MSc Computer Science (Conversion)

Faculty	Faculty of Engineering
Awards available	MSc
Programme length	One year full-time
Location of programme	Clifton campus
Part-time study available	No, full-time only
Start date	September 2022

Programme overview

This MSc conversion programme is for students from a variety of academic backgrounds who have little or no previous academic computing experience. The aims of the programme are to build:

an understanding of the basis of computer science and its importance in software development;
an understanding of the underlying principles of computer systems and their applications;
an introduction to industrial-style methods of analysis, design, implementation, testing and documentation in software development;
an appreciation of the current state and future directions of technological advances in computer science.

Virtual open week

This programme was covered in our Computer Science (Conversion) webinar.

Watch on demand

Fees for 2022/23

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2022/23 are as follows:

UK: full-time: £15,600
Overseas: full-time: £26,900

Following the recent changes to fee assessment regulation, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students will no longer be charged a separate tuition fee. From the 2021/22 academic year they will be charged the same fees as Home students.

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a five per cent increase in fees each year. Find out more about tuition fees.

Alumni scholarship

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a ten per cent reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni scholarship.

Funding for 2022/23

Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students.

Programme structure

The programme is split into two teaching blocks and a summer project that involves researching, planning and implementing a major piece of work with a significant scientific, technical or software development component. The main programming languages taught on the course are C and Java. There is a strong emphasis on individual and group projects for putting into practice what you learn about software engineering, web technologies, databases, computer architecture and research skills.

By the end of the first teaching block you will have a solid foundation in imperative programming and computer architecture. You will also have begun to acquire research skills and started to familiarise yourself with topics for your project. By the end of the second teaching block you will be able to apply industrial-style tools and techniques for software development and web applications in a teamworking context. You will also have refined your project idea and completed a detailed specification and work plan.

Over the summer you will implement and evaluate your project and you will submit a dissertation describing your work in September.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Computer Science (Conversion).

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in any subject other than computer science or a computer science related subject (this includes Information Technology). Competence in mathematics must be demonstrated, with at least a B grade in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent university-level experience.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:
Profile E
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Admissions statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Admissions statement

Careers

This programme aims to provide a sufficiently comprehensive and practical foundation to enable you to start a new career in IT, or to stand out from the crowd and enhance your employment opportunities within your existing field.

It will also provide the required background in computer science to enable you to undertake further study, leading to the specialisation needed for a research career.

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Find out how to apply

Expected application closure date

Due to high demand we will be closing MSc Computer Science (Conversion) to applicants from China on 6 December 2021.

Please find out more information by reading our guidance for when to apply.

Overseas applicants (except China): 29 July 2022.

Home applicants: 12 August 2022.

Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from October 2021 until all places are filled. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment.