Postgraduate Course
Computer Science MSc
This Computer Science MSc integrates foundational knowledge with advanced principles and practices in contemporary computing.
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If you are looking to advance your career in software development, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and related technology sectors, this course offers practical, hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and methodologies. Throughout your study you will engage with contemporary research and IT industry trends, and be supported through regular seminars and workshops led by industry professionals.
London campus
- Duration – 1 year full time, 2 years full time with Professional Experience
- Start date – September 2026, February 2026
- School – London
Minimum entry requirements
2:2 honours degree in a related subject
Tuition fees
UK 2026-27 £10,000 full time
International 2026-27 £11,800 full time
Course overview
As a Computer Science MSc student, you will develop in-depth expertise in areas such as Cloud Computing and Cyber Security, enabling you to design robust and scalable solutions to complex computational problems. Through integrated modules covering the Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Systems, and Embedded Artificial Intelligence, you will build the knowledge and practical skills required to innovate and contribute to emerging smart technologies and intelligent device ecosystems.
Your experience on this course will be shaped by current industry standards and practices, through applied learning, contemporary case studies, and engagement with real computing challenges. You will graduate with the ability to design, deploy, and manage advanced computing solutions, communicate complex technical concepts effectively, and contribute to innovative projects within a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
With options to study this course part time or full time, with or without a year in industry, and various starting points throughout the year, this course offers the flexibility to work for you.
If you choose the Professional Experience route, you will either undertake an industry placement, or participate in York St John University London’s Enterprise Academy. The Enterprise Academy supports you to develop professional, entrepreneurial, leadership, and technical skills through applied projects addressing real industry challenges.
Course structure
How you will study
You can study this postgraduate course full time with or without an industry placement. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments. You can also study this course with or without a year long industry placement.
Full time (without an industry placement)
If you choose to study full time without the industry placement, the course will take 1 year to complete. You will study:
- 4 compulsory modules
- A compulsory dissertation module
Full time (with an industry placement)
If you choose to study with an industry placement, the course will take 2 years to complete. You will study:
- 4 compulsory modules
- A compulsory dissertation
- A year in industry
You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
On this module you will develop your integrated understanding of cloud computing and cybersecurity, with a particular emphasis on how security principles are applied within cloud-based architectures. You will first learn about core cloud computing concepts, including service models, deployment architectures, and distributed systems. We will then introduce key cybersecurity principles relevant to cloud environments, such as identity and access management, data protection, and risk mitigation. We will then bring these areas together, focusing on the design, deployment and evaluation of secure cloud systems.
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
Through this module you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the design, development, and deployment of intelligent embedded systems within the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. This includes learning about core principles of microcontroller-based system design, sensor integration, real-time control, and both wired and wireless communication protocols. You will also explore cutting-edge developments in embedded artificial intelligence (AI), including Machine learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL) models and model optimisation techniques for edge devices. Emphasis is placed on secure, efficient, and scalable smart systems, applicably in areas such as healthcare, industrial automation, and smart environments.
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
On this module we will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to design and develop software systems that are both technically sound and aligned with user needs, through the application of Agile methodologies. Emphasising iterative, collaborative, and user-centred approaches, the module reflects current industry practices in modern software development. It will prepare you to operate effectively in real, team-based environments where continuous user engagement is essential to delivering successful digital products.
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
The focus of this module is on deep learning techniques, frameworks, and modern neural network architectures. We will cover both foundational theories, such as backpropagation, activation functions, and optimisation methods, and state-of-the-art models, including convolutional, recurrent, and transformer-based networks. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical implementation, you will build the skills to design, build, and critically evaluate deep learning solutions to complex industry problems.
Credits: 60
Compulsory module
On the Dissertation module you will engage in independent, in-depth investigation into a specialist area aligned with your interests and ambitions. Through it you will develop advanced research and critical thinking skills, by exploring complex, real-world challenges informed by academic and industry contexts. You will receive plenty of guidance on research methods, ethics, and professional practice, alongside individual supervision. Through your dissertation you will demonstrate your ability to define a research problem, apply appropriate methodologies, analyse data, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
Teaching and learning are delivered primarily through face-to-face lectures, interactive seminars, and laboratory sessions, fostering an active learning environment. Learning is supported by structured classroom activities, project-based work, and real world scenarios that strengthen the integration of theory and practice.
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Professional skills
You will develop the necessary skills and knowledge you need to become a computer scientist or IT professional. There will be many opportunities for you to learn practical skills and conceptual techniques from cloud computing to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a range of methods, including:
- Portfolios
- Presentations
- Vivas
- Practical demonstrations
- Project-based research
Your module tutors will provide ongoing formative assessment and constructive feedback to support your development before final submission. Feedback is provided through a variety of methods, including written guidance, verbal or audio commentary, and face-to-face sessions.
Optional placement year
Choosing the placement year option can give you a competitive edge in your future career. It is an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the workplace.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
2:2 honours degree in a related subject
If your honours degree is not in a related discipline, but you can demonstrate extensive professional experience in the subject, your application will be considered.
International Students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
UK
2026 - 2027 entry
The tuition fee for 2026 - 2027 entry to this postgraduate course without Professional Experience is:
- £10,000 for 1 year of full time study
The tuition fee for 2026 -2027 entry to this postgraduate course with Professional Experience is:
- £10,000 for your first year, and £1,500 for your Professional Experience year (£11,500 in total)
2026 - 2027 entry
The tuition fee for 2026 - 2027 entry to this postgraduate course without Professional Experience is:
- £10,300 for 1 year of full time study
The tuition fee for 2026 -2027 entry to this postgraduate course with Professional Experience is:
- £10,200 for your first year, and £1,600 for your Professional Experience year (£11,800 in total)
These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.
International 2026 - 2027 entry
The tuition fee for 2026 entry to this postgraduate course without Professional Experience is:
- £11,800 for 1 year of full time study
The tuition fee for 2026 entry to this postgraduate course with Professional Experience is:
- £11,800 for your first year, and £3,600 for your Professional Experience year (£15,400 in total)
These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.
Tuition fees
UK 2026-27 £10,000 full time
International 2026-27 £11,800 full time
Alumni Scholarships
If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.
Additional costs and financial support
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Accommodation and living costs
View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.
Career outcomes
Where could Computer Science take you?
This degree could lead you to a career working in either Computer Science or Information Technology. You will develop the skills and learn the theory based on your area of expertise or employment. Through working on practical activities with links to industry you will gain key professional skills.
This will give you an advantage in careers such as:
- Computer Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Information Systems Manager
- IT consultant
- Software Engineer
- Systems Analyst
Alumni stories
Visit our YSJ Snapshots blog to see what our past students from across the University have done with their York St John degrees.
Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study
Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market.
Our careers service, Future You, provides support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.
Course highlights
London connections
Study this course ar London campus, close to many of the city's big tech businesses.
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Learning to suit you
With options to study part time or full time, to study with a placement year, and 3 starting points throughout the year, there are choices to suit everyone.
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Placement year
If you chose the placement year option, you will gain extensive and valuable professional and industry experience.
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