Overview

Computers are central to our way of life.

They power everything from communications, gaming and shopping to health analytics, banking software and complex security systems. Computers and computer scientists are behind the scenes, designing, delivering and enhancing systems to make life better.

Computer science embraces emerging technologies to find new approaches to global challenges. If you have a logical mind, enjoy thinking creatively, and like problem solving, the shapeshifting world of computer science could be for you.

Available to study in Glasgow or London, this master’s is designed to support you to upskill if you have a non-computing background.

You'll train in contemporary computer science, build in-demand skills across critical technologies, including:

cloud-based information security
programming principles
software development methodologies
human and computer interaction
artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

Through our connections with industry, this course mirrors all the latest innovations. You’ll gain experience with professional tools, techniques and design patterns. Dynamic course content, aligned with professional requirements, will ensure you keep pace in a transformative field.

All this will prepare you for a specialist career using technology to make a positive difference in the world.

Please note:

This course is delivered at both our Glasgow and London campuses. You'll apply to one campus, so check the study options for available start dates at each location before applying.

Why study Computer Science at GCU?

Not from a computing background? This course rapidly upskills you in computer science and opens the door to exciting technology careers.
Build a strong foundation in modern computer science while developing practical, in-demand skills employers need in today’s fast-moving digital world.
Study a course shaped by industry best practice. It meets the high standards set by the Chartered Institute for IT, the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Explore cutting-edge fields like cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, with course content that evolves to reflect the latest technological advances.
Working closely with industry, you’ll train using professional-level tools and techniques, gaining hands-on experience that prepares you for real-world computing careers.

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

Human Computer Interaction

Programming Principles

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Data Ethics and Research Methods

Database Systems

Software Engineering and DevOps

Information Security

Data Visualisation

Dissertation

Careers

You’ll graduate ready to go into a range of roles, including:

Software Developer
Systems Analyst
DevOps Engineer
Cloud Solutions Architect
Data Analyst
Machine Learning Engineer.

You'll find opportunities across almost every industry. You could work in:

engineering
pharmaceuticals
finance
healthcare
retail
security
environment.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	1 year	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	1 year	Sep 26	London	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2 years	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2 years	Sep 26	London	Enquire Apply
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	28 months	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	28 months	Jan 27	London	Enquire Apply

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 or equivalent in any subject not closely related to Computer Science, normally at grade of 2.2 or above.

Successful applicants will also need to demonstrate competence in mathematics, with at least:

B grade in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent; or
20 credit or equivalent module in Maths, Statistics or a similar subject from a bachelor's degree.

English language requirement

All students whose first language is not English should meet the minimum language proficiency as stipulated by the wider GCU admissions policy of Academic IELTS/IELTS for UKVI:

Overall score of 6.0, with no single 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.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Glasgow or London

This course can be studied at our main campus in Glasgow, or our London campus.

Our Glasgow and London campuses are in two of the UK’s most exciting cities with access to global industries, diverse cultures, and outstanding career opportunities. Choose where you want to be based, with access to strong technology industry networks in both locations.

You'll apply to one campus, so check the study options for available start dates at each location before applying. The entry requirements, course content and delivery are the same across both sites.

Teaching methods

We use a blend of teaching methods to support both theory and practice. Lectures introduce core concepts, while hands-on lab work helps you apply your learning in real-world or simulated environments. Tutorials deepen your understanding through discussion, guided exercises and support.

Assessment methods

We use a range of techniques to allow you to demonstrate learning outcomes. These include:

class tests
coursework assignments
practical tests
technical reports.

Practical implementation and evaluation make up a large part of the assessment of taught modules and your dissertation.

Technology

This course uses industry-standard software including:

IBM
Microsoft
Google
Apache
AWS
Weka
Databricks
MongoDB.

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.