MSc Computer Science with Professional Practice

If you're looking to build a powerful CV that combines strong academic learning with crucial industry experience, the MSc Computer Science with Professional Practice at the University of Wolverhampton is uniquely designed to give you that competitive edge. This two-year programme is perfect for building a comprehensive skill set, as your first year is dedicated to mastering the core principles of software development and computer science. You'll then apply everything you've learned during a dedicated professional practice placement, giving you invaluable real-world experience before you even graduate. You'll be based in our Faculty of Science and Engineering facilities, which include dedicated computing labs designed for practical learning.

Your learning is a strategic blend of academic study and professional application:

• Professional Practice Placement: The cornerstone of this programme is a significant professional placement. You'll be supported by our university to find a role with an industry partner, where you'll work as an IT or computing professional, applying your academic knowledge to real business challenges and gaining crucial industry experience.

• Dedicated Computing Laboratories: In your first year, you'll learn in our specialist computing labs, which are equipped with high-specification PCs and all the professional software you need for programming, database management, and systems development.

• Industry-Standard Software & Tools: You will gain hands-on experience with the essential tools of the trade from day one. This includes programming languages like Java and Python, integrated development environments (IDEs), database systems, and other relevant software used in professional settings.

• Practical Project Work: A key part of your taught year is working on practical projects and team-based activities. You'll apply development methodologies to design and create software solutions, building the collaborative skills you'll need during your placement.

• Individual MSc Project: Upon returning from your placement, you will complete a significant individual project. This allows you to focus on a specialist area, often inspired by your professional experience, creating a sophisticated piece of work for your portfolio.

• Extensive University Resources: You will have full access to the University's library services, with its collection of computing texts, e-books, and online journals, as well as dedicated support services to help you secure your placement role.

This programme is your direct pathway into the tech industry with a significant advantage. It's carefully crafted to transform you into a confident, experienced computing professional, with a CV that demonstrates both academic learning and proven practical experience in the workplace.

Graduates from Wolverhampton’s MSc Computer Science with Professional Practice often enter roles such as Software Developer / Engineer, AI & Machine Learning Specialist, Systems Analyst, or IT Consultant. Because of the integration of a professional placement, many are able to demonstrate real-industry experience early on, giving them a stronger competitive edge in the job market.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are the concrete supports, features of the course, and what you can realistically expect in terms of career outcomes:

• University Services that Help Students to Employ:

  • Careers, Enterprise & The Workplace provides extensive support: 1-to-1 careers advice, CV & interview preparation, job/placement boards, workshops, mock interviews etc.

  • Career SPACE portal gives access to practice tools (CV builder, interview simulators, employer videos), job listings, and employer networking resources. 

  • The programme prepares you for placement applications (interview support, placement securing) and offers staff help to find paid or unpaid placements in tech/business environments. 

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures:

  • Specific salary numbers for this programme are not widely published in the Wolverhampton sources. However, the cost of the course is known: for Home full-time students ~ £10,098/year, for International students ~ £17,950/year (2025-26 fees). 

  • Because of the professional practice component, graduates often are more job-ready and may achieve higher starting salaries than those without placement experience. (While not quantified, this is one of the stated advantages in the course description.) 

• University-Industry Partnerships:

  • The programme emphasises that the placement will be with an external business or organisation, exposing students to real-world challenges. 

  • Modules are aligned with growing / in-demand computing topics: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning; Data Science & Data Mining; Immersive Application Development; Mobile & Web Development. These are sectors in which industry is actively hiring. 

• Long-Term Accreditation / Value:

  • The course is designed around current computing trends, meaning your skills will be relevant as technology evolves. Wolverhampton’s labs are up-to-date, with specialist facilities. 

  • Even if the programme doesn’t always explicitly mention PSRB accreditation in the professional practice version, the combination of advanced modules + real placement experience gives strong practical credibility.

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • When you finish, you’ll not only have the academic rigor of MSc training (core modules, research methods, dissertation) but also hands-on experience via placement, which many employers regard highly. 

  • Possible job roles include: Software Developer / Engineer, AI & Machine Learning Specialist, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant, Computer Hardware Engineer, Video Game Developer. 

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MSc Computer Science with Professional Practice at Wolverhampton, possible next steps include:

• PhD / Doctoral Study in topics you may have engaged with during your dissertation or placement (e.g. machine learning, immersive tech, data science, AI). If your work is strong, you may apply for research positions either at Wolverhampton or elsewhere.

• Professional / Industry Certifications: Certifications in AI/ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, or other specialised tools used during your degree can further boost employability and potential earnings.

• Chartered or Professional Accreditation: Combining your degree and work experience (especially placement) helps when applying for chartered status or professional recognition bodies (in the UK or your home country).

• Higher Level Technical / R&D Roles: With placement and MSc skills, you’re better positioned for roles that require both deep technical expertise and practical problem solving — R&D labs, innovation teams, or leadership of technical projects.

• Teaching / Academic / Lab Roles: If you enjoy the academic side, there are possibilities to assist with teaching, supervise student work, contribute to research projects, or even collaborate with industry-academia initiatives.