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Advanced Computing at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This MSc Advanced Computing is designed to deepen your knowledge of cutting-edge computing technologies and applications. Why choose this course?

  • On this course you will gain advanced programming, software development and data science skills.
  • It offers you hands-on experience in the latest industry techniques, helping you to stand out in the highly competitive tech industry.
  • You will have the chance to engage with research groups such as the Computational Intelligence Research Group, a pioneer in cutting-edge AI and machine learning topics, to ignite your passion for innovation and ensure you gain up-to-date knowledge in the field.
  • Alongside expert teaching, this course covers emerging technologies and research developments in areas of growing importance in the IT industry.
What you will learn This MSc is designed to meet current industry demands, ensuring you are ready to tackle complex computing challenges. Throughout the course you will learn advanced techniques and practical skills in:
  • system design
  • software engineering
  • data management
  • data science
  • programming
  • computational intellige
How you will learn You will be able to choose between full- and part-time study. This course has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening so you can balance your studies with work or family commitments. You will be taught through lectures, laboratory sessions, practical coursework and hands-on projects that allow you to apply advanced computing concepts in real-world scenarios. Highlights
  • This course offers significant coverage of emerging technologies and research developments in areas of growing importance in the IT industry.
  • We host various research groups including the Computational Intelligence Research Group which is leading research in cutting-edge AI and machine learning topics.
  • You will have 24-hour access to several laboratories of networked PCs with a range of language compilers, database and other application software. We are connected, via the SuperJANET network, to the computers of other academic institutions in London, elsewhere in the UK and abroad.
  • The Birkbeck Knowledge Lab draws on multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies from across the sciences, social sciences and the arts, to investigate how digital technologies and digital information are transforming our culture and how we learn and work.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
Careers and employability On successful completion of this MSc Advanced Computing, you will have developed the following valuable skills:
  • advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills for complex computing tasks
  • proficiency in programming languages, system design and data analysis
  • teamwork and leadership skills through collaborative projects
  • research skills, preparing you for further academic study or R&D roles in industry.
Graduates can pursue career paths in software engineering, information systems management, consultancy and research. This MSc prepares you for roles such as:
  • software engineer
  • systems architect
  • data scientist
  • IT consultant
  • researcher in academia or industry.
Graduates have gone on to work at prominent technology companies and institutions, including Microsoft, IBM, Accenture, Google, and various academic and research institutions. We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Coursework, written examinations and a project.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above or MSc in computer science, with the syllabus containing a substantial amount of programming, preferably in an object-oriented language. Joint honours computing graduates may also be eligible, provided they have covered a substantial amount of programming, or have equivalent professional experience in the IT industry. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £5850 Year 1
Northern Ireland £5850 Year 1
Scotland £5850 Year 1
Wales £5850 Year 1
International £10170 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Advanced Computing at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS