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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

Open days

26Mar
Birkbeck, University of London - Postgraduate open evening
Postgraduate

Course summary

Our MRes Advanced Computing is ideal if you wish to advance your knowledge of computing or information systems before embarking on a research and development career in IT or on an MPhil/PhD degree, or are already working in the IT sector. This MRes builds on your advanced understanding of computing and information systems. It offers you a supervised research project in one of the following areas of advanced study:

  • Algorithms, verification and software
  • Experimental data science
  • Knowledge representation and data management
  • Machine learning
  • Large-scale resource management
As these areas correspond to particular expertise among our academic staff, you will also have the opportunity to undertake your research within our own ongoing research projects if you wish. As well as following three taught modules in the above areas, you will also take a Research Methods module. On successful completion of this course you will have gained in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge which you will be able to use in:
  • analysis of problems
  • evaluation of technology options
  • deployment of appropriate solutions
  • research into, and development of, new technologies.
Highlights
  • We host various research groups including the Computational Intelligence Research Group which is leading research in cutting-edge AI and machine learning topics.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • 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.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in software engineering, information systems management, consultancy and research. This course can prepare you for further research at PhD level or progression in roles such as:
  • software engineer
  • systems architect
  • data scientist
  • IT consultant
  • researcher in academia or industry.
Advanced computing 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

Practical lab exercises, coursework and written examinations. Plus a research project of 20,000 words.

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. You should also have completed introductory and advanced courses in computer science, especially in the area of research that you are interested in. On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve. Together with your application documents you should provide a letter of 500-600 words with details of: the direction of research you are interested in, which should be an area offered by our academic staff; your choice of two potential supervisors from our academic staff; why you believe you can do research in this area with your chosen supervisors. 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. If your application meets the above requirements and a potential supervisor is found for you, then you will be invited to an online or in-person interview.

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