Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Computer Science (MSc) (2023 Entry)

This image shows a cohort of Computer Science students, looking at a desktop computer

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:i 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

Read more about the core and optional modules offered within Computer Science on the University's module catalogue.

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.


Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web pageLink opens in a new window.


Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory 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.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


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.

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

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.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

Sign up for Live Chats

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Connect with us

Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.