About this course

The UK economy is facing a well-documented digital skills gap, costing an estimated £63 billion a year in potential GDP, prompting the Government to launch various initiatives to address this issue, including the designated Institute of Coding and the announcement of a Digital Skills Strategy to make the UK a global tech superpower. Recent estimates predict that by 2025 there will be 3 million new tech vacancies in the UK and 149 million world-wide.

The MSc in Computer Science and Technology will provide you with the knowledge and practical experience of the advanced concepts, algorithms, theories and techniques underlying advanced computing systems for a successful career in this booming industry.

The course covers leading-edge subjects of programming such as:

• Big Data
• Deep learning
• Data mining
• Machine learning
• Statistical modelling — the most up-to-date topics in the areas of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
• Scalable Software Solutions leveraging Cloud Infrastructure

Advanced Practice

The compulsory Advanced Practice element of this programme takes place after you have studied the taught modules at the Masters’ stage.

• undertake a 15-week long internship in computing, or applied consulting project, working with a real organisation on a live business problem
• gain experience of the workplace environment and enhance your practical and employ ability skills while working on “real-life” case study
• gain enhanced knowledge of the workplace which will facilitate the completion of your Masters Project.

Please note if you undertake an internship this may be paid or unpaid.

Course Duration

On successful completion of each stage of this programme of study, the duration will be 21 months, according to the following specific intake schedule:

Teaching methods

• You will be taught using a wide variety of teaching methods across the modules including lectures, seminars and tutorials. Typically, you will have 12-17.5 hours of contact time per week.
• In addition to your time in class, you will also be expected to engage in approximately 35 hours of self-study time per week.
• You will have access to Blackboard, our online learning environment, where you can access module resources and reading lists that will assist your preparation for classes and self-study.
• You’ll be taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry and research experience to demonstrate how to apply best practice in software engineering to the development of a wide range of information systems in organisations.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by coursework only.

Careers and postgraduate opportunities

Student and employer needs are reflected in the development of this programme and evidenced in the career destinations and further development of our graduates.

Graduates will be prepared for a range of careers across a variety of sectors, with some of the roles including:

• Software Engineers
• Software Developers
• IT Engineers
• IT Project ad Programme Managers
• Machine Learning Engineers
• Artificial Intelligence Practitioners
• Data Scientists
• Deep Learning Engineers
• Researcher/Academic

Modules

All modules are core and 20 credits unless specified.

The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

Academic requirements

• A 2:2 (second class) honours degree or International equivalent in the subject areas of computing, engineering, mathematics or related discipline

Non-standard entry

• In exceptional circumstances, if you do not meet the entry requirements above but have substantial and significant experiential learning, you may be able to apply as a non-standard applicant.

For country-specific entry requirements, please visit the entry requirements page.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, please contact us and one of our team will contact you to discuss your options.

English language requirements

Applicants must satisfy our general entry requirements as well as meeting specific requirements.

• You will need to provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade 4 – previously grade C – or equivalent).

The general entry requirements are any of the following:

• IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or equivalent

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• UK/Home students: £10,250

International students:

• London: £19,550
• Birmingham: £18,000
• Manchester: £18,000

Tuition fees for 2025/26

• UK/Home students: £10,250

International students:

• London: £20,050
• Birmingham: £18,500
• Manchester: £18,500

Please note: UK/Home students who are financing their studies through the postgraduate loan, you will be required to make a deposit payment of £250 at enrolment, this amount will be deducted from the total tuition fee. This does not apply to progressing students who are currently studying at the undergraduate level with us.

Please note that the fees outlined are for your tuition only and do not include the cost of any course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, accommodation etc. As an Ulster University Branch Campus student you will also have access to our on-campus libraries and a range of e-learning resources.

The modules you will study may require you to purchase additional course textbooks and you should be prepared to buy some additional texts, we recommend allowing an additional £300 for the duration of your course.

Information for international students

Ulster University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.

What does my tuition pay for?

• Your teaching in class – this includes seminars, lectures and tutorials
• Access to facilities including computers, Wi-Fi, printers, lockers, multi-faith rooms, quiet study space and social areas. To learn more about available facilities please visit our branch campus pages
• Our library service – both on-campus and an extensive online catalogue of resources
• Careers and Employability Service which provides help with CVs, applications and interview preparation through workshops, drop-ins and 1-2-1 appointments
• The ACE Team (Academic Community of Excellence) who are here to support you with your studies and assignments
• Students Activities Association (SAA) – who organise events on campus, discounted sightseeing trips and help students create and run societies

Scholarships and discounts

For self-funding students, we offer a range of scholarships and early payment fee discounts, you can find out more here.

How to find out more

To find out more about this course, we recommend that you complete our enquiry form and one of our team will contact you to discuss your options.

How to apply

UK and International students can apply directly to study the MSc Computer Science and Technology with Business Development via our online application form below.

APPLY FOR JANUARY 2025

You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.

APPLY FOR MAY 2025

You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.

Information for disabled applicants

At Ulster, we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.

If you’re not sure or have any questions about studying with us, please contact us and one of our team will be able to help.