MSc Computer Science (Conversion)

This programme is expertly designed to build your practical computing skills and confidence from the ground up, creating a solid pathway into the tech industry regardless of your previous academic background. You'll have access to our excellent facilities in the Merchant Venturers Building, home to the School of Computer Science, where you'll use modern computing laboratories, dedicated project spaces, and specialist software to develop core programming and development skills. This supportive, hands-on approach ensures you gain the practical experience and technical understanding needed to launch a successful career in software development, data science, or other tech fields.

Here’s how you’ll develop your practical computing skills:

• Industry-Standard Software & Tools: You'll gain proficiency in essential professional tools and languages including Java and Python for programming, Git for version control, SQL for databases, and modern web development frameworks.

• Bristol Software Projects: A key feature of your degree is the series of practical programming projects where you'll work individually and in teams to design, build, and test software applications, developing crucial development and collaboration skills.

• Object-Oriented Programming Laboratory: You will work in our dedicated computing labs, equipped with modern development environments and tools for learning core programming concepts and software design principles.

• Database and Web Laboratory: You'll use our specialised computing facilities to develop database-driven web applications, gaining full-stack development experience.

• Algorithms and Data Structures Practicals: You'll implement and test fundamental algorithms and data structures in our computing laboratories, understanding their practical performance characteristics.

• Group Software Engineering Project: You'll collaborate on a significant software development project, following industry-standard agile methodologies and version control practices.

• Academic Support: You'll receive dedicated support from tutors who specialise in helping students from diverse backgrounds transition successfully into computer science.

• Tech Industry Connections: The programme includes opportunities to connect with tech industry partners and alumni, providing insight into current software development practices and career pathways.

As a conversion student at Bristol, you’ll launch into vibrant tech careers in roles like software developer, web engineer, data analyst, or systems architect. This one-year programme builds strong fundamentals in programming (C, Java), system design, and software engineering—and serves as your passport to careers in computing or pathways toward research and specialization.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Bristol prepares you for your next step:

• University Services to Boost Employability
  You’ll complete a feature-rich individual summer project, putting theories into practice and delivering a portfolio-ready piece of work in software development or research settings—fully supported by tutors and ideal for interviewing or doctoral applications.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures
  About 90% of conversion MSc students are working or studying 15 months after graduating, while only 10% are not in employment or further study.
  Median salaries start around £25,600 at 15 months, rising gradually to around £29,500 by year five—reflecting growing experience and industry value.

• University–Industry Partnerships
  The curriculum draws on leading-edge research by Bristol’s Department of Computer Science, ranked 12th in the UK for the subject and known for innovation—ensuring exposure to both academic strength and real-world tech applications.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value
  While not of the kind accredited by professional engineering councils, this master’s has high academic standing. Bristol’s strong reputation in computing supports further study or leadership roles in software, tech, and data science sectors.

• Graduation Outcomes
  You’ll graduate ready for tech roles—with a solid foundation in computing principles, practical coding, software design, and project execution. Your conversion MSc opens doors into industry—or a springboard to specialized MSc or PhD study.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you’ve completed this MSc and laid your technical foundation, you’re well equipped to branch into advanced academic study. Many students pursue PhDs in Computer Science or specialist master’s tracks (e.g., AI, Data Science) to deepen expertise or transition into research-intensive roles.