Course Overview
| Level of study: |
Postgraduate degree |
| Tuition Fees |
Fees and Finances |
| Entry requirements: |
A 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in the subject areas of computing, engineering, mathematics or related discipline
|
| English language requirements: |
IELTS 6.0 with no component less than 5.5, or equivalent
Other English language tests are accepted, click here to find out more.
|
| Mode of study: |
Full-time |
| Duration: |
21 months |
| Assessment method: |
Coursework |
| Student finance: |
Available |
|
London
Birmingham
Manchester
|
| Start dates: |
January, May, September |
| Application deadline: |
Next application deadline
|
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:
|
Sept-Jan
|
Jan-May
|
May-Sept
|
Sept-Jan
|
Jan-May
|
May-Sept
|
Sept-Jan
|
|
Sept Start
|
Year 1 – Semester 1
Masters stage
|
Year 1 – Semester 2
Masters stage
|
Year 2- Summer Break
|
Year 2 – Semester 3
Advanced Practice stage
|
Year 2 – Semester 4
Masters stage
|
|
|
|
Jan Start
|
|
Year 1 – Semester 1
Masters stage
|
Year 1 – Semester 2
Masters stage
|
Year 2- Autumn Break
|
Year 2 – Semester 3
Advanced Practice stage
|
Year 2 – Semester 4
Masters stage
|
|
|
May Start
|
|
|
Year 1 – Semester 1
Masters stage
|
Year 1 – Semester 2
Masters stage
|
Year 2- Spring Break
|
Year 2 – Semester 3
Advanced Practice stage
|
Year 2 – Semester 4
Masters stage
|
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.
Scalable Advanced Software Solutions
In this module, you’ll be introduced to contemporary server environments and related concepts, commands, their management and operation.
You will gain practical and theoretical experience with the scalable, cloud-based, architectures offered by solutions providers such as OpenStack, Amazon Web Services and Azure.
Additionally, you will examine advanced programming/development concepts facilitating high performance solution development.
Knowledge Engineering
Knowledge Engineering deals with the process of developing, maintaining, extending, and using knowledge-based systems that use (symbolic) artificial intelligence methods.
This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of knowledge engineering, including terminology and concepts, core models and algorithms, technologies, and application scenarios.
You will explore the knowledge engineering toolkit that can be applied to build knowledge-based applications.
You will gain deep understanding of key concepts and principles and gain practical skills in critically evaluating and effectively building knowledge-based applications.
Big Data & Infrastructure
Big Data is the term for a collection of datasets so large and complex that they become difficult to process using traditional database tools.
In this module, you will explore different ways of storing data, including:
- Traditional relational systems
- NoSQL and object stores
- Time series databases
- Semantic stores and graph stores
You will also learn about cloud computing and how to use it to access more resources. Additionally, you’ll explore the core concepts of distributed computing in the context of a data lake, including:
- Components of data lakes
- Workflows
- Functional programming concepts
- Use of MapReduce, Spark, Pig, and Hive
Digital Transformation
In this module, you’ll learn about digital transformation and how it can impact an organisation’s business model, products, and structure using digital technologies.
Digital technologies such as the Internet, social media, data analytics, and cloud computing have eliminated traditional boundaries of time and geography and created virtual communities with new demands for products and services. It has allowed businesses to improve productivity, reduce costs, and innovate.
By the end of this module, you’ll understand the impact of digital transformation in various organisational contexts, and you’ll be able to apply tools and frameworks to plan and implement a digital transformation strategy.
Data Science & Machine Learning
In this module, you’ll learn about data science and machine learning techniques that are used in many industries, including healthcare, finance, and sport. You will learn how these techniques are integrated into software applications and other solutions.
By the end of the module, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to understand the role of data science and machine learning in various industries and apply them to real-world problems.
Deep Learning and Its Application
The module will introduce a fundamental knowledge of deep learning and help you develop your ability to implement effective solutions to practical applications.
You will learn state of the art convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, loss functions and optimisation process along with development tools, and apply them to the development of solutions for deep learning application domains (i.e., Sequential data analysis, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, etc.)
Masters Project (60 credits)
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to implement the knowledge gained throughout this course and conduct in-depth literature research to solve a problem drawn from the research area.
The project will involve design, implementation, experimentation, and critical analysis of results.
The project will test your creativity, critical thinking abilities, project management, problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge.
You will also learn how to analyse and critically evaluate concepts and demonstrate the ability to successfully conduct an independent programme of research and analysis with the aim of developing new knowledge and recommendations.
Applied Consulting Project in Computing (optional – 60 credits)
This applied module enhances your practical and employability skills by allowing you to undertake a consultancy project for real-life case study clients.
By participating in a Consultancy Project, you will gain practical experience in executing a real-life project that can be applied directly to your future professional endeavours post-graduation.
Internship in Computing (optional – 60 credits)
Through an internship in Computing, you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout the course to a real-world organisational issue or problem.
You will also learn how best to present yourself to employers and develop professional workplace skills, which should enhance your future career prospects.
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
Deposit payments
All postgraduate students, both international and home, are required to pay a deposit towards their tuition fee. For more information about the deposit, please visit our finance page.
What do my tuition fees pay for?
The following is included in your tuition fees:
- Your teaching in class – this included seminars, lectures and tutorials
- Campus facilities and social spaces, including computers, Wi-Fi, printers, lockers and multi-faith rooms
- The ACE Team (Academic Community of Excellence) who can support you with your studies and assignments
- Careers and Employability Service, which provides help with CVs, applications and interviews through workshops, drop-ins and 1-2-1 appointments
- Facilities (computers, on-campus wi-fi, printers, vending machines)
- Library resources, both on-campus resources and an extensive online catalogue of resources
- Student Support, including the Welfare Team, Finance Team and more
- Students Advice & Support Centre (SASC), which is the first point of contact for all student support enquiries
Tuition fees do not cover the cost of subject books, stationery, printing and photocopying costs, accommodation, living expenses, travel, hobbies, sports or any other extracurricular activities.
Student finance loan
If you’re a UK postgraduate student, you may be eligible for government-funded financial support, such as:
- Tuition Fee Loans: Paid directly to the university for undergraduate students or to you for postgraduate students, requiring you to transfer the payment to the university
Visit the finance page to find more information.
Living costs
Tuition fees cover registration, teaching, and access to learning resources and support services. However, students are responsible for covering additional living expenses, including books, stationery, accommodation, and travel.
International students must meet UKVI financial requirements for visa purposes:
- £1,483 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
- £1,136 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside of London
For detailed information, refer to the UKVI financial requirements.
Scholarships and discounts
For self-funding students, we also offer a range of academic scholarships and fee discounts.
If you completed your undergraduate degree at an Ulster University branch campus, you may be eligible for an alumni scholarship. Scholarship availability and eligibility requirements vary. Contact us to find out more.
Need more help?
If you have further questions or require additional assistance, visit the finance page.
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 MAY 2025
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
APPLY FOR SEPTEMBER 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.
