MSc Computer Science or Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)

If you're looking to build a powerful and specialised skill set in computer science, the MSc programmes at the University of Nottingham offer you a fantastic choice: a broad-based advanced degree or a focused route into the world of Artificial Intelligence. Both options are designed to give you a deep, practical, and research-informed advantage, preparing you for a successful career at the forefront of technology. You'll be based at our Jubilee Campus, a stunning environment and a recognised hub for tech and innovation, which provides the perfect backdrop for cutting-edge learning and collaboration.

Your learning is built around applying advanced theory to real-world challenges, with exceptional resources to support you:

• Specialist Laboratories and Facilities: You will have access to our state-of-the-art computing labs within the purpose-built Sir Peter Mansfield Building and the Computer Science building. These include specialised facilities for high-performance computing, robotics, and human-computer interaction research.

• Industry-Standard & Research Software: You will gain hands-on experience with the tools that drive innovation. This includes programming environments for Java and Python, data science platforms, and for the AI pathway, deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

• Research-Led Teaching: You'll be taught by academics from research groups like the Intelligent Modelling and Analysis Group and the Computer Vision Laboratory, ensuring your learning is directly informed by the latest advancements in the field.

• Collaborative and Individual Projects: A core part of your experience will be practical project work. You'll tackle challenges through team-based activities and a significant individual MSc project, allowing you to specialise deeply in an area like software engineering, machine learning, or data analytics, creating a major portfolio piece.

• AI Specialisation Pathway: If you choose the AI route, you'll dive into modules like machine learning, intelligent systems, and computer vision, applying your skills in these focused areas using our specialist resources.

• Extensive University Resources: You will have full access to the University of Nottingham’s libraries, with its vast collection of computing databases, e-journals, and academic texts, alongside 24/7 access to computing facilities.

These programmes are your gateway to becoming a specialist in your chosen field. You'll graduate not just with advanced theoretical knowledge, but with the proven, practical ability to develop sophisticated computing solutions, making you a highly competitive candidate for roles in software engineering, data analysis, AI development, and more.

Graduates of Nottingham’s MSc Computer Science (or the AI-pathway) often go into roles such as AI / Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, Software Developer / Engineer, or Cybersecurity / Autonomous Systems Specialist. Because the degree includes a research/dissertation component and offers conversion for non-CS backgrounds, many are able to transition into high-skilled tech roles or further study with strong readiness.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are specifics of how the programme works in your favour, what kind of stats are public, and long-term value:

• University Services that Help Students to Employ:

  • The degree includes an individual research project (60 credits) supervised by expert researchers; many projects are in collaboration with industry/public sector.

  • Nottingham provides conversion pathways: if you don’t have a prior computer science degree, there are compulsory modules to build up core topics like programming, networks etc., so you can catch up.

  • The Careers & Employability Service supports students with job-/internship search, networking, interview advice etc. The university is among those highly targeted by top employers. 

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures:

  • 96.4% of postgraduate students from the School of Computer Science secured work or further study within six months after graduation. 

  • Average annual salary for graduates (home-based) is approx £30,100 after completing the MSc. 

  • For the broader Computer Science graduates (UK undergraduates etc.), 15-month median salary is ~ £32,000, with typical range ~ £26,000-£39,000. 

• University–Industry Partnerships:

  • Many dissertation/research projects are done in partnership with external organisations. Past projects have included topics like privacy in autonomous vehicles, virtual moral dilemmas, keystroke prediction via audio side channels etc.

  • Optional modules / specialist tracks include machine learning, autonomous robotics, human-AI interaction etc., which align with current industry demand. 

• Long-Term Accreditation Value:

  • Nottingham is very strong in research: 98% of its research is classed as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” in REF 2021. This adds reputation value to your degree. 

  • The AI pathway certification (i.e. graduating as MSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)) lets you specialize, which helps for roles that explicitly require AI skills. Graduation Outcomes:

• • 15 months after graduation, ~90% of graduates are in highly skilled work. 

  • The programme’s flexibility (conversion option, AI path) means students come from different backgrounds but generally end up employed in areas related to their studies: software/AI/ML/data/cybersecurity. 

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this MSc at Nottingham, these are some natural paths you could take:

• PhD / Doctoral Study: If you enjoyed the project/dissertation, you can apply for PhD work in specialisms such as machine learning, robotics, human-AI interaction, cyber-physical systems, etc. The research supervision environment at Nottingham is well regarded.

• Specialized Certifications / Training: Certified skills in AI/ML frameworks, security, cloud platforms, robotics etc., will deepen your employability in specific roles.

• Industry R&D or Technical Specialist Roles: With the dissertation project (especially ones involving external partners) plus AI specialization, you are well placed for research & development roles in tech firms, startup projects, or specialist roles that combine theory and practice.

• Professional Recognition: Depending on your home country or future work location, the “AI” specialization plus relevant experience helps when applying for roles or certifications that emphasize AI / ML / data credentials.