Overview

Develop the advanced computing skills to take your career further in the fast-moving global technology sector.

Our MSc Advanced Computer Science is an innovative programme designed to build on your computing or relevant background. You’ll deepen your technical expertise, explore emerging technologies and prepare for advanced careers in modern computing and research.

You’ll build in-depth skills and knowledge across areas including:

artificial intelligence and machine learning
big data platforms
cloud computing and web services
advanced programming and operating systems
human-computer interaction.

You’ll also consider the wider impact of technology, exploring areas such as data ethics, responsible innovation and human-centred approaches to technology.

Taught by research-active academics and industry-experienced lecturers, the course blends academic rigour with practical, real-world application.

Go beyond theory through hands-on learning, collaborative projects and independent research. You’ll work with emerging technologies, tackle real-world computing challenges and develop the technical, critical and creative thinking skills needed to succeed in the global technology sector.

Build the knowledge, practical experience and research skills to confidently apply your expertise to the computing challenges of today and the future.

Study in Glasgow or London

Choose to study in Glasgow or London, two of the UK’s most vibrant technology and innovation hubs.

Study in Glasgow and become part of Scotland’s growing data, AI and technology economy. The city has established itself as a top UK centre for technology and innovation, with a growing community of technology businesses, start-ups and research activity.

Or choose London, one of the world’s leading technology hubs and home to a global network of technology companies, start-ups, investors and innovators. You’ll study in a city at the centre of developments across AI, data, fintech and the wider digital economy.

Whichever city you choose, you’ll study at that campus for the duration of your course.

Study options

Choose a study option that works for you. You can complete your MSc full-time in 12 or 16 months, depending on your start date. Alternatively, you can study part-time alongside your professional or personal commitments.

Why study Advanced Computer Science at GCU?

Study in Glasgow or London and connect with two of the UK’s most dynamic technology ecosystems, spanning industry, research, innovation and entrepreneurship
Develop advanced, industry-relevant skills and research insights across AI, big data, cloud computing, advanced programming and human-computer interaction.
Learn from research-active academics engaged in cutting-edge computing research, bringing real-world innovation directly into the classroom.
Benefit from an emphasis on hands-on projects, teamwork and professional skills development, preparing you for advanced roles across the global technology sector.
Build your industry connections through guest lectures, collaborative projects and networking opportunities in both Glasgow and London.

What you will study

We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.

The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.

Modules

Data Ethics and Research Methods

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Advanced Operating Systems

Advanced Programming

Advanced Topics in Human Computer Interaction

Cloud Computing and Web Services

Big Data Platforms

Team Project

Dissertation

Careers

Advanced computing expertise can open up career opportunities across a wide range of industries in the UK and internationally.

As an MSc Advanced Computer Science graduate, you’ll be prepared to pursue specialist and advanced roles across the technology sector. You’ll develop technical and professional skills relevant to employers across industries.

Career opportunities may include:

Software Engineer
Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Cloud Solutions Architect
Systems Analyst
Research Scientist.

Your MSc can also provide a foundation for further research, including PhD study, or support you in exploring entrepreneurship and developing your own technology-focused ideas.

The latest BICS data reports that a quarter of businesses in Scotland are using AI. Scotland’s growing data and AI economy, alongside London’s global technology sector, provides opportunities to build your career in two established technology markets.

Whether you study in Glasgow or London, you’ll benefit from the course’s connections with technology companies, research centres and public sector organisations. Opportunities for guest lectures, networking and collaborative projects can help you gain industry insight and build professional connections.

You may also have opportunities to pursue internships, industrial collaborations or consultancy-based dissertation projects, allowing you to build further experience and connections with industry.

Whether you want to progress in industry, move into research or explore entrepreneurship, you’ll graduate with advanced computing expertise that can support your next career step in the UK or internationally.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	16 months	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	16 months	Jan 27	London	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2 years	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2 years	Jan 27	London	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	1 year	Sep 27	Glasgow	Enquire
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	1 year	Sep 27	London	Enquire
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	Enquire
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2 years	Sep 27	London	Enquire
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	16 months	Jan 28	Glasgow	Enquire
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	16 months	Jan 28	London	Enquire
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2 years	Jan 28	Glasgow	Enquire
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2 years	Jan 28	London	Enquire

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Minimum academic requirement

UK honours degree 2:2 (or equivalent) in computing with software development, for example, computing, computer science, software engineering and web technologies. We also welcome applicants with industry qualifications/experience within the GCU Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy.

English language requirement

Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 5.5.

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Teaching and assessment methods

You’ll learn through a combination of:

lectures
tutorials
laboratory sessions
team-based workshops.

This allows you to apply theory to practice and develop a deep understanding of complex computing concepts.

Assessment methods include:

coursework
programming and research assignments
group projects
oral presentations
class tests.

Collaborative modules give you experience of tackling computing problems as part of a team, while developing your communication and teamwork skills.

Facilities

You’ll have access to modern computing laboratories with industry-standard software, advanced programming environments and cloud-based tools used in professional practice.

Virtual learning platforms complement your on-campus learning, giving you access to additional resources and supporting flexible and interactive study.

Industry connections

The course has links with technology companies, research centres and public sector organisations across Scotland, London and internationally.

These connections can provide opportunities to engage with external organisations and apply your learning to real-world computing challenges.

Practical research opportunities

You’ll join a research community that is addressing global challenges including:

ethical AI
sustainable computing
digital inclusion.

Your dissertation gives you the opportunity to undertake original research or applied problem-solving in an area of interest, potentially working with an industry or community partner.

Common Good

As the University for the Common Good, this course promotes responsible innovation and ethical awareness.

You’ll reflect on the societal, environmental and cultural impacts of computing, considering how your expertise can contribute to technology that benefits communities locally, nationally and globally.

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Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus of their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.