2024

Postgraduate programmes in

Computer Science
london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science
With academic
direction from: World class. Worldwide.
Join the World Class
1 Explore globally relevant areas of computing
This degree looks at issues that are important in our society,
including intellectual property, digital surveillance, data
privacy and ethical issues in computing, as well as the technical
aspects of computer science, including system architecture, data
management, cloud computing and software engineering.

2 Progress to a master’s qualification

You can study the degree without having any prior
knowledge in computer science. If you do not meet the
entry requirements to join the MSc or PGDip, you can
progress to the MSc or PGDip if you successfully complete
the PGCert, which has more flexible entry requirements.

3 Showcase your learning with project-based coursework

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a substantive
project to address a challenge within your own or a client
organisation, allowing you to demonstrate problem-solving skills
as well as technical expertise, which will provide a portfolio
of work to present to current and potential employers.

4 Opportunities to take your career further

The MSc is valued by leading companies in the
technology sector. You will gain in-demand technical
skills plus knowledge of how to manage complex issues
systematically and creatively in the workplace.

5 A mark of excellence
Earn an internationally recognised qualification from the
University of London. The University has a track record of teaching,
innovation and research dating back more than 160 years.
2 Postgraduate programmes in Computer Science
 “In a fast-changing
environment of
worldwide access
to higher education,
a University of London
degree continues
to offer a guarantee
of quality, value and
intellectual rigour.”
Professor Wendy Thomson
Vice-Chancellor,
University of London

london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science 3
Your prestigious University
of London qualification

About your qualification

When you graduate with a degree, diploma or certificate
from the University of London you will receive two important
documents – your Final Diploma (the parchment you
receive on graduation) and a Diploma Supplement.

The Final Diploma

• Indicates that you were registered with the University of London
and awarded a University of London degree, diploma or certificate.
• Gives the name of Birkbeck, University of London as the federation
member that developed the syllabus and provided assessment.
• Features the University of London crest and the
Vice-Chancellor’s signature.

The Diploma Supplement

• Describes the nature, level and content of the programme you
successfully completed.
• Includes the transcript of courses taken, marks achieved
and overall classification.
• States the role of Birkbeck, University of London and the
method of study.

4 Postgraduate programmes in Computer Science

 Contents

Programme name
A University of London degree from
anywhere in the world 6
A trusted name in global education 7
Gain knowledge of computer science in
a global context 8
Entrance requirements and further information 10

Key dates
April 2024 session October 2024 session
Applications and Applications and
registration open: registration open:
18 December 2023 25 June 2024

Applications close: Applications close:

4 March 2024 9 September 2024

Registrations close: Registrations close:

18 March 2024 23 September 2024

Programme starts: Programme starts:

15 April 2024 14 October 2024

london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science 5
A University of London degree
from anywhere in the world
Behind these advances are individuals, daily basis, for instance e-commerce,
like yourself, who wanted to discover social media, and cloud computing
the opportunities that a knowledge servers to back up our devices.
of computer science could provide
As our lives become more integrated
and wanted to take a step closer. This
with technology, all voices need to be
programme has been developed to
heard in shaping the data, designing
deliver the necessary skills to gain
the algorithms and supporting
expertise in a range of important
the infrastructures that serve our
topics in computer science. You will
society. My hope is that you will
gain the necessary digital skills to
enjoy the process of learning, and
Dr Martyn Harris develop your current role, change
career, or even launch your own start
consider how you might contribute
to the field of computer science
Programme Director up! Computer science is for everyone
as we move forward together.
- we rely on many of its outputs on a
We have seen the field of computer
science grow at an astonishing
rate, driven by advances in new
technologies, research approaches,
societal needs and industry.
Computer science is relevant to
every single one of us, and is heavily
integrated into our everyday lives.
We have already seen many aspects
of our personal lives influenced
by new technologies, interfaces,
and applications, and observed
the impact, both good and bad, of
these continued advances. Some of
you may have experienced aspects
of your work becoming more
automated or technical, and most
of us have witnessed the need for
tighter regulation and control of
some applications and systems.

6 Postgraduate programmes in Computer Science

A trusted name in
global education
The University of London is
one of the world’s leading
universities, internationally
recognised for its high
academic standards.
This reputation is based on the
outstanding teaching and research
of our 17 federation members.
Among former students are six
Nobel Prize winners, including
Nelson Mandela and Charles Kao,
a pioneer in the development of
fibre-optics. Graduates have made
and continue to make significant
contributions worldwide.

London made global

Founded in 1836, the University of
London is one of the oldest and Delivered by experts data analytics, data management,
most prestigious universities in the experimental data science,
UK and is internationally regarded as in the field knowledge representation, and
a centre of academic excellence. In programme verification.
1858, we made our degrees available Academic direction for the programme
is from Birkbeck, University of London, The department engages in
to study anywhere in the world. fundamental and applied research
which was founded in 1823 and joined
Today, we have more than 40,000 the University of London in 1920. and hosts two research centres,
students in over 190 countries, Birkbeck Knowledge Lab and the
studying on 100-plus degrees, The MSc has been developed by Birkbeck Institute for Data Analytics.
diplomas and certificates. Birkbeck’s highly regarded computing The Department of Computer Science
department. The Department of at Birkbeck is also a member of the
Computer Science at Birkbeck was one Institute of Coding (IoC) and has
of the first computing departments developed new courses to provide
established in the UK and a world-class opportunities for everyone to acquire
centre of expertise in algorithms, the necessary digital skills.

london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science 7
Gain knowledge of computer
science in a global context
For students who are new to the In some countries, qualifications earned
subject, the programme provides by distance and flexible learning may
a foundation for a career in IT or not be recognised by certain authorities
software engineering. For those or regulators for the purposes of public
already working in these fields, you sector employment or further study.
will have an opportunity to broaden We advise you to explore the local
your knowledge and upskill, while recognition status before your register.
obtaining a formal qualification.
You will gain in-demand technical
skills plus knowledge of how to Richard Brownlow
manage complex issues systematically Academic
and creatively in the workplace.
‘T he need for Computer
By studying this programme, you will: Scientists is growing
• be able to demonstrate knowledge rapidly in our fast evolving
and acquire digital skills in a number digital world, with the
of areas including programming discipline now heavily
principles, the mathematic intertwined with virtually
and algorithmic foundations all aspects of modern life.
The MSc Computer Science of computing, information The University of London
provides an intensive systems design, and database worldwide MSc Computer
programme of study without design and management Science programme gives
you a complete foundation
any prior knowledge in • gain a comprehensive and practical in all the key principles of
computer science required. understanding of current techniques this discipline. It provides
As well as gaining a • gain the soft skills needed to be able a thorough understanding
broad knowledge of the to act autonomously in planning, of the theory of Computer
implementing, and managing Science along with the skills
subject, students acquire tasks at a professional level to apply these principles to
practical skills and have the design, develop and deploy
• develop a systematic understanding computational solutions.’
opportunity to investigate and a critical awareness of
areas of current research computer science, much of it at
more deeply. the forefront of the discipline.

8 Postgraduate programmes in Computer Science

How you study The following module from the E-journals, conference proceedings
MSc Computer Science is available etc. In addition, students can request
The MSc Computer Science is to study on a stand-alone basis, items that are not held in the library
offered fully online and allows you subject to module availability: via the library’s Inter-Library loans
the opportunity to flexibly fit your service with the British Library.
• Applied Machine Learning
studies around your schedule. You can • Senate House Library, which provides
choose to study individual modules For further information on free reference access for all registered
on a pay-as-you-go basis and build up available modules, please visit: distance and flexible learning students.
your qualification at your own pace. london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science
This programme is designed for
graduates who are new to computer Online support Tutor support
science and would like to embark on a
career in IT or software engineering, as All students receive online tutor support
The programme is delivered online and
well as being relevant to those already while studying this programme. Tutors
there is no requirement to come to the
working in these roles who want to introduce the modules, respond to
UK as part of your studies. Our flexible
update their skills. queries, monitor discussions and
online programme allows you to work
provide guidance on assessments.
Each module is run over a 10-week around your own schedule and leads
block, with the exception of the to a globally-recognised qualification.
Project module which is run over two When you register, we will create
Study materials
10-week blocks. your Student Portal account. You
All essential resources, activities,
can then access your University
videos, discussions and support are
Programme structure of London email account and
provided through the VLE. This allows
other key resources including:
you to fit your studies around your
The MSc Computer • the Virtual Learning Environment work commitments. There is no need
Science consists of: (VLE), which offers online to purchase additional textbooks.
10 core modules (15 credits each); and learning support, access to the
student café and discussion areas
one Project module (30 credits) and other study materials
Time commitment
The PGDip Computer • the Student Guide, which provides The flexible approach to learning
Science consists of: information that is common to allows students to complete the
all students and gives guidance MSc in a minimum of two years
Eight modules (15 credits each) on a range of issues relating (subject to module availability)
to your study experience to a maximum of five years.
The PGCert Computer
Science consists of: • the Online Library, which provides You can study at your own
Four modules (15 credits each) access to over 100 million academic pace, adjusting the intensity of
electronic items comprising E-books, learning to suit your needs.

london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science 9
Entrance requirements
and further information
Entrance requirements Or, a minimum of two years’ work is your responsibility to ensure that
experience in a relevant field. This you have access to a webcam.
For the MSc and PGDip: will most commonly be in a
Additional hardware capabilities and
software engineering role but each
To qualify to register for the MSc or software for specific modules will be
application will be considered
PGDip, applicants will need a bachelor’s required. Students will also need to
on a case-by-case basis.
degree which is considered at least create and use free accounts on several
comparable to a UK second-class online services. For more information
honours degree from an institution English language on specific requirements, please visit:
acceptable to the University. requirements london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science
For the PGCert:
You must satisfy the English language How to apply
If applicants do not meet the MSc requirements for the programme. For
and PGDip entrance requirements, more information on the requirements Please refer to the MSc Computer
successful completion of the PGCert please visit: london.ac.uk/applications/ Science web pages for details
will allow progression to the MSc how-apply/english-requirements on how to apply:
or PGDip. To qualify to register for london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science
the PGCert, applicants will need: If you do not meet the English language
proficiency requirements but believe
Either, a bachelor’s degree which is that you can demonstrate the requisite Fees
considered at least comparable to a UK proficiency, the University may, at its
second class honours degree from an discretion, consider your application. The total fee payable to the University
institution acceptable to the University; of London for 2024–2025 will be
Or, a minimum of two years’ work Computer requirements published on our website once
experience in a relevant field. confirmed. On average, fees incur a
This will most commonly be in The University of London sets minimum five per cent year-on-year increase. For
a software engineering role but basic computer requirements because the latest information on programme
each application will be considered your study resources are accessed fees, please visit: london.ac.uk/fees
on a case-by-case basis. via the Student Portal and it is vital Please note: student fees shown on
For stand-alone that you can access this regularly. our website are net of any local VAT,
individual modules: For this programme, you will need Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any
regular access to a computer with other sales tax payable by the student
To qualify to register for a stand-alone in their country of residence. Where
individual module, applicants will need: an internet connection to use
the University of London’s online the University is required to add VAT,
Either, a bachelor’s degree which is resources and systems. A webcam GST or any other sales tax at the local
considered at least comparable to a UK may be required in the event that statutory rate, this will be added to
second class honours degree from an online timed assessments (if offered) the fees shown during the payment
institution acceptable to the University; are proctored, and in such a case, it process. For students resident in the
UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
10 Postgraduate programmes in Computer Science
 The information contained in this
prospectus was correct at the
date of publication but may be
subject to change. The University
does not intend by publication or
distribution of this prospectus to
create any contractual or other legal
relation with applicants, registered
students, their advisers or any other
persons. For the most up-to-date
information, please visit our website.
Published by University of London.
Copyright © University of London,
January 2024.

london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science 11
For further information on the range of programmes we offer, please
visit our website (london.ac.uk) or contact us at:
The Student Advice Centre
University of London
Senate House, Malet Street
London WC1E 7HU View the
United Kingdom Computer
Telephone enquires: +44 (0)20 7862 8360 Science
web page
Online enquiries: sid.london.ac.uk

This material is available in alternative formats upon request.

Please contact: [email protected]

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