MSc in Advanced Computer Science

 

Entry requirements

We want to recruit students with intellectual curiosity who want to discover more about computing. To join this programme, you should:

  • have excellent analytical skills, to be able to understand problems and propose solutions;
  • be capable of working hard on difficult projects;
  • have the ability to set your own goals and manage your time;
  • be self-critical and to evaluate your own performance fairly;
  • have good communication skills, able to explain your ideas in meetings with your supervisor and in writing.

If you have these attributes and can satisfy the formal admissions requirements, then you are well-suited to the MSc in Advanced Computer Science.

Formal requirements

First degree

You must have at least an Upper Second class degree from a United Kingdom university, or the equivalent from overseas. If your degree is not classified like a British honours degree, you need to show you are within the top 15% of your year. If your degree has a GPA score, we consider applicants with a GPA of 3.5/4.0.

Your degree must be in one of the computing disciplines

We consider applicants whose first degree is in one of a wide range of disciplines. Our only consideration is whether they have the necessary knowledge to benefit from our range of modules and project topics. We will consider:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cognitive Science
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science (and variants, eg Computing Science, Computer Studies)
  • Mathematics - providing it includes:
    • calculus (integration and differentiation), elements of linear algebra (vector and matrix operations) and trigonometry and you wish to specialize in image processing
      OR
    • continuous maths at the first year undergraduate level (including calculus, algebra, matrix computation), and applied probability and statistics (including distributions, density functions, statistical tests, Bayesian theorem, means, variance, co-variance) and you wish to specialize in evolutionary and genetic computation
  • Software Engineering

If you have a first degree in the following subjects, you should not apply for the MSc in Advanced Computer Science. You may apply for the MSc in Computer Science (conversion programme).

  • Business Information Systems
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Management Information Systems

For international equivalents of our entry requirements and other country-specific information, please see these pages at the University's International Office

English language requirements

If you have recently studied for a degree at an English speaking university (eg in the United Kingdom, USA, etc), you do not need a separate English language qualification. Otherwise, you need to provide an English qualification.

We accept a number of qualifications and our minimum requirements are:

  • TOEFL (Internet-based Test) 
    A minimum of 82 with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking, 19 in Writing
  • IELTS 
    A minimum of 6.0 with no score below 5.5 in any section of the IELTS test
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
    PTE Academic 51 in all four skills
  • GCE O Level English Language 
    Grade C
  • GCSE English Language 
    Grade C
  • IGCSE English (First Language) 
    Grade C
  • IGCSE English (Second Language)
    Grade C
  • UCLES Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English 
    Grade C
  • UCLES University Certificate in Advanced English 
    Grade A

Please click here for a list of additional accepted English language qualifications.

We do not allow students to start the programme without an English language qualification. You need to be able to communicate effectively in English from the first day of the programme.