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Computer Science

MSc

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

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 will I 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 significant 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 will I 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 through our virtual online learning environment.

    This course will suit graduates who are new to computer science. If you already hold a degree in computer science, you should apply for our MSc Advanced Computing.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Usually three to four times a week (choose afternoons or evenings), October to July.

    Part-time: Usually two to three times a week (choose afternoons or evenings), October to July.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More 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.
  • We have several laboratories of networked PCs with a range of language compilers, database and other application software that you can access daily from morning till late in the evening. We are also 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.

Modules and Teaching

School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

A world-leading centre in algorithms, data science, artificial intelligence, and logical methods, and a centre of excellence in research.

Visit the school

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.

If you already hold a degree in computer science please see our 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.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

  • What are the English language requirements?

    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. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

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Fees

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,000 per year
Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
Part-time international students: £11,490 per year
Full-time international students: £22,980 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

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.

Reflecting the course’s strong industry alignment and career-focused approach, 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.

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.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

Related courses

Study routes for Computer Science (MSc)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time