Computer Science MSc
This course offers a chance to specialise in rapidly evolving fields of computer science with practical support from leaders in tech innovation
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Viewing course details for 2024 year of entry
2025 year of entry- Code
- PGG404 | PGG404B (placement)
- Attendance
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start
- January 2025
- Fees
- £11,000 (UK)* | £17,300 (INT)* | £3,000 (placement fee)
- Duration
- 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time, 24 months placement
- Course Leader
- Carl Evans
- Study mode
- On campus
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Placement year
- Yes
- School / Department
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Computer science influences every aspect of modern life and is one of the fastest-moving academic disciplines. It has a huge impact on both economic competitiveness and human health and well-being.
Why choose Computer Science MSc* at Middlesex?
This course not only offers a balance between advanced computer science theory and practical experience but has a very strong focus on contemporary research. Practical work is also an important part of every degree module.
The university is very active in the exploration of key areas within computer science which you will focus upon during your studies and individual research project. These include agile software development, cyber security, and blockchain development.
This course is for you if you've previously studied computing at university and are looking to develop an advanced mastery of the subject.
Middlesex university undergraduate alumni can benefit from a 20% discount to start their Computer Science MSc in January.
*Please note this course is subject to review.
What you will gain
This course will equip you with the skills and expertise required to forge a successful career in a wide range of industries.
As well as an in-depth understanding of your subject, you will also be equipped with the knowledge of analysing, developing and executing complex software, producing software to a given specification, and you’ll be able to use modelling and abstraction techniques to design software systems.
This course will enhance your skills in research, data collection, interpretation, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, presentation, and critical thinking. It also emphasises principles and concepts which will help in all areas of code development. Additionally, it will give you a strong academic framework for pursuing independent learning throughout your life.
Placements
Industrial placement is offered as an optional opportunity for full-time students studying at the London campus.
3 great reasons to pick this course
About your course
You'll have the opportunity to study a range of programming paradigms, cross-platform software application development, agile techniques, human-computer interaction as well as designing and developing interactive visual computer systems. You'll be encouraged to investigate the areas of research that the university is currently exploring. These include computer graphics, machine learning, robotics, quantum computing, and algorithmic design among others.
This module serves two main purposes. Firstly, it gives students an opportunity to complete two short studies as separate teaching blocks of advanced topics in computer science. Students will be able to select topics from a pool of designated options. All designated topics have a close alignment with research activity conducted within the school of Science and Technology, and each elective short-course will be presented by an experienced scholar in the specified field of computer science. The module will also focus on the preparation of a project proposal to be taken forward to the dissertation phase of the programme. To this end, a number of teaching weeks will aim to prepare students in research methods and project planning appropriate to an individual project. These sessions will be integrated at several points within the standard 24 week teaching framework with a view to underpin research and development activities within all the taught modules on the programme.
The module covers the software development process from requirements elicitation and design, to team development, documentation, maintenance, and quality assurance. The development paradigm will be object-oriented, and students will employ an integrated development environment for code management, and utilise associated tools for version control, testing and system documentation. The module also aims to guide the student learner through agile principles and practises, including requirements gathering, planning, test-driven development and refactoring. During this phase of the course students will gain experience using a range of software modelling tools.
Cryptocurrency relies on blockchain technology. In this module you will design, develop and implement a prototype cryptocurrency based on blockchain technology. This module will also cover blockchain anatomy and blockchain types. The cryptocurrency will be based on permissionless type.
In addition to cryptocurrency, the module will also introduce enterprise blockchain development and permissioned blockchains. The other part of this module will be assessed by developing an enterprise blockchain system that is tokenless and does not require cryptocurrency.
This module aims to develop key skills required to understand and circumvent cyber incidents. It focuses on how systems and data can be secured through cryptography, network protection and risk management. It also looks in depth at hacking techniques, as well as social engineering and the psychological factors that are utilised in attacks.
The project module aims to develop the students knowledge and skills required for planning and executing research projects such as proof of concept projects or empirical studies related to computer science. To plan and carry out their projects the students will have to: Apply theories, methods and techniques previously learned Critically analyse and evaluate research results drawing on knowledge from other modules Develop their communication skills to enable them to communicate their findings competently in written and oral form​.
To find out more about this highly regarded course, please download the MSc Computer Science - with placements.pdf course specification.
Register your interest
Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.
Teaching
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.
We aim to model a wide range of teaching strategies and approaches on the course which you can adapt to your own setting.
Teaching
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. Our learning activities include lectures, presentations, webinars, one-to-one tutorials and group projects.
The course is delivered by our academics and industry partners in person and via digital platforms. You’ll attend face-to-face classes (with some online sessions) comprising a mixture of labs, seminars and lectures. In these sessions you'll do practical work designing, analysing and building software, which will give you the opportunity to ask questions, take part in class discussions and talk about problems.
Typical weekly breakdown
A typical week looks like this:
| Learning | Hours per week |
|---|---|
| On-campus | 9 |
| Online | 3 |
| Independent study | 30-40 |
For placement, there may be additional hours.
Learning terms
On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as supervised or student-led sessions for work in small groups.
Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.
Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.
Part-time study
You can also study this course part-time over two years.
You will be based at our north London campus in Hendon.
There are no written exams but there may be some tests. Your coursework including presentations, reports, learning logbooks, practical software development assignments and group assignments will be assessed.
For your independent project and dissertation, you will plan, conduct and critically evaluate an analytical study. You will be assessed on your research proposal, written dissertation and a viva voce exam, in which you’ll justify and reflect on your work, and discuss possible further developments.
Academic support
We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.
Feedback
To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.
You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.
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Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.
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We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Careers
Our university's postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career.
We are a top 10 UK University for employability (UniCompare Rankings 2025), and a top 10 UK university for industry connections and funding in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.
How can the MSc Computer Science degree support your career?
There is a very high demand worldwide for well-qualified IT graduates and this course will leave you perfectly placed for a role in the software industry.
Graduate job roles
Some of the roles our graduates have gone on to work in include a variety of roles including software developer, IT systems architect, IT security coordinator, or information security analyst. Previous students have worked for software firms, computer manufacturers and specialist IT security consultancies.
You also have the opportunity to move into broader IT project management, systems design, consultancy or strategy planning. You might choose to specialise in a particular field, for example, finance or security, or take on a managerial role. The course's strong research slant creates an excellent foundation for further research in a wide range of topics.
Graduate employers
There are also opportunities within government departments, the health service, public services, financial institutions, management consultancies as well as in the media, transport, retail and education sectors. You could even start your own business.
MDXworks
Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.
Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:
The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.
MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support
We can help you bring your business idea to life with our MDXcelerator programme which includes masterclasses with high-profile entrepreneurs, workshops, mentoring opportunities and competitions to secure seed funding.
Global alumni network
You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
For this course, the following qualifications are required:
- A 2:2 honours degree or above in computer science
- An alternative mathematical science or engineering degree with a minimum of five years' work experience in an appropriate role such as a software developer.
Personal statements
Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your personal statement that are relevant to this course. Such as forward-thinking, creative and collaborative.
Mature students (over 21)
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications if you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
Interviews
You won’t be required to attend an interview for this course.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.
English language
You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.
Apply as early as possible to make sure you get a place. You can submit your application before you receive your final qualification.
Find out how to apply for postgraduate taught courses and watch our step-by-step video.
Fees and funding
The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year
UK students1
Full-time students: £11,000
Part-time students per taught credit: £73
Part-time students per dissertation credit: £37
International students2
Full-time students: £17,300
Part-time students per taught credit: £117 per credit
Part-time students per dissertation credit: £59
For the 24 months placement option, the fee is £17,300 + £3,000.
Additional costs
The following study tools are included in your fees:
- Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
- Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
- Free specialist software for your course
- Free printing for academic paperwork
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
Financial support
We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.
Postgraduate scholarships
You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:
- The Alumni Postgraduate Award – all Middlesex alumni progressing from an undergraduate course are eligible for 20% fee reduction
- The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
- The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
- The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
- Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees
For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.
Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.
Help from your employer
Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.
Work while you study
If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Student Testimonials
"I chose this course because I love solving problems and computer science is the best subject for that. Course group is small, which gives an intimate feeling to the lessons. Lecturers know your strengths and weaknesses and will develop personalised projects that allow you to understand things in your own way.
The support on this course has been very good. Lecturers are helpful and willing to stay after hours to assist. Getting experience with real clients has been an amazing learning process through which I’ve gained confidence and bettered my communication skills. For example, working with the Pink Shoe Club (a company that aims to help women open and develop businesses) allowed me to work in a team with people I hadn’t interacted with before. We had to learn how to assess each other’s skills to utilise everyone’s strengths in the most efficient manner.
Student group in this course is very international and it’s exciting to learn about everyone's similarities and differences. I’ve loved my time at Middlesex University and I’d say that the diverse community here makes this course even more valuable."
Tomasz Wawreniuk
MSc Computer Science student
Get answers from our Unibuddy student ambassadors
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.