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Computer Science 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

The MSc Computer Science at Birkbeck is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in the ever-evolving tech industry. Why choose this course?

  • This course has flexible study options and a cutting-edge curriculum that aligns with industry trends, to help ensure you are ready to meet the demands of a competitive job market.
  • It has strong industry links giving you the chance to connect with industry professionals through partnerships, guest lectures and networking opportunities with leading tech firms.
  • Its focus on practical, real-world applications to give you hands-on learning means that it is ideal if you are aiming to pivot your career or enhance your expertise.
What you will learn On this MSc Computer Science, you will focus on programming and software development, exploring advanced concepts in critical areas such as:
  • artificial intelligence
  • software engineering
  • cloud computing.
You will develop practical skills through project-based learning, including applying your theoretical knowledge through a final project in which you will gain further valuable experience. By learning to master cutting-edge technologies, you will be equipped to tackle the challenges of the digital age and advance your career in the tech industry. How you will learn This MSc Computer Science is available to study full- or part-time. It has both an evening and a daytime timetable so you can choose whether to take your classes in the afternoons or evenings. You will learn through a blend of interactive lectures, seminars and hands-on workshops, with access to high-quality online resources. Highlights
  • Birkbeck has much experience in this subject area having established one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957. Today, we provide a stimulating teaching and research environment with modern labs and the latest software available to you.
  • 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.
  • Studying at Birkbeck means studying in the heart of London, a global tech hub, home to key companies and industry events.
  • 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.
  • We also offer an MSc Advanced Computing and, working with the University of London, an online MSc Computer Science.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this MSc Computer Science you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • expertise in programming languages, software development and cloud technologies
  • advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
  • strong project management skills
  • the ability to analyse and interpret complex data for informed decision-making
  • excellent teamwork and communication skills, essential for collaboration in tech environments.
Graduates can pursue career paths in software engineering, information systems management, consultancy, or research. Possible professions include:
  • AI specialist
  • data scientist
  • database administrator
  • IT consultant
  • systems developer
  • systems analyst
  • information systems manager
  • IT sales professional
  • technical author.
Our graduates have gone on to work for major tech companies, research institutions and government agencies, such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, JP Morgan, HSBC, the Bank of America and Oracle.

Modules

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

Assessment method

Coursework, including programming assignments, written examinations and a project.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT

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

The degree is designed for graduates who are new to computer science, so the main requirement is at least a second-class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent, in any subject other than single-honours computer science. Applicants with less than the required level of academic qualification may be considered if they have significant experience in the IT industry. Applicants who already hold a degree in computer science are referred to the MSc Advanced Computing. Upon receipt of application, suitable candidates will be invited to take an online aptitude test. The details of the test will be clearly set out via email. You are expected to take the test before the deadline specified in that email and we aim to get back to you with our decision based on the results of the aptitude test within 10 working days. You can also download the aptitude test notes in advance to prepare. Please note that you can only take the aptitude test once per academic year. 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.

English language requirements

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.
Computer Science at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS