100% online MSc Computer Science

Apply by: 16 April 2024

To begin: 30 April 2024

180 credits •
2 years part-time

Stand out from the crowd in a high-demand field. Study an immersive online MSc Computer Science degree from a university with leading teaching and research ratings, and superb student satisfaction scores.

This is Keele:

100% online MSc within 24 months
Sought after programming and web languages taught, including Python, Javascript, XML, R and Matlab
Internationally recognised expertise in computational neuroscience, evolutionary systems, machine learning and AI, software and systems engineering
80% of research ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’*
£7,440 total fees with option to pay per module
Keele alumni discount available

*Latest Research Excellence Framework, 2021

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A flexible online Master’s designed to develop the computer scientists of the future

The online MSc Computer Science degree from Keele University has been specifically created to develop the knowledge and skills to excel in a computer science career. The programme is ideal for ambitious individuals who want to launch an exciting new career in this fast-growing field, who have not previously studied computer science or have prior work experience in the field, as well as those professionals who currently work in computer science roles and are looking for an academic qualification to accelerate their career progression.

This postgraduate course equips you for careers ranging from roles as software developers and engineers, programming analysts, computer systems, operating systems, and web developers through to IT consultant and management roles, amongst others.

A sought after qualification from a university recognised for academic excellence

The academics in the Computer Science and Mathematics Department are world-leading experts in their fields and are involved in cutting-edge research, with 80% of the university’s research rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally important’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework. The department regularly wins and is awarded funding from the leading UK research funding agencies, ESPRC and BSRC, as well as prestigious funding bodies such as the Leverhulme Trust.

A tailored online learning experience from leaders for student satisfaction

You will learn in a leading-edge online learning environment, where you will collaborate with and learn from peers, engaging with fellow postgraduate students on discussion groups via online forums. You will be designated a dedicated Keele Student Success Coordinator, who will provide you with all of the support you need from the moment you enrol to the moment you graduate.

Our credentials of putting students at the heart of everything we do and of delivering excellent student experience are supported by our consistent top 3 rankings for student satisfaction and course satisfaction in the National Student Survey as well as in other surveys and rankings including the Guardian rankings (2019) and the PTES survey (2019).

What you will learn

Postgraduate study of this course will develop and extend the practical skills you need for designing, building, deploying and evaluating software and computer applications in a variety of industrial contexts. You will learn programming and web languages including Python, Java and XML, will work with mobile web applications and will learn to develop modern software systems and applications.

A career-led programme designed for professionals in a dynamic world of work

Delivered entirely online and with a flexible course design, the MSc Computer Science can be studied from anywhere in the world and around work and family commitments, meaning you can continue to work full-time to earn and progress in your role whilst you study. With six starts a year, you’re not tied to the traditional academic year and can begin within weeks.

The course is industry-led and benefits from the collaborative projects of the department of Computer Science and Mathematics department with industry partners, such as the ‘Knowledge Transfer Partnership’, with Bentley Motors Ltd.

Key Info

Entry requirements for home and international students

You should normally have, or be about to complete:

A 2:2 undergraduate degree or a UK master’s degree (or international equivalent).

Or:

A third-class honours degree or an ordinary degree (without honours) or UK equivalent professional qualification with a minimum of two years’ appropriate work experience.

Or:

Applicants who do not hold a recognised degree will be asked to provide evidence which demonstrates a minimum of three years’ relevant computing, IT or data management experience. The evidence will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The work experience must be at a graduate level, in either managerial or professional capacity normally in computing, IT or data-related employment which may include development, management or significant responsibility in use of IT or data.

If you earned your undergraduate degree outside the UK, you should check that it is equivalent to a 2:2.

English language requirements

If English isn’t your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

IELTS at 6.0 overall with no individual component below 5.5
TOEFL overall minimum 79
PTE Academic overall minimum 50
Cambridge (CAE & CPE) overall 169 with minimum scores of 162 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
Duolingo with 95 overall including minimum 85 in each element
A degree qualification taught in English and completed within the last two years

Technical requirements

As these programmes are delivered 100% online, you will be required to have access to a desktop computer or laptop of which you have administrative rights which allows you to install software as required. To ensure you can engage with the programmes easily, we would highly recommend utilising a Windows, Mac, or Linux device. Access to Microsoft Office (including Word and Excel) is required (and is included at no extra cost to Keele Students), in addition to the ability to open pdf files via programs such as Acrobat.

Canvas LMS Browser and Computer Requirements

Some modules have additional technical and software requirements which include but are not limited to the following:

Design and Programming

Anaconda – accessed here

Web technologies

XAMPP – accessed here

Statistical Data Analytics and Databases

WEKA – accessed here

Programme Start dates

Next start date: 30 April 2024

Documents deadline: 23 April 2024

Application deadline: 16 April 2024

Fees

Total MSc fees: £7,440

Per 15-credit module fee: £620

If you are based in the UK or the EU, you may be eligible for a government postgraduate loan to cover the full course fees.

Keele alumni discount: if you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree at Keele, you are eligible for a 10% tuition fees reduction, reducing total fees payable to £6,696.

You pay tuition fees for each module taken, either module-by-module or in full at the start of your course.

If you pay module-by-module, you will pay in instalments of £620.

Modules

Design and Programming

This module provides you with a comprehensive introduction to information system design and programming. It covers algorithms, data structures, data storage and manipulation, and user interfaces, and introduces object-oriented programming. The module explores the development of computer programs using appropriate technology, including the accessing of data over the Internet and the use of user interfaces to manipulate and display data. You will be able to develop programs in a major programming language using principles taught on the course.

Fundamentals of Computer Science

This module will provide you with an overview of the core concepts of the discipline, and acts as a foundation for other modules in the programme. It will enable you to understand the links between individual modules on your course, and to understand them properly in context. The module provides valuable transferable skills in critical thinking and problem solving. The content is applicable to those seeking careers in computing research, network security, network management and other digital communication and network areas.

User Interaction Design

This module provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of user interaction design and related techniques. It explores the systematic use of requirements engineering for user interaction and user experience design, the psychological and social-psychological foundations for understanding user interactions, the experimental design and evaluation of user experiences, and the development techniques and technologies for creating user interfaces for web-based and mobile applications.

You will be able to analyse, understand, and design user interactions and experiences and implement appropriate applications to support user needs.

Statistical Data Analytics and Databases

Software engineering with group project

Software engineering is not simply a matter of technical expertise in requirements, specification, design, implementation and maintenance – as typically taught in many other modules. Key to an individual’s career in the modern world of internet and web technology is the ability to function effectively as part of a development team. This module prepares you for this experience and combines it with an opportunity to overcome the practical difficulties of working with real-world clients to produce applications which will be applied by those clients.

Web Technologies and Security

In this module you will learn to build commercially viable and richly interactive internet or web applications with particular emphasis on mobile web applications. You will consider the technology, its application and a critical evaluation of when and where to apply the approach. A typical example of such a technology would be AJAX, where we would consider what it is, its strengths and weaknesses and what alternatives exist where its use might be considered inappropriate. You will also consider in detail the security aspects of web applications and the methods to defend against security threats.

Research and Consultancy Skills

Even the most technically gifted computing professionals need to communicate and plan effectively if their ideas are to be realised. There is also an increasing need for an understanding of the wider implications computing has on society and how legal and ethical issues relate to software development and deployment.

This module aims to enhance your skills and knowledge in areas such as: communication and problem solving skills; ethical, legal, and social issues; modern group working techniques specific to computing; design and management of research and consultancy activities; and selecting suitable formats and styles of presentation.

You will be taught and supported by experts from within the school as well as invited speakers from industry and academia.

Advanced programming Techniques

This module will take students with programming experience in a general-purpose language to an advanced level. It will use the Python programming language as a vehicle for teaching advanced concepts but what is learned will be readily adaptable to any other general-purpose contemporary computer language. In addition to high-level programming, the module will cover system design in the context of an available set of requirements.