Why study this course?
This programme is designed for students without a computing background who want to move into a tech鈥憃riented career or gain new digital skills relevant to their current role. You’ll learn the essentials of computer science while developing the adaptability, critical judgement and responsible computing mindset needed to thrive in a fast鈥憁oving technological world.
You’ll gain practical skills through hands鈥憃n lab, group work and software development projects and build confidence as you learn to solve real problems using modern tools.
On this conversion MSc in Computer Science, you will:
- build a solid grounding in core computer science, from algorithms and systems to software engineering
- explore specialist topics, such as AI, HCI and software engineering, choosing modules that match your interests
- develop strong programming skills in modern software development environments
- learn responsible computing, gaining the judgement needed to design and evaluate technologies ethically and effectively
- grow your adaptability, preparing you to keep pace with new tools, methods and emerging technologies
- complete a major research and development project, involving in鈥慸epth investigation and substantial software implementation
- enjoy 24/7 access to modern computing labs, part of a collaborative, close鈥慿nit School community
You may switch to a conversion MSc in Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning, or to the MSc in Computing and Information Technology, after your first semester, provided you complete appropriate modules.
Teaching
Lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes.
Class sizes
Typically range from 20 to 110 students.
Dissertation project
A three-month project on a computer science topic leading to a 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
Practical coursework exercises and exams.
Modules
The 58吃瓜 degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
The taught portion of the MSc programme includes eight modules, three compulsory and five optional.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of 58吃瓜. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Programming Principles in Practice: introduces computational thinking and problem-solving skills to students who have no or little previous programming experience.
- Fundamentals of Computation: introduces foundational Computer Science topics to students without prior background in the subject.
- Masters Programming Projects: this module reinforces key programming skills gained in Programming Principles in Practice by means of a series of coursework assignments posed as small programming projects.
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The following modules are optional for Computer Science programmes. Not all combinations of modules will be available for all programmes, and some modules are subject to pre-requisites being satisfied.
Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered:
- Computer Security
- Critical Systems Engineering
- Databases
- Data Ethics and Privacy
- Data-Intensive Systems
- Fundamentals of Software Engineering
- Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods
- Information Visualisation
- Interactive Software and Hardware
- Language and Computation
- Machine Learning
- Machine Learning for Data Analysis
- Principles of Computer Communication Systems
- Software Architecture and Design
- Software Product and Project Management
- Software Quality
- Symbolic Artificial Intelligence
- Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence
- User-Centred Interaction Design
- Web Technologies
- Video Games
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During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree a topic for the extended project. They will work on it during the final three months of the course, finishing with a 15,000-word dissertation.
Dissertation projects may be group-based or completed鈥痠ndividually, though students are assessed鈥痠ndividually in either case.
The dissertation typically comprises:
- a review of related work
- the extension of existing or the development of new ideas
- software implementation and testing
- analysis and evaluation
Each project is supervised by one or two members of staff, typically through regular meetings and reviews of software and dissertation drafts.
What it will lead to
Careers
Digital skills are in high demand across nearly every sector. With strong foundations, practical experience and the ability to reason responsibly about emerging technologies, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of exciting, meaningful and well鈥憄aid roles including:
- software developer or engineer
- AI and machine learning roles
- data analysis
- UX and HCI roles
- cloud and systems development
- technical consultancy
- digital transformation roles across industry and public sectors
Your ability to adapt, problem鈥憇olve and apply sound judgement ensures you’ll be ready for today’s tech jobs and for the roles that will emerge as computing continues to evolve.
Elevate your career
Alumni of computer science MSc programmes have gone on to work in a variety of global, commercial, financial and research institutions, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Bloomberg, Adobe, Salesforce, Cisco, Huawei, Civil Service and RegGenome.
Further your education
The 鈥痠s a four-year Engineering Doctorate involving an industrial partner. If you have already completed an MSc you may be able to proceed directly to the individual research component of the EngD.
Go your own way
Our offers training and start-up support, gives you access to experienced and expert mentors and an investor network, and one-to-one advice to help you realise your commercial potential.
Why 58吃瓜?
The School of Computer Science is highly rated for its theoretical and practical research in areas such as:
- 鈥痑rtificial intelligence
- health informatics
- human computer interaction
- programming languages
- responsible and sustainable computing
- systems
Get to know us
Offer holders will be invited to join our optional 'Transition to CS@58吃瓜' online hub to get early information about learning, teaching, assessment and student support. You can chat with staff and current students during live monthly Question and Answer sessions over the summer before the start of your course.
Events
The School of Computer Science organises a regular programme of colloquia, talks and seminars by external and internal speakers from both industry and academia. The talks are aimed at bringing the diversity, excitement and impact of computer science from around the globe to staff and students within the School.
The and ) regularly organise hackathons and other events open to local and external participants, including Masters students. These are very popular events, often supported by industrial sponsors.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at 58吃瓜 you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements
Application requirements
- CV, which should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- Personal statement (optional)
- One original signed academic reference
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates that confirm your current or final marks. If your transcripts are not in English, please provide certified translations. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,630
- Rest of the world: £31,450
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics:
- about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the .
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University鈥檚 approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 8 June 2026