MSci Computer Science

The MSci Computer Science at the University of Exeter is a unique four-year integrated master's programme designed to give you an exceptional depth of knowledge and a significant competitive edge. It's more than just a degree; it's an immersive experience that blends advanced theoretical learning with extensive practical, research-led projects. You'll be based in our state-of-the-art facilities, working alongside world-leading academics on real-world challenges, preparing you for high-level roles in industry or cutting-edge research.

Your learning is deeply experiential, with a strong emphasis on applying your skills to complex problems:

• Specialist Research Laboratories: You will have access to our specialist labs and research spaces, including those dedicated to intelligent systems, cryptography, and robotics. These spaces are equipped with technology like Oculus Rift VR headsets, Raspberry Pis, and humanoid robots for practical experimentation.

• Industry-Standard Software & Tools: Throughout your degree, you'll gain hands-on, practical experience with a wide array of professional tools and languages. This includes environments for AI and machine learning like TensorFlow, data analysis tools, and modern software development kits.

• Major Individual Research Project: A cornerstone of your fourth year is a substantial research project. This is your opportunity to work one-on-one with an academic specialist, deeply investigating a topic of your choice and contributing to the field, which provides an incredible talking point for your CV and interviews.

• Group Projects & Collaborative Work: The programme emphasises teamwork through collaborative projects that simulate a professional software development environment. You'll learn to manage codebases using systems like Git and apply Agile methodologies to deliver a complex product as part of a team.

• Research-Led Teaching & Institutes: You will be taught by and work with researchers from groups like the Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, giving you direct exposure to current challenges and breakthroughs in areas like data science, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.

• Extensive Library & Computing Resources: You will have full access to the University’s Forum Library and its comprehensive collection of online journals, databases, and specialist texts, alongside 24/7 access to dedicated computer workrooms.

This integrated master's is designed to create specialists and future leaders in computer science. You'll graduate with a master's-level qualification, a portfolio of advanced practical experience, and the proven research skills that are highly valued by top employers and PhD programmes alike.

As a graduate of the MSci Computer Science at Exeter, you’ll be well placed for roles like Software Engineer, Data Scientist, AI / Machine Learning Engineer, Systems Architect, or Research & Development roles. Because the programme includes both advanced technical training and chances for professional development (e.g. summer placements), many alumni move quickly into highly skilled positions across tech, science, finance, and public sector industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Exeter helps you build a strong foundation for your career—and what outcomes you can expect:

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • Exeter’s Career Zone and Student Employability & Academic Success (SEAS) offer dedicated career consulting, workshops (CV, interview skills), mock interviews, and regular employer-events; they are ranked among the top in the UK for quality of support. 

  • The MSci course offers summer placement opportunities to get industry exposure early. 

  • There is a dedicated Careers Consultant for Computer Science students, plus careers fairs and employer engagement starting from early years, which helps students make informed decisions about modules and careers. 

• Employment stats and salary figures:

  • The MSci in Computer Science at Exeter is part of courses where graduate prospects are very strong: the Complete University Guide places Exeter “joint 12th for graduate prospects” for Computer Science, with approximately 94% of graduates going into employment or further study. 

  • According to Longitudinal Education Outcomes (UK data), median salary of Computer Science graduates 15 months after graduation is about £29,821. 

• University–industry partnerships (specific):

  • Exeter maintains excellent links with several industry partners: IBM, The Met Office, NATS, and Motorola are all named as collaborators in teaching and module design.

  • The programme is research-informed and Exeter is a partner with the Alan Turing Institute, meaning you learn in an environment keeping pace with cutting-edge developments. 

• Long-term accreditation value:

  • The MSci Computer Science degree at Exeter is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Chartered IT Professional status. It is also accredited by BCS on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purpose of fully meeting academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng). 

  • These accreditations enhance the professional recognition of your degree, especially when seeking roles in regulated industries or where chartered status matters.

• Graduation outcomes:

  • When you graduate, you’ll have done substantial project work: an individual project in your third year, and a final‐year individual research project plus a group development project. That gives you strong evidence of technical ability, problem solving, software design, testing, and application. 

  • Employers value Exeter graduates as problem solvers who are both practical and theoretically grounded. Graduates are known to work in public and private sectors, in software, health tech, communications, education, life sciences, finance, and manufacturing. 

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSci Computer Science, you have several routes you can take to deepen or expand your expertise:

• You could pursue PhD research in areas of specialisation (for example AI, machine learning, nature-inspired computation, systems theory) at Exeter or at other research-intensive universities.

• If you prefer an industry path, your degree and accreditation prepare you for senior technical or specialist roles; you might also take specialist certifications or short courses to enhance skills in areas like cybersecurity, data engineering, or cloud systems.

• Optionally, if interested in interdisciplinary work, there may be opportunities bridging computer science with mathematics, life sciences, or other fields (especially given Exeter’s strengths in cross-disciplinary research).