Computer Science Mcomp

If you're passionate about computer science and want to build an exceptional depth of knowledge that will set you apart, the four-year integrated MComp at the University of Sussex is designed to give you a significant competitive edge. This programme goes far beyond a standard bachelor's degree, blending advanced theoretical learning with extensive practical, research-led projects right from the start. You'll be based in our Future Technologies Labs, a £12 million facility packed with cutting-edge equipment, preparing you for high-level roles in industry or cutting-edge research.

Your learning is deeply experiential, with a strong emphasis on applying your skills to complex, real-world challenges:

• Specialist Research Laboratories: You will have access to our suite of specialist labs, including the Interact Lab for human-computer interaction research, the Embedded Systems Lab, and the AI Research Lab. These spaces are equipped with technology like VR systems, 3D printers, and robotics kits for practical experimentation.

• Industry-Standard Software & Tools: Throughout your degree, you'll gain hands-on, practical experience with a wide array of professional tools. This includes environments for AI and machine learning like TensorFlow and PyTorch, data analytics platforms, and modern software development kits.

• Major Individual Research Project: A cornerstone of your final year is a substantial research project. This is your opportunity to work one-on-one with an academic specialist from groups like the Data Science Research Group or the Cognitive and Language Processing Research Group, deeply investigating a topic and contributing to the field.

• Group Projects & Collaborative Work: The programme emphasises teamwork through collaborative projects that simulate a professional R&D environment. You'll learn to manage projects using systems like Git and apply agile methodologies to deliver complex solutions as part of a team.

• Research-Led Teaching: You will be taught by and work with researchers from our renowned research groups, giving you direct exposure to current challenges and breakthroughs in areas like data science, cybersecurity, and intelligent systems.

• Extensive Library & Computing Resources: You will have full access to the University’s Library, with its comprehensive collection of online journals, databases, and specialist texts, alongside 24/7 access to dedicated computer workrooms and the specialist equipment in the labs.

This integrated master's is designed to create specialists and future leaders in computer science. You'll graduate with a master's-level qualification, a portfolio of advanced practical experience, and the proven research skills that are highly valued by top employers and PhD programmes alike.

Graduates from Sussex’s MComp Computer Science programme generally move into roles like Software Developer / Engineer, AI / ML Specialist, Systems Architect, or Data Analyst / Scientist. Because the MComp is an integrated masters and offers deep specialisms, many find themselves in more senior technical roles earlier than those with a standard BSc.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are the key things you’ll gain from Sussex’s MComp, how it helps with employability, and what your possible outcomes are:

• University Services that Help Students to Employ:

  • Career Lab at Sussex helps you explore career options, connect with employers, build skills (CV, interviews etc.), find internships or project-based work. 

  • One-to-one coaching with a Faculty Careers Consultant.

  • Opportunities through Sussex for start-ups, entrepreneurship (StartUp Sussex, Ideas Lab) to build innovation skills if you want to branch into tech entrepreneurship. 

  • Very high research quality & facilities: “Future Technologies Labs”, high-spec computers, student hub, project workspaces. These labs enable you to work on real problems with tools and environments close to industry practice. 

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures:

  • Sussex reports that 86% of undergraduates have completed some work experience by the time of graduation in 2023/24. 

  • Types of graduate destinations include: data analyst; machine learning engineer; programmer; software developer. 

  • While Sussex does not always publish exact average salaries for the MComp programme publicly, computing / tech roles in the UK tend to begin in the £25,000-£35,000 range (for entry level) and can rise quickly with experience. (This is a general benchmark outside Sussex, not an official Sussex stat.)

• University-Industry Partnerships & Curriculum Relevance:

  • Sussex’s curriculum has input from sector experts via advisory boards, which helps ensure what you learn is aligned with what industry needs. 

  • Companies visiting/speaking to students include recognizable firms such as IBM, Microsoft, Thales, and Creative Assembly. These visits help with networking and learning about what skills are in demand.

  • An optional industrial placement year is available (in the five-year version of MComp) so you can gain actual industry experience. 

• Long-Term Accreditation Value:

  • The MComp is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT; this means it fully meets the academic requirements for registering as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).

  • Since Sussex’s accreditation also touches on partial fulfilment for Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Chartered Scientist (CSci) (for relevant courses under subject areas), having an accredited integrated masters (MComp) strengthens long-term professional credibility. 

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • Graduates are well suited for roles in software engineering, mobile systems, digital media, AI, IT management, depending on what specialisms they focus on. 

  • Because of strong research output (REF 2021: 100% of research in Computer Science & Informatics was world-leading or internationally excellent) Sussex is well-regarded academically. This helps graduates either entering industry or considering further academic / R&D roles. 

  • Graduates also find work in many sectors beyond pure tech: finance; media; telecommunications; consulting; advertising; PR — because computing skills are in wide demand. 

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MComp in Computer Science at Sussex, here are logical next steps you might consider:

• Master’s / PhD / Doctoral Research in specialized areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction, data science, robotics, or distributed systems. Given Sussex’s research strength, there are active groups and opportunities to do supervised research.

• Specialized Certifications or Training: Depending on your interest, you might pursue credentials in cloud computing, cybersecurity, advanced AI/ML tools, DevOps, or other high-demand specialisms.

• Professional Accreditation / Chartered Status: With BCS accreditation, you can apply for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) certification, among other registrations. Over time, you might also work toward CEng or CSci if your career and further learning path align.

• Teaching / Research Support Roles: As a high achiever, you could look into roles as a research assistant, lab tutor, or possibly academic staff, especially if you enjoy the research component and want to stay in academia or joint academic-industry work.

• Specialised Postgraduate Diplomas / Industry Training: If after MComp you wish to deepen in niche subfields (e.g. AI ethics, embedded systems, digital media, virtual/augmented reality), you can consider short-courses, diplomas, or professional training in these.