersecurity, or software design.
     

• Long-Term Accreditation Value

  • The programme is fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), equipping you with the academic foundation for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) status—providing stronger career mobility and recognition.
     

• Graduation Outcomes

  • You’ll graduate stronger, with academic mastery, hands-on experience, professional guidance, and accreditation. Roles in software engineering, data systems, machine learning, or infrastructure design will be within easy reach—with both credibility and experience on your side.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your MSci with an industrial year, you’re academically and professionally positioned for advanced pathways. Many graduates progress into PhD research—in areas such as AI, algorithm design, or systems engineering—either at Birmingham or globally. Alternatively, you're perfectly placed to continue into leadership or specialist tech roles in industry, building on your charter qualifications and real-world experience.