MSc Computer Science By Research

If you're driven by a specific passion within computer science and want to pursue an in-depth, independent investigation into a challenging problem, the MSc by Research at the University of Lincoln offers a unique and focused alternative to a taught master's. This programme is a research-intensive degree where you will dedicate your entire year to conducting original research under the expert guidance of our academic staff. You'll be embedded within our School of Computer Science, which has research strengths in areas like computational intelligence, computer vision, and IoT, 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 Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems (L-CAS) or the Lincoln Social Computing Research Centre (LiSC). This gives you access to specialised laboratories and equipment, from robotics platforms and sensors to high-performance computing resources, specific to your research domain.

• 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, data analysis platforms, machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, and development environments for specialised programming.

• 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 entire research journey, from refining your proposal and methodology to analysing your results and writing your thesis.

• Research Development Programme: You will have access to training and workshops provided by the University's Doctoral School, helping you develop essential research skills in academic writing, methodologies, and project management.

• Thesis Project: The entire programme culminates in the production and examination 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 Lincoln’s library resources, including extensive online journal subscriptions, research databases, and dedicated workspaces for research students.

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 Lincoln’s MSc Computer Science by Research typically go into roles like Research / Development Engineer, Machine Learning / AI Researcher, Data Scientist in R&D, or Technology Manager / Specialist. Because the programme emphasises independent research, many also use it as a stepping stone into PhD programmes or applied innovation roles in academia or industry. 

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are how Lincoln sets this programme up to support strong outcomes, what you gain, and what strengths it has:

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • Each student is assigned a supervisory team of experienced academic staff who guide your individual research. You can propose your own topic or pick one suggested by the faculty. 

  • There is access to the School of Computer Science’s research centres/groups, like L-CAS (Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems), LoVE (Laboratory of Vision Engineering), intLab (Interactive Technologies), MLearn (Machine Learning Group). These provide both expertise and exposure to current research work. 

  • Training & development in research skills is part of the programme: you’ll be supported by the Doctoral School / Researcher Development framework in Lincoln, including skills in academic writing, presenting, project design, etc. 

  • Opportunities to publish your work and present at seminars/talks are mentioned; showing your research publicly improves credibility and networks for future jobs / academic roles. 

• Employment stats & salary figures:

  • Public sources don’t appear to list specific salary or employment statistics just for this by-research MSc.

  • What is clear: graduates who complete research-type degrees often move into roles in R&D, tech innovation, or further study. Because of the research experience, your profile tends to stand out, which can help with getting higher starting roles or entering PhD positions.

• University–industry partnerships (specific):

  • Some fully funded positions are (or have been) offered in collaboration with industry. For example a project co-operated with Samsung Electronics for developing spoken dialogue / deep learning systems. That sort of partnership gives you not just research credibility but also exposure to industry R&D practices. 

  • Because Lincoln has strengths in robotics, autonomous systems, computer vision, AI in healthcare, etc., there are likely to be industrial / applied partners interested in work in these domains. 

• Long-term accreditation value:

  • The by-research nature of the degree trains you in original investigation, scientific methods, critical thinking, experimental design, which is highly valued for any R&D, high-tech, innovation or academic track.

  • The School of Computer Science at Lincoln is building a reputation: many staff publications have been rated “international quality” or “world-leading” in recent assessments. That helps the institution’s credibility, which reflects on your degree. 

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • On completing the MSc by Research you will have produced a thesis / dissertation of significant depth in your chosen area, demonstrating ability to carry out independent research, problem-solve, and contribute new knowledge or implementations. 

  • Graduates are well placed to either continue with PhD / Doctoral studies, or to take up specialist roles in industry where deep technical or research skills are needed (AI, ML, computer vision, robotics, autonomous systems etc.).

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MSc Computer Science by Research at Lincoln, here are logical next steps:

• PhD / Doctoral Study — This is the most direct route. With your thesis, research experience, and supervisory backing, you’ll be well placed to apply for PhD programmes either at Lincoln or elsewhere.

• Publications, Conferences, Research Networking — If your research yields strong results, aim to publish papers or attend international conferences. That enhances your profile significantly for academic or R&D roles.

• Specialised Technical / Research Roles in Industry — With the skills gained (deep technical, research, experimental), you can aim for roles in R&D labs, innovation units, or specialist technical roles rather than purely production / implementation roles.

• Consultancy / High-Level Technical Advising / Tech Strategy — Because you’ll have developed expertise, you may be able to advise on technology roadmaps, research directions, or participate in strategic or policy roles in technology companies or government / health / NGOs — especially in fields like AI, data analytics, robotics, healthcare tech.

• Teaching / Academic Support Roles — With a research master’s, you may take up roles like lab instructor, tutor, or assist in supervising undergraduate project students, which can also help if you're considering a career in academia.