MComp Computer Science

If you're passionate about computer science and want to build an exceptional depth of knowledge over four years, the integrated MComp at the University of Lincoln is designed to give you a significant competitive edge. This programme goes beyond a standard bachelor's degree, blending advanced theoretical learning with extensive practical, project-led work that prepares you for high-level technical or research roles. You'll be based in our School of Computer Science, located in the heart of a city with a growing tech scene, and have access to facilities designed to support your hands-on development from the very start.

Your learning is deeply experiential, with a strong emphasis on applying your skills to complex, real-world challenges:

• Specialist Computing Laboratories: You will have access to our dedicated computing labs, including facilities for networking, cybersecurity, and robotics. These spaces are equipped with technology to support practical work in areas like ethical hacking, embedded systems, and AI.

• Industry-Standard Software & Tools: Throughout your degree, you'll gain hands-on experience with a wide array of professional tools. This includes programming environments for Java and Python, data analytics platforms, game development engines, and software for AI and machine learning.

• Major Individual Research Project: A cornerstone of your final year is a substantial research project. This is your opportunity to work closely with an academic specialist, deeply investigating a topic like AI, human-computer interaction, or secure systems, and creating a significant piece of work for your portfolio.

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

• Research-Informed Teaching: You will be taught by academics engaged in research, giving you insight into current trends and challenges in areas like computational intelligence, computer vision, and IoT.

• Extensive University Resources: You will have full access to the University of Lincoln’s Great Central Warehouse Library, with its comprehensive collection of online journals, databases, and specialist texts, alongside 24/7 access to computing facilities.

This integrated master's is designed to create highly skilled computer scientists. You'll graduate with a master's-level qualification, a portfolio of advanced practical experience, and the proven ability to tackle complex computing problems, making you highly valued by top employers and PhD programmes.

Graduates from Lincoln’s MComp Computer Science often move into roles such as Software Developer / Engineer, Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Platform Engineer, or IT Analyst. Because this is an integrated master’s degree that includes higher-level modules, optional placements, and modern topics (AI, robotics, mobile/dev etc.), many leave with strong applied skills and are well-positioned to secure mid-level technical roles or progress into research.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are how Lincoln supports you, what outcomes you can expect, and what makes this programme valuable long-term:

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • University of Lincoln’s Careers & Employability Service offers one-to-one careers guidance, workshops (CVs, interviews, industry preparation), job fairs, employer networking and reflective practice. 

  • The degree has an optional placement year, giving you the chance to gain real-world industry experience. 

  • Specialist equipment and labs for computing (e.g. high-performance PCs with GPUs, robotics kits, VR / mobile / IoT hardware) support hands-on projects, which help build portfolios employers like to see. 

• Employment stats & salary figures:

  • Median salary ~ £28,500 around 15 months after graduation. 

  • Unemployment (neither working nor studying) around 7% at 15-months post-graduation for this course. 

  • After a few years, typical salaries tend to increase: the data shows ~ £33,500 at around 5 years post-graduation (varies by role, location, and tech specialism). 

• University-Industry Partnerships / Real-World Skills:

  • The course offers industry-recognised certification opportunities (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Azure AI Fundamentals), and via the Microsoft Learn for Educators programme so you can get certifications at no extra cost. 

  • Emphasis on cutting-edge topics: artificial intelligence, machine learning, mobile application development, robotics. Also options for modules like cyber security, image processing, graphics etc. That means you are engaging with what sectors are demanding. 

• Long-Term Accreditation Value:

  • The course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, which is a strong plus for professional recognition in the UK and often globally.

  • Because it is an integrated master’s (MComp), you get master-level modules in addition to undergraduate level — so you leave with a more advanced qualification that shows both breadth and some depth.

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • Graduates of this degree work in many sectors: finance, healthcare, telecommunications, energy, cyber-security etc. Some have gone to big employers such as McLaren, Barclays, BT, Sky, CGI, Google, Accenture, Microsoft etc., 

  • Roles include but aren’t limited to: software developers, platform engineers, data scientists, IT analysts, and cybersecurity experts. Some graduates remain at Lincoln for further academic work or technical support/research roles. 

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MComp Computer Science at Lincoln, here are some logical paths to continue growing:

• PhD / Doctoral Research: If you enjoy the research-type modules or your project/dissertation, pursuing a PhD in areas like AI, machine learning, robotics, cybersecurity etc. is quite viable. The MComp gives you exposure & credibility for that route.

• Specialised Certifications & Continuous Learning: Afterwards, you could pursue further certifications (cloud computing, advanced ML/AI frameworks, security credentials) to deepen specialist skills.

• Industry Specialist / Lead Technical Roles: With the integrated master’s level plus optional placement + certifications, you’ll be in good shape for more senior technical roles — e.g. lead engineer, technical architect, or roles that demand mastery of both theory and practice.

• Consultancy, R&D / Innovation: You could join research & development teams (industry or academia), or roles that involve designing new technologies or solving advanced technical problems.

• Teaching or Academic Staff Roles: If academia appeals, you may take roles such as lab instructor, teaching assistant, or support technical / research work, especially after gaining strong performance during the MComp project.