MSc by Research in Computer Science and Informatics

If you're driven by intellectual curiosity and want to push the boundaries of knowledge in a specific area of computing, the MSc by Research in Computer Science and Informatics at the University of Huddersfield offers a unique and focused path. This programme is fundamentally different from a taught master's; it is a research-intensive degree where you will spend your entire year conducting deep, original investigation into a challenging problem of your choice, under the expert guidance of our academic staff. You'll be embedded within our Department of Computer Science, which has a strong culture of research with impact, giving you the opportunity to contribute to the field from day one.

Your entire learning experience is built around the pursuit of original, in-depth research:

• Specialist Research Groups and Facilities: You will be based within one of our vibrant research groups, such as the Embedded Systems or Data and Knowledge Engineering groups. This gives you access to specialised laboratories, computing resources, and equipment specific to your research domain, from sensor networks to high-performance computing clusters.

• Advanced Research Software & Infrastructure: Your work will be supported by access to the specialised tools required for advanced research. This could include software for simulation and modelling, data analysis platforms, development environments for specialised programming, and other resources directly relevant to your research question.

• One-to-One Expert Supervision: The core of your experience is a close, mentoring relationship with an expert academic supervisor. You'll receive dedicated guidance throughout your research journey, from refining your proposal and methodology to analysing your results and writing your thesis.

• Research Development Programme: You will have access to the University's Graduate School, which provides a programme of workshops and training in essential research skills, including academic writing, research methodologies, project management, and presentation techniques.

• Thesis Project: The entire programme culminates in the production and defence of a substantial MSc by Research thesis. This is a significant, original contribution to knowledge that demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research at a master's level.

• Extensive University Resources: You will have full access to the University of Huddersfield’s library resources, including extensive online journal subscriptions, research databases, and dedicated workspaces for research students within the Harold Cohen Library.

This programme is your gateway to a research career, either in academia or in industrial R&D. You'll graduate with proven high-level research skills, a significant publication-ready thesis, and the expertise to tackle complex, open-ended problems in computer science.

Graduates of Huddersfield’s MSc by Research in Computer Science and Informatics typically go into roles such as Research / Development Engineer, Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer, AI or NLP Researcher, or Academic / Teaching role. Because this is a research-degree, many also use it as a stepping stone to apply for PhD programmes or to move into advanced R&D roles — both in academia and industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are the specifics of how this degree helps, what services are available, what results you can expect, and its long-term value.

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • You’ll be assigned a main supervisor (and supervisory team) who guide your research work. You’ll also engage in researcher training via the Graduate School at Huddersfield. 

  • There is a Researcher Skills Development Programme (PGR training) that includes workshops on writing for journals, thesis writing, conference participation, networking, possibly international travel. These workshops aim to build transferable skills. 

  • Access to University support services: English practice (important if you’re international), career advice, publication guidance, and resources through the Researcher Virtual Learning Environment. 

• Employment stats and salary figures:

  • Huddersfield publishes that the average salary of their postgraduates fifteen months after graduating is £36,101.44 for UK-domiciled, full-time UK postgraduate students. 

  • Also: 97% of postgraduate students go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating. 

• University–Industry Partnerships (specific):

  • The School of Computing & Engineering at Huddersfield maintains industry-relevant research in areas such as intelligent systems, visualisation, information systems, and systems engineering. 

  • Specific project examples include applied / societal research topics (e.g. learning analytics, AI-driven visualisation for sustainable urban energy performance, argument mining for legal texts) — projects which often have real-world relevance and possibly external stakeholder/partner involvement. 

• Long-Term Accreditation Value:

  • The research degree adds weight to your academic profile — it demonstrates capability in independent investigation, critical thinking, research methods, and written communication (via thesis). This is especially valuable if you are considering PhD or R&D roles.

  • Huddersfield ranks favourably in REF 2021: a high proportion of its research environment is rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”, which contributes to the reputation and value of its research qualifications. 

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • You will submit a thesis of around 25,000 words after working full-time for approx 12 months (or part-time over 2 years) on your topic. 

  • Graduates often proceed to PhD study if interested in deeper research, or take on roles requiring research skills: e.g. advanced analytics, machine learning, design of experimental systems, or roles in organisations that value research & development.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MSc by Research in Computer Science and Informatics at Huddersfield, here are logical next steps:

• PhD / Doctoral Study: Many students transition into PhD programmes, building on their MSc thesis / topic or extending their research in related fields (AI, NLP, visualisation, HCI, etc.).

• Publications & Research Contributions: If your research yields strong results, submitting papers to conferences or journals can enhance employability, especially in academia or industry R&D teams.

• Specialised Technical Skills / Certifications: Depending on your research area, acquiring or formalising skills (e.g. deep learning frameworks, data visualisation tools, statistical modelling, domain-specific toolkits) can be very beneficial.

• Industry / R&D Roles: Because many employers need people who can conduct independent research or design experiments, this MSc positions you well for roles in R&D departments, analytics teams, or technical innovation labs.

• Academic / Teaching Assistance Roles: With the research experience, you may be well placed for roles like lab tutor, teaching assistant, or part-time lecturer, especially in universities or colleges looking for staff with research capabilities.