How to Apply for our Computer Science MSc courses

Applications for all Computer Science MSc programmes are made directly to the University of Birmingham. We receive a considerable number of applications for our MSc programmes. For this reason, it is best to apply before April (all MSC programmes begin on 30th September for 2013).

You are advised to apply online. If you wish to apply on paper, please use the application form which should be sent by post to the Postgraduate Admissions Office. Guidance notes on how to complete the paper application form can be found here.

You will also need to supply the following supporting documents to us.

We will require:

An application form
You are advised to submit your application online using the University's online application form. Alternatively, application forms should be sent by post to the Postgraduate Admissions Office.
Two references
You must arrange for two references to be sent to us. These should be written by two people who know you well. At least one reference must be written by someone who taught you when you studied for a previous degree. If you apply online, you or your referee can send your references electronically. I you are applying on paper, please use the University's reference form available for you to download
Transcripts of grades or marks
We must receive a list of the subjects you have studied in your previous degrees. This list should include the marks or grades you were given for each subject. If you haven't finished your degree, you should send a transcript of the grades you were awarded in the previous years.
A statement of research (which we will request later)
The MSc in Advanced Computer Science is research oriented, and includes two mini-projects and a summer project, written in the style of a peer-reviewed scientific journal paper. Your application should include two sides of A4 with research interests and tentative ideas that you plan to develop for these three projects. They should normally be close to the research interest of the School (please consult the web pages of lecturers, professors and research staff). Once you are admitted, you will have an opportunity to revise or change your research plans after discussion with your project supervisors. But it is important at application time to know that you are interested and have potential skills for research, as well as some tentative plans. The Statement of Research is an opportunity for you to demonstrate this.
English language certificate (if English is not your first language)
Please click here for a list of accepted English language qualifications.

These should either be uploaded to through the online admissions system or (if you are applying using the paper form) sent to:
Postgraduate Admissions, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.

Once your complete application is received by the Postgraduate Admissions Office, they will and acknowledge receipt. They may also ask for further information to complete you application papers. Your application will then be sent to the School of Computer Science for consideration. The Postgraduate Admissions Office will write to you as soon as possible to inform you of our decision.

Important dates

If you are applying for 2013 entry, the course begins on 30th September 2013 (29th September 2014 for 2014 entry). There is no closing date for admissions, although you are advised to apply as early as possible, particularly if you need to arrange a visa. Please click here for further information on term dates.

Help and Advice

If you need help or advice about making your application, please contact us:

Admissions Team

Tel: +44 (0)121 415 8742

Email: msc-admissions@cs.bham.ac.uk