MSc Advanced Computer Science

If you're aiming to become an expert at the very forefront of computer science, the MSc Advanced Computer Science at the University of Manchester is designed to give you an unrivalled depth of knowledge and a serious practical advantage. This programme allows you to dive into the most advanced and specialised topics, from AI and data engineering to cybersecurity and high-performance computing. You'll be learning in the home of the world's first stored-program computer, based in the Department of Computer Science, which is packed with specialist labs and has an outstanding reputation for research that shapes the future of the field.

Your learning is built around applying pioneering research to solve complex, real-world challenges:

• Specialist Research Laboratories: You will have access to our suite of specialist labs, including the Data Engineering and Science Lab, the AI and Robotics Lab, and the Cyber Security Lab. These facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology, from high-performance computing clusters to specialised hardware for secure systems and intelligent machines.

• Industry-Standard & Research Software: You will gain hands-on experience with the tools that drive global innovation. This includes data science platforms like Apache Spark and Hadoop, machine learning environments like TensorFlow and PyTorch, and professional-grade tools for software engineering, verification, and simulation.

• Research-Led Teaching & Group Projects: You'll be taught by world-leading academics from research groups like the Advanced Processor Technologies and AI groups. A core part of your experience will involve collaborative projects, tackling challenges that are directly aligned with the department's pioneering research.

• Substantial Individual MSc Project: The programme culminates in a significant six-month individual research project. This is your opportunity to work deeply on a specialist topic of your choice, often embedded within one of our active research groups, to create a substantial and impactful piece of work for your professional portfolio.

• High-Performance Computing (HPC) Resources: For projects requiring immense computational power, you will have the opportunity to utilise the University's High-Performance Computing resources, including the national-scale CSD3 facility.

Graduates of Manchester’s MSc Advanced Computer Science often move into roles such as Machine Learning / AI Engineer, Cyber Security Specialist, Data / Knowledge Engineer, or Software / Systems Architect. Because of the breadth and flexibility of the specialisms, many also go into cutting-edge R&D roles or into academic research.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are how Manchester’s programme sets you up for success — what supports you’ll have, employment & salary signals, industry connections, and longer-term value.

• University Services that Help Students to Employ:

  • Manchester has an award-winning University Careers Service that supports you with career events, interview preparation, CVs, graduate jobs, internships etc. 

  • Close relationships with employers via guest lectures, company visits, joint projects, and career fairs arranged by the School of Science & Engineering. 

  • Access to excellent facilities: computing labs, hardware library (with components, VR headsets, drones), collaborative workspaces, AV-equipment etc. These allow you to get hands-on with modern tech. 

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures:

  • According to UniversityGuru / UK Longitudinal Education Outcomes data, 15 months after graduation, the median salary for this MSc is around £33,109, rising slightly in later years. 

  • Salaries at the 3-year mark tend to be in the region of £34,635 and further up at 5 years, depending on role & specialism. 

• University–Industry Partnerships:

  • The programme offers “strong links with employers” via joint-projects, guest lectures, employer involvement in events. U

  • Manchester is named among the “most sought-after universities by Top Graduate Employers” in THE Graduate Market reports, which means employers are actively recruiting graduates from here. 

• Long-Term Accreditation Value:

  • The course is part of a Department of Computer Science that is highly rated: in the most recent national research assessment, ~99% of its outputs were “world-leading or internationally excellent,” and it received top marks for research environment. This strengthens the degree’s recognition in academia and industry. 

  • Also, selecting a pathway (e.g. AI, security, software engineering) helps you build depth, which is attractive for specialised roles. The flexibility to combine themes allows tailoring to employer needs. 

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • Graduates get doors opened in multiple sectors: finance, tech firms, consulting, gaming, healthcare, public services, etc. The degree’s advanced technical content is in demand. 

  • Many go into roles needing strong problem solving, research or hands-on technical implementation (machine learning, AI, security, data engineering) rather than just standard software dev. The project component (individual dissertation) gives you a chance to show what you can do. 

Further Academic Progression:

If after completing the MSc Advanced Computer Science at Manchester you want to continue growing or specialising, here are logical next steps:

• PhD or Doctoral Research — You’re already working with faculty who are active researchers; the project work can often be a springboard into PhD in areas like AI, cybersecurity, human‐computer interaction, computational biology, etc.

• Specialised Certifications / Continuous Learning — After your MSc, certifications aligned with your specialism (e.g. for AI/ML, cyber security, data platforms, cloud vendors) can boost your profile.

• Industry R&D or Research‐led Roles — With a strong technical background, you might join R&D departments in tech companies or work in labs that liaise with academia.

• Professional Recognition and Chartered Status — While I didn’t see a specific PSRB mentioned for this MSc, the institutional reputation, research strength, and employer recognition can help you later apply for roles or qualifications that require advanced degrees.

• Teaching / Academic Assistance — If you like academic environments, possible roles as teaching assistants, lab instructors, or involvement in supervised projects are options.