Why study this course?
This programme is designed for students with or without prior computing experience. Whether you're transitioning from another discipline or strengthening your existing digital skillset, you’ll develop a clear understanding of how computing systems support, shape and transform organisations.
You’ll explore how technology decisions affect business processes, project management and long鈥憈erm strategy while also gaining the hands鈥憃n development skills needed to contribute meaningfully to technical teams.
Throughout your studies, you’ll build the critical judgement and responsible computing mindset essential for navigating an increasingly complex and AI鈥慸riven world.
On this MSc in Computing and Information Technology, you will:
- develop a strong understanding of modern computing systems and how they influence business operations, decision鈥憁aking and efficiency
- learn in鈥慸emand programming skills using contemporary software development tools and techniques
- build adaptability and analytical confidence, preparing you to evaluate emerging technologies responsibly and make sound, informed decisions
- explore specialist areas of computer science, with the flexibility to follow your own interests
- complete a substantial software development project involving deep investigation, research, and critical thinking as part of your dissertation
- access 24/7 modern computing labs that are supportive, collaborative spaces shared by students across levels and disciplines
Teaching
A mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes.
Class sizes
Typically from 20 to 110 students.
Dissertation
A three-month project 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.
You will choose six of the optional modules. Up to two of these may be taken from the 'Additional optional' list.
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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- Fundamentals of Software Engineering: examines the key concepts in software engineering. Module does not involve programming.
- Masters Programming Projects: reinforces key programming skills gained during the first programming module of the programme and offers increasing depth and scope for creativity.
- Programming Principles and Practice: introduces computational thinking and problem-solving skills to students who have no or little previous programming experience.
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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:
- Critical Systems Engineering
- Data Ethics and Privacy
- Data-Intensive Systems
- Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods
- Information Visualisation
- Interactive Software and Hardware
- Knowledge Discovery and Datamining
- Language and Computation
- Machine Learning
- 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
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Students may take up to two of the following:
- Advanced Communication Networks and Systems
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Security
- Concurrency and Multi-Core Architectures
- Constraint Programming
- Databases
- Distributed Systems
- Logic and Software Verification
- Programming Language Design and Implementation
- Signal Processing: Sound, Image, Video
- Video Games
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During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree upon a topic for the extended project, which they will work on during the final three months of the course. The project finishes in a 15,000-word dissertation. Dissertation projects may be group-based or completed individually, though students are assessed individually 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
The combination of technical skills, business awareness and responsible decision鈥憁aking prepares you for a resilient, future鈥憄roof career in a world where organisations rely on experts who understand both technology and the impact it has on people and processes.
Graduates of this programme move into a wide range of exciting, meaningful and well鈥憄aid roles across both public and private sectors.
These roles include:
- AI programmer
- full鈥憇tack AI developer
- data analyst
- research scientist
- integration engineer
- cloud consultant
- game developer
- machine learning engineer or consultant
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. We offer:
- access to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring
- one-to-one guidance covering everything from career choice to application support and interview coaching
- employer connections, global vacancies, and practical experiences
- academic and professional skills development
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:
- Booking.com
- BT
- Capgemini
- IBM
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:
- 鈥疉滨&苍产蝉辫;
- symbolic computation
- networking
- distributed systems
- human computer interaction
- systems engineering
Get to know us
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 good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree.
Application requirements
- CV or résumé. This 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. Please only provide certified copies with official English translations if applicable. 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