MSc in Advanced Computer Science

If you're looking to specialise and become an expert in the most current and challenging areas of computer science, the MSc in Advanced Computer Science at the University of York is designed to give you a deep, research-informed, and practical advantage. This programme allows you to dive into advanced topics like artificial intelligence, data science, quantum computation, and embedded systems, working alongside world-leading academics in the Department of Computer Science. You'll be based in our state-of-the-art facilities on the Heslington East campus, which are packed with specialist labs that provide the perfect environment for innovation and hands-on experimentation.

Your learning is built around applying advanced theory to solve complex, real-world problems:

• Specialist Research Laboratories: You will have access to our suite of specialist labs, including the Intelligent Systems Lab for practical work in AI and robotics, the Embedded Systems Lab equipped with a wide range of devices for development, and the Quantum Computing Lab, providing a unique opportunity for hands-on exploration of this emerging field.

• Industry-Standard & Research Software: You will gain hands-on experience with the tools that drive innovation. This includes data science and machine learning platforms like Python with TensorFlow and PyTorch, professional development environments, and specialised software for areas such as formal verification and quantum programming.

• Research-Led Group Projects: You'll be taught by active researchers from groups like the Autonomous Systems and Intelligent Systems research groups. A core part of your experience will involve collaborative projects, tackling challenges that mirror the cutting-edge work happening in our research centres.

• Substantial Individual MSc Project: The programme culminates in a significant individual research project. This is your opportunity to work deeply on a specialist topic of your choice, often supervised by one of our research experts, to create a substantial and impressive piece of work for your professional portfolio.

• High-Performance Computing (HPC) Resources: For projects requiring significant computational power, such as processing large datasets or running complex simulations, you will have the opportunity to utilise the University's High-Performance Computing service, Viking.

• Extensive University Resources: You will have full access to the University’s Library, which offers an extensive collection of computing databases, e-journals, and academic texts, alongside 24/7 access to computing labs and study spaces.

This programme is your gateway to becoming a specialist and an innovator. You'll graduate not just with advanced theoretical knowledge, but with the proven, practical ability to research, develop, and implement sophisticated computing solutions, making you a highly competitive candidate for roles in AI, data science, and advanced software engineering.

Graduates of York’s MSc Advanced Computer Science often move into roles like Senior Software Developer, Systems Architect, Machine Learning / Data Specialist, or Research & Development Engineer. The course gives strong technical depth plus exposure to cutting-edge research, which helps many alumni to take more advanced, specialized roles or even transition into PhD / research work.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Here are the key supports, outcomes, and longer-term value you’ll get from York’s programme:

• University Services that Help Students to Employ:

  • Access to dedicated software labs with 24/7 access for individual & group work. 

  • A strong Department of Computer Science with active industrial partners and an Industrial Advisory Board which helps ensure that what you learn is relevant to employers. 

  • Support in the course includes professional & academic development, and a mandatory research methods module, which helps prepare you for both high-level industry roles and for academic research

• Employment Stats & Salary / Outcomes Figures:

  • According to Graduate Outcomes data (via UniversityGuru / HESA), 15 months after graduation:
    • 0% of respondents from this MSc were unemployed. 
    • A high portion are working and / or studying. 
    • “Highly-skilled jobs” (i.e. jobs matching or exceeding graduate‐level skills) make up ~90% of those in work. 

  • I did not find a specific average salary figure published in York’s MSc Advanced Computer Science page. However, given the job roles typical to this qualification and York’s research-led reputation, salaries are likely to be competitive for technical, specialist, or senior roles in computing / software.

• University-Industry Partnerships:

  • York maintains active industrial partners and an industrial advisory board that help shape module content. This ensures curriculum relevance to what employers are doing. york.ac.uk+1

  • Many of the optional modules are research-led and based on the work done by York’s faculty. This gives students exposure to advanced topics like robotics, cryptography, computer vision, high-performance systems, etc. Employers in those areas respect such training. 

• Long-Term Accreditation Value:

  • The Department of Computer Science at York has professional recognition through BCS (Chartered Institute for IT). Some of the MSc / postgraduate programmes are professionally recognised. 

  • Even though Advanced Computer Science MSc isn’t explicitly listed under full CITP accreditation in the sources I found, the fact the Department has strong research credentials (UK top-ten in REF 2021) and the course is research-led adds weight in longer term professional credibility. 

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • Some of the roles graduates go into (as listed under “Career opportunities”) are: Software Developer / Engineer, Programming Engineer, Systems Architect, Information Analyst / App Developer, Higher Education Teaching & Research. 

  • Many students use the individual project (dissertation) as a way to specialise, publishing or contributing to real research, which can set them apart in job applications. 

  • York’s facilities support hands-on experience: labs for robotics, real-time systems, human-computer interaction, and computer vision; the hardware & software infrastructure is strong. 

Further Academic Progression:

After finishing the MSc Advanced Computer Science at York, here are your options for continuing academically or gaining further specialization:

• PhD / Doctoral Study — The course is explicitly designed (with research methods, individual project, elective modules led by active researchers) to prepare you if you want to go into research, either in academia or in R&D departments in industry.

• Specialised Post-Masters Certificates / Short Courses — If you want to deepen in specific cutting-edge topics (e.g. quantum computing, robotics, high performance computing, cryptography), you might take focused courses or professional certifications.

• Professional / Chartered Recognition — Use the solidity of York’s degree + any relevant work experience to apply for Chartered IT Professional status (or equivalent) where applicable. This improves recognition, especially in internation al or senior roles.

• Teaching / Research Assistant Roles — With a strong dissertation and possibly publications, you could take roles assisting in academic teaching or contribute to ongoing research projects; this can be useful if you’re considering a career that blends research & application.

• Industry R&D or Innovation Roles — If you prefer industry over academia, this MSc positions you well to join R&D teams, high-tech firms that require deep technical skills, or even start your own tech development, particularly if you have a strong project portfolio from your MSc.