MSc Computer Science or Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) (2-year)

If you're passionate about technology and want to build a comprehensive foundation in computer science—with or without an AI specialism—the two-year MSc programme at the University of Nottingham is designed to give you both the academic depth and the practical experience to launch a successful career. This extended programme is ideal if you're coming from a different discipline, as your first year is dedicated to mastering the core principles of programming, software development, and systems design. You'll then have the choice to continue with a broad Computer Science focus or specialise in Artificial Intelligence in your second year, all while gaining invaluable hands-on experience. You'll be based in the Jubilee Campus, a stunning environment and a recognised hub for tech and innovation, providing the perfect backdrop for your studies.

Your learning is a powerful blend of intensive academic study and practical application:

• Foundational Year for Core Skills: The first year acts as an intensive bootcamp, where you'll rapidly build a solid practical foundation in programming (using languages like Java and Python), software engineering, databases, and computer systems. This ensures you are fully prepared for the advanced master's-level content in your second year.

• Specialist AI Pathway Option: In your second year, you can choose to specialise in Artificial Intelligence, diving into modules like machine learning, intelligent systems, and computer vision, and using tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch in our dedicated labs.

• Extensive Project Work: A core part of your experience will be collaborative software development projects that mirror an Agile workplace. The programme culminates in a significant individual MSc project in your second year, allowing you to apply all your skills to a substantial piece of work for your portfolio.

• Industry-Standard Facilities: You will learn in our specialist computing laboratories, which are equipped with high-specification PCs and all the professional software you need, from integrated development environments (IDEs) to data science platforms.

• Research-Informed Teaching: You'll be taught by academics with research strengths in areas like AI, computer vision, and human-computer interaction, ensuring your learning is relevant and cutting-edge.

• Extensive University Resources: You will have full access to the University of Nottingham’s libraries, with vast collections of computing e-books, online journals, and academic databases, as well as 24/7 access to computing facilities.

This two-year structure is your ideal launchpad into the world of computing. It's meticulously designed to transform you into a confident, capable, and industry-ready graduate, equipped with a robust portfolio of work and a specialism (if you choose it) that demonstrates your skills to employers.

Graduates from Nottingham’s 2-Year MSc Computer Science / AI often take up roles like Machine Learning / AI Engineer, Data Scientist / Research Engineer, Software Developer / Systems Architect, or Security / Autonomous Systems Specialist. Because the programme includes a full year (or more) of research-project work, students leave with both deep technical expertise and strong research experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are the concrete supports, outcomes, and long-term value of this degree:

• University Services that Help Students to Employ:

  • Nottingham offers module options and pathways for students without a prior computer science/programming background, so you can come in even if your undergrad wasn’t CS. They help you build up the foundational knowledge. 

  • There is strong supervision: the research project/dissertation in year two is supervised by faculty who are active researchers. Some projects are in collaboration with external organisations or industry.

  • Facilities: Jubilee Campus has modern labs ( >100 PCs with Windows & Linux), a dedicated library, Apple Macs lab (for AR / iOS / digital media work), good computing resources. 

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures:

  • According to Nottingham’s data, 100% of postgraduate taught students from the School of Computer Science secured graduate-level employment or further graduate study within 15 months of graduation. 

  • Average annual salary for those graduates was around £30,100 for home graduates in the UK. 

  • For related Computer Science courses (e.g. undergraduate / “with Industry”), typical earnings 15 months after graduation are approx £34,000, with typical ranges between £29,500-£41,000. 

• University–Industry / Research Partnerships:

  • Research-led modules and the dissertation allow you to engage in cutting-edge topics: machine learning foundations, neural networks, information security, robotics, etc. Some students collaborate with external / public sector / industry partners. 

  • The AI pathway includes compulsory AI-specialised modules if you choose that track; this gives focus, credibility, and relevance to industry demands. Long-Term Accreditation / Value:

• • University of Nottingham is a research-intensive institution: 98% of its research is classed as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2021) — this boosts the academic reputation of the MSc. 

  • The course is designed for both technical depth (e.g. proofs / types / verification; advanced AI modules) and project/dissertation work, which helps not just for immediate jobs but also if you apply to R&D roles or further academic work. 

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • Graduates are well-prepared for “advanced software development” roles especially where reliability, performance, or correctness matter (e.g. software engineering, systems, AI/ML, security). 

  • Many use the research experience to apply for PhDs. For those leaning academic / R&D, the dissertation year is a strong foundation. 

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the 2-Year MSc in Computer Science or Computer Science (AI) at Nottingham, here are the logical next steps:

• PhD / Doctoral Study — If you enjoyed the research project, you can move into PhD work in areas like AI, machine learning, formal methods, robotics, security. Nottingham’s research environment and labs offer good supervision and project scopes.

• Professional / Specialized Certifications — You might pursue certifications or short-courses in tools or domains aligned with your modules: e.g. neural networks / deep learning frameworks; AR / VR; cybersecurity; formal verification; human-AI interaction; ethical AI.

• Industry R&D Roles — Because of the research experience and strong academic reputation, you can aim for roles in R&D departments of tech firms, lab-based engineering, or startups doing advanced AI / ML work.

• Leadership or Specialist Technical Roles — Over time, graduates may move into senior technologist / architect positions, or specialize in roles such as ML Ops, AI safety, algorithmic systems, where both theory & practice are needed.

• Teaching / Academic Assistant / Lecturer Roles — With strong performance, you could take on teaching or lab support roles, or collaborate on research projects, which may feed into academic career tracks or joint academia-industry positions.