Computer Science (MSc) (2024 Entry)
Explore our Computer Science taught Master's degree.
The Computer Science MSc is for technically minded graduates with experience in computer science, mathematics or physical sciences. Ranked 4th in the UK (REF 2021), Warwick's Computer Science department will train you in using the latest techniques in academia and industry while providing you with a set of skills essential in your future career.
Course overview
This course is designed for technically-minded graduates with a background in computer science, mathematics, or the physical sciences.
It provides a comprehensive preparation for the use of cutting-edge techniques in industry, though its research focus also makes it an excellent starting point for a research career, through PhD study or in a commercial setting.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
First Class Honours degree or a high 2:1 undergraduate degree. The degree must be in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or another relevant quantitatively focused degree.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band A
- IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
Dissertation Project
The dissertation is intended to give you the opportunity to consolidate the knowledge that you have acquired during the first half of the MSc, and to undertake a research-led project. You will be expected to carry out a significant development exercise, either in the form of a research project or a knowledge transfer project that applies recent research and the advanced topics taught in the first half of the course.
Research Methods
The module aims to facilitate the acquisition of a range of research methods, ensure that you are aware of the legal framework within which research is conducted, and that you are sensitive to the social and ethical issues which affect Computer Science research.
Foundations of Computing
The aim of the module is to equip you with a grounding in foundations of computing and to enable you to confidently undertake a taught master's programme in advanced computing topics.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- High Performance Computing
- Algorithmic Game Theory
- Formal Systems Development
- Image and Video Analysis
- Agent Based Systems
- Quantum Computing
- Computational Biology
- Data Mining
- Foundations of Data Analytics
- Sensor Networks and Mobile Data Communications
- Advanced Computer Security
- Social Informatics
- Natural Language Processing
Teaching
The course has two components - a taught component and a dissertation. The taught component will allow you to acquire expertise and industrially relevant technical skills in cutting edge areas of computer science, including agent-based systems, high performance systems, game theory and bioinformatics, as well as experience of project management, academic writing, and scientific methods.
The taught component is complemented by a dissertation project, undertaken primarily in the second half of your course, which offers the opportunity to specialise and explore areas of interest in greater depth. Your dissertation may be entirely research focussed or directed towards the application of advanced topics.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods; exams, coursework, presentations, and a dissertation. Exams take place in the summer term; usually in May and/or June with dissertations expected to be completed in September.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, core and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your core modules will be registered for you, and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Your career
Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including BAE Systems Applied Intelligence; Barclays; Brainlabs; Dell EMC; Huawei Technologies Co Ltd; JPMorgan; KPMG; Play Station; and UBS.
Our graduates have pursued roles such as: business and related associate professionals; finance and investment analysts and advisers; IT business analysts, systems designers; management consultants and business analysts; programmers and software development professionals.
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Computing Your Career
- Technology in Professional Services
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Working in the Computer Games Industry
- Computer Science Alumni Event
Computer Science at Warwick
What are computers capable of? How do we use them to solve major world problems? What are their limitations?
Computer Science at Warwick offers you a community of excellence across the breadth of computer science. Join like-minded thinkers and friends who relish the challenges of shaping future technology.
You will study the theoretical foundation in established areas of the discipline. You will then apply your learning to industrially relevant problems, developing technical and transferable skills which will position you excellently for your future career.
Find out more about us on our website.
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
Our Postgraduate Research courses
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.
Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
How to apply for a postgraduate taught course
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
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Ask questions and engage with Warwick.
Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window
Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.Postgraduate Fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.
Live chats
Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.
Warwick Talk and Tours
A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.