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MSc Computer Science

Study Method Online
Provider University of Essex Online (IE)
Start Date 14 July 2026, 6 October 2026
University of Essex Online (IE)

Course overview

Are you looking for a route to break into the rapidly growing computing sector? This 100% online, part-time MSc Computer Science takes you from a computer science novice to a capable programmer. Throughout the course, you’ll explore recent trends and key developments in computer science, as well as learning essential programming languages such as Python and SQL.

Designed for individuals who don’t have a computing background, this online conversion degree will provide you with practical skills and technical knowledge across a range of essential computing topics. When you complete this course, you’ll have a strong academic foundation to build your career in, whichever area of computer science you want to work in.

This degree is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).

Job outcomes

  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Web Developer
  • Requirements Analyst
  • Network Analyst
  • Information System Administrator
  • Project Manager

Want to see more job outcomes and how your future could change?

Study method

  • Online Online info icon
    Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
  • Blended Blended info icon
    Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
  • In-class In-class info icon
    In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
  • Virtual Virtual info icon
    Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

Duration study load

  • 2 years – Part-time

Delivery

We’re a 100% online education provider, so we use a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE) to deliver our teaching, resources and assessments. Our system tracks and manages the learning process in real-time and provides you with immediate access to your learning materials. The VLE is accessible 24/7 and allows both students and tutors to actively take part in real-time conversations and live seminars.

For our MSc Computer Science, there’s no need to download different software packages – all programming languages are included within the tuition fee and all work is carried out in an online development environment.

Entry requirements

At University of Essex Online, we believe that everyone should be able to access education. That is why we offer two different entry routes onto our MSc Computer Science, which considers academic or work-based experience.  

Academic entry route 

You must have the following qualifications as a minimum: 

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification 

Work experience entry route 

You must meet the following criteria: 

  • at least three years’ relevant work experience  

English language requirement 

Our courses are taught in English so to study with us you must have an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 or equivalent. If you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification, you will be required to pass a free online English test to assess your proficiency. 

Find out more about the entry requirements for this course

Course features

We believe you get the most out of your time spent studying when you are kept informed of your performance, and we achieve this by:

  • assessing you throughout modules rather than waiting for end of year assessments
  • showing your marks in your grade book which can be viewed whenever you log onto the virtual learning environment (VLE)
  • rapid turnaround on work assessed to ensure your grade book is always up to date
  • ensuring you have regular contact with your Student Support team

Assessment

All assessments are delivered through our virtual learning environment (VLE).  You’ll submit assignments through the VLE, such as written reports, discussion forum participation or reflective journal entries.

We also have a policy of ensuring that the work submitted by students is authentic – we use a well-established electronic monitoring system to check for plagiarism.

Additional information

Career prospects

There’s a huge level of demand for computer science professionals and this course is designed to allow you to make a career change to this technical field. After completing your studies, you’ll be prepared to succeed in roles such as Software Developer, Software Engineer, Web Developer, Requirements Analyst, Network Analyst, Information System Administrator and Project Manager.

Delivery

We’re a 100% online education provider, so we use a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE) to deliver our teaching, resources and assessments. Our system tracks and manages the learning process in real-time and provides you with immediate access to your learning materials. The VLE is accessible 24/7 and allows both students and tutors to actively take part in real-time conversations and live seminars.

For our MSc Computer Science, there’s no need to download different software packages – all programming languages are included within the tuition fee and all work is carried out in an online development environment.

Subjects

The MSc Computer Science is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

Modules
Launch into Computing (20 credits)
Advanced Object-Oriented Design and Programming (20 credits)
Secure Software Development (Computer Science) (20 credits)
Network Security (10 credits)
Information Security Management (10 credits)
Software Engineering Project Management (20 credits)
Research Methods and Professional Practice (20 credits)
MSc Computing Project and Dissertation (60 credits)

Want more information about the subjects for this course?

Payment options

Full tuition fee:

£12,858 UK / £13,427 International (2025-26) Δ

£13,206 UK / £13,884 International (2026/27)

  • Designated for postgraduate student loans in England.

  • Simple monthly payment plan available, allowing you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies.

  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront.

  • International students residing in specific regions outside of the UK may be eligible for a partial scholarship for our undergraduate and postgraduate online courses.

  • Students residing in Africa can also enjoy a 20% scholarship for the remaining intakes in the 2025-26 academic year for all eligible undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.

  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.

  • 10% Course Scholarship available for the July 2026 intakes.

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits. Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process.

Find out more about the payment options for this course

About University of Essex Online (IE)

University of Essex Online delivers 100% online part-time courses in business, computing, education, health, law, criminology and psychology. The qualifications we offer include CertHEs and Bachelors degrees at the undergraduate level, and PG Certs, PG Dips and Masters degrees at the postgraduate level, with study durations ranging from 8 months to 4 years. As an established provider of 100% online degrees in the UK. All our courses are specifically designed for online delivery, combining silver-standard teaching with the latest technology and enabling you to gain a degree from anywhere in the world. All our qualifications are awarded and validated by the University of Essex, an award-winning university with a 60-year heritage of teaching and research excellence. On completion of your studies, you’ll be invited to graduate at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. You will receive the same certificate as campus-based students – your mode of study is only mentioned on your academic transcript. We're proud to be rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Rankings 2024. Our achievement, which is based on four pillars - resources, engagement, outcomes and environment - recognises our commitment to excellent online education.

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