MSc Computer Science

This programme is designed to provide a comprehensive and practical foundation in computer science, equipping you with the robust programming and problem-solving skills needed to launch a successful tech career. You'll have access to our excellent facilities in the School of Electronics and Computer Science, which houses modern computing laboratories, dedicated project spaces, and high-performance computing resources. Your learning is powered by industry-standard development tools and features hands-on projects that simulate real-world software development challenges, giving you the practical experience that employers in the tech sector value.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, industry-relevant experience:

• Industry-Standard Development Tools: You'll gain proficiency in essential professional tools and languages including Java and Python for programming, Git for version control, SQL for databases, and modern software development environments.

• Southampton Software Projects: A key feature of your degree is the series of practical programming projects where you'll work individually and in teams to design, implement, and test software applications, developing crucial development and collaboration skills.

• Object-Oriented Programming Laboratory: You will work in our dedicated computing labs, equipped with modern development environments and tools for learning core programming concepts and software design principles.

• Algorithms and Data Structures Practicals: You'll implement and test fundamental algorithms and data structures in our computing laboratories, understanding their practical performance and applications.

• Database and Web Laboratory: You'll use our specialised computing facilities to develop database-driven applications and learn web development technologies.

• Software Engineering Group Project: You'll collaborate on a significant software development project, following industry-standard agile methodologies and version control practices.

• High-Performance Computing Access: You'll have opportunities to use our computing resources for more computationally intensive projects and data processing tasks.

• Industry-Inspired Challenges: Many projects incorporate real-world problem scenarios from the tech industry, providing valuable insight into current development practices and employer expectations.

Graduates of Southampton’s MSc Computer Science often go on to roles such as Software Developer, Technical Specialist, Data Scientist, or Cybersecurity Consultant. Thanks to flexible module choices plus project work backed by strong industry links, you’ll emerge with both the technical skills and credibility that employers value.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Southampton supports you during the course — and what outcomes you can realistically expect:

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • The ECS (Electronics & Computer Science) Careers Hub provides support via employer visits, workshops for CVs & interviews, and over 400 technology-job opportunities advertised annually. You also get to present your work in the Student Showcase and meet employers through that event. 

  • Access to excellent facilities including the David Barron Computing Lab and the Software Projects Laboratory, which let you work on real projects and prototypes. 

• Employment stats and salary figures:

  • The average salary for MEng Computer Science graduates from Southampton six months after graduating is around £32,000. 

  • For the MSc Computer Science course, about £26,000 is reported as the typical salary 15 months after finishing the course, with a ~10% unemployment rate (not studying or working) in that same period. 

• University–industry partnerships (specific):

  • ECS has strong research collaborations with major companies: BAE Systems (e.g. the ORCHID programme), Carl Zeiss, Oxford Instruments, and National Grid among others. 

  • The programme is partnered with the Alan Turing Institute, and Southampton is recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security. 

• Long-term accreditation value:

  • The MSc Computer Science is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), which gives your degree professional recognition. 

  • The School of ECS is highly regarded for its research, innovation, and its ability to translate research into real-world applications, giving your qualification strong value in both industry and academia. 

• Graduation outcomes:

  • You’ll graduate with a portfolio of technical work, meaningful projects, and specialism(s) in areas like AI, Web Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, or Data Science. 

  • Many alumni go into tech firms, start-ups, or research roles where they apply both theoretical knowledge and practical/software engineering skills. Southampton’s reputation helps get your foot in the door.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, there are several routes you can choose to deepen or broaden your career:

• You could pursue a PhD in one of the specialism areas (AI, Cyber Security, Human-centred AI, etc.) across ECS, leveraging the university’s ongoing research centres and industrial partnerships.

• Alternatively, you might go for specialist certificates or further study (for example, specialised courses in machine learning, advanced security, or ethics in AI).

• Some graduates also choose to combine their MSc technical skills with business or management study, or move into leadership roles where understanding both technical and strategic perspectives matters.