2021

Postgraduate programmes in

Computer Science
london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science
With academic
direction from: World class. Worldwide.
Join the World Class
1 Explore globally relevant areas of computing
This degree looks at issues that are important in our society,
including intellectual property, digital surveillance, data
privacy and ethical issues in computing, as well as the technical
aspects of computer science, including system architecture, data
management, cloud computing and software engineering.

2 Progress to a master’s qualification

You can study the degree without having any prior
knowledge in computer science. If you do not meet the
entry requirements to join the MSc or PGDip, you can
progress to the MSc or PGDip if you successfully complete
the PGCert, which has more flexible entry requirements.

3 Showcase your learning with project-based coursework

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a substantive
project to address a challenge within your own or a client
organisation, allowing you to demonstrate problem-solving skills
as well as technical expertise, which will provide a portfolio
of work to present to current and potential employers.

4 Opportunities to take your career further

The MSc is valued by leading companies in the
technology sector. You will gain in-demand technical
skills plus knowledge of how to manage complex issues
systematically and creatively in the workplace.

5 A mark of excellence
Earn an internationally recognised qualification from the
University of London. The University has a track record of
teaching, innovation and research dating back 160 years.
2 Postgraduate programmes in Computer Science
 “In a fast changing
environment of
worldwide access
to higher education,
a University of London
degree continues
to offer a guarantee
of quality, value and
intellectual rigour.”
Professor Wendy Thomson
Vice-Chancellor,
University of London

london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science 3
Your prestigious University
of London qualification

About your qualification

When you graduate with a degree, diploma or certificate
from the University of London you will receive two important
documents – your Final Diploma (the parchment you
receive on graduation) and a Diploma Supplement.

The Final Diploma

• Indicates that you were registered with the University of London
and awarded a University of London degree, diploma or certificate.
• Gives the name of Birkbeck, University of London as the Member
Institution that developed the syllabus and provided assessment.
• Features the University of London crest and the
Vice-Chancellor’s signature.

The Diploma Supplement

• Describes the nature, level and content of programme you
successfully completed.
• Includes the transcript of courses taken, marks achieved
and overall classification.
• States the role of Birkbeck, University of London and the
method of study.

4 Postgraduate programmes in Computer Science

 Contents

Programme name
A University of London degree from
anywhere in the world 6
A trusted name in global education 7
Gain knowledge of computer science in
a global context 8
Entrance requirements and further information 10

Key dates

Applications and
registration open:
28 June 2021

Applications close:
13 September 2021

Registrations close:
27 September 2021

Programme starts:
11 October 2021

london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science 5
A University of London degree
from anywhere in the world
Behind these advances are individuals, daily basis, for instance e-commerce,
like yourself, who wanted to discover social media, and cloud computing
the opportunities that a knowledge servers to back up our devices.
of computer science could provide
As our lives become more integrated
and wanted to take a step closer. This
with technology, all voices need to be
programme has been developed to
heard in shaping the data, designing
deliver the necessary skills to gain
the algorithms and supporting
expertise in a range of important
the infrastructures that serve our
topics in computer science. You will
society. My hope is that you will
gain the necessary digital skills to
enjoy the process of learning, and
Dr Martyn Harris develop your current role, change
career, or even launch your own start
consider how you might contribute
Programme Director to the field of computer science
up! Computer science is for everyone
as we move forward together.
- we rely on many of its outputs on a
We have seen the field of computer
science grow at an astonishing
rate, driven by advances in new
technologies, research approaches,
societal needs and industry.
Computer science is relevant to
every single one of us, and is heavily
integrated into our everyday lives.
We have already seen many aspects
of our personal lives influenced
by new technologies, interfaces,
and applications, and observed
the impact, both good and bad, of
these continued advances. Some of
you may have experienced aspects
of your work becoming more
automated or technical, and most
of us have witnessed the need for
tighter regulation and control of
some applications and systems.

6 Postgraduate programmes in Computer Science

A trusted name in
global education
The University of London is
one of the world’s leading
universities, internationally
recognised for its high
academic standards.
This reputation is based on the
outstanding teaching and research
of our 17 Member Institutions.
Among former students are six
Nobel Prize winners, including
Nelson Mandela and Charles Kao,
a pioneer in the development of
fibre-optics. Graduates have made
and continue to make significant
contributions worldwide.

London made global

Founded in 1836, the University of Delivered by experts data analytics, data management,
experimental data science,
London is one of the oldest and in the field knowledge representation, and
most prestigious universities in the
UK and is internationally regarded as programme verification.
Academic direction for the programme
a centre of academic excellence. In is from Birkbeck, University of London, The department engages in
1858, we made our degrees available which was founded in 1823 and joined fundamental and applied research
to study anywhere in the world. the University of London in 1920. and hosts two research centres,
Today, we have more than 50,000 Birkbeck Knowledge Lab and the
The MSc has been developed by Birkbeck Institute for Data Analytics.
students in over 180 countries, Birkbeck’s highly regarded computing
studying on 100-plus degrees, The Department of Computer Science
department. The Department of at Birkbeck is also a member of the
diplomas and certificates. Computer Science at Birkbeck is one Institute of Coding (IoC) and has
of the first computing departments developed new courses to provide
established in the UK and a world-class opportunities for everyone to acquire
centre of expertise in algorithms, the necessary digital skills.

london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science 7
Gain knowledge of computer
science in a global context
• gain a comprehensive and practical
understanding of current techniques
• gain the soft skills needed to be able
to act autonomously in planning,
implementing, and managing
tasks at a professional level
• develop a systematic understanding
and a critical awareness of
computer science, much of it at
the forefront of the discipline.

In some countries, qualifications earned

by distance and flexible learning may
not be recognised by certain authorities
or regulators for the purposes of public
sector employment or further study.
© Felix Reidl We advise you to explore the local
recognition status before your register.
The MSc Computer Science already working in these fields, you
provides an intensive will have an opportunity to broaden How you study
your knowledge and upskill, while
programme of study without obtaining a formal qualification. You The MSc Computer Science is
any prior knowledge in will gain in-demand technical skills offered fully online and allows you
computer science. As well as plus knowledge of how to manage the opportunity to flexibly fit your
complex issues systematically and
gaining a broad knowledge of creatively in the workplace.
studies around your schedule. You can
the subject, students acquire choose to study individual modules
By studying this programme, you will: on a pay-as-you-go basis and build up
practical skills and have the your qualification at your own pace.
opportunity to investigate • be able to demonstrate knowledge
and acquire digital skills in a number This programme is designed for
areas of current research of areas including programming graduates who are new to computer
more deeply. principles, the mathematic science and would like to embark on a
For students who are new to the and algorithmic foundations career in IT or software engineering, as
subject, the programme provides of computing, information well as being relevant to those already
a foundation for a career in IT or systems design, and database working in these roles who want to
software engineering. For those design and management update their skills.

8 Postgraduate programmes in Computer Science

Each module is run over a 10-week Online support Tutor support
block, with the exception of the
Project module which is run over two The programme is delivered online and All students receive online tutor support
10-week blocks. there is no requirement to come to the while studying this programme. Tutors
UK as part of your studies. Our flexible introduce the modules, respond to
Programme structure online programme allows you to work queries, monitor discussions and
around your own schedule and leads provide guidance on assessments.
to a globally-recognised qualification.
The MSc Computer
Science consists of: When you register, we will create Study materials
10 core modules (15 credits each); and your Student Portal account. You
can then access your University All essential resources, activities,
one Project module (30 credits) of London email account and videos, discussions and support are
other key resources including: provided through the VLE. This allows
The PGDip Computer you to fit your studies around your
Science consists of: • The Virtual Learning Environment
work commitments. There is no need
(VLE), which offers online learning
Eight modules (15 credits each) to purchase additional textbooks.
support, access to the student
café and discussion areas and
The PGCert Computer
Science consists of:
other study materials. Time commitment
Four modules (15 credits each) • The Student Guide provides
The flexible approach to learning
information which is common to
The following modules from the allows students to complete the
all students and gives guidance
MSc Computer Science are available MSc in a minimum of two years
on a range of issues relating
to study on a stand-alone basis, (subject to module availability)
to your study experience.
subject to module availability: to a maximum of five years.
• The Online Library provides access to
• Applied Machine Learning You can study at your own
over 100 million academic electronic
pace, adjusting the intensity of
• Cloud Computing items comprising E-books, E-journals,
learning to suit your needs.
conference proceedings etc. In
• Computer Systems addition, students can request items
which are not held in the library
• Data Management
via the library’s Inter-Library loans
• Fundamentals of Computing service with the British Library.
For further information on available • Senate House Library provides
modules, please visit: free reference access for
london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science all registered distance and
flexible learning students.

london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science 9
Entrance requirements
and further information
Entrance requirements Or, a minimum of two years’ work is your responsibility to ensure that
experience in a relevant field. This you have access to a webcam.
For the MSc and PGDip: will most commonly be in a
For more information about specific
software engineering role but each
To qualify to register for the MSc or software requirements, please visit:
application will be considered
PGDip, applicants will need a bachelor’s london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science
on a case-by-case basis.
degree which is considered at least
comparable to a UK second-class
English language How to apply
honours degree from an institution
acceptable to the University. requirements Please refer to the MSc Computer
For the PGCert: Science web pages for details
You must satisfy the English language on how to apply:
If applicants do not meet the MSc requirements for the programme. For london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science
and PGDip entrance requirements, more information on the requirements
successful completion of the PGCert please visit: london.ac.uk/applications/
will allow progression to the MSc how-apply/english-requirements Fees
or PGDip. To qualify to register for
the PGCert, applicants will need: If you do not meet the English language The total fee payable to the University
proficiency requirements but believe of London for 2021–2022 will be
Either, a bachelor’s degree which is that you can demonstrate the requisite published on our website once
considered at least comparable to a UK proficiency, the University may, at its confirmed. On average, fees incur a
second class honours degree from an discretion, consider your application. five per cent year-on-year increase. For
institution acceptable to the University; the latest information on programme
Or, a minimum of two years’ work Computer requirements fees, please visit: london.ac.uk/fees
experience in a relevant field. Please note: student fees shown on
This will most commonly be in The University of London sets minimum our website are net of any local VAT,
a software engineering role but basic computer requirements because Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any
each application will be considered your study resources are accessed other sales tax payable by the student
on a case-by-case basis. via the Student Portal and it is vital in their country of residence. Where
For stand-alone that you can access this regularly. the University is required to add VAT,
individual modules: GST or any other sales tax at the local
For this programme, you will need
statutory rate, this will be added to
To qualify to register for a stand-alone regular access to a computer with
the fees shown during the payment
individual module, applicants will need: an internet connection to use
process. For students resident in the
the University of London’s online
Either, a bachelor’s degree which is UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
resources and systems. A webcam
considered at least comparable to a UK may be required in the event that
second class honours degree from an online timed assessments (if offered)
institution acceptable to the University; are proctored, and in such a case, it

10 Postgraduate programmes in Computer Science

 The information contained in this
prospectus was correct at the
date of publication but may be
subject to change. The University
does not intend by publication or
distribution of this prospectus to
create any contractual or other legal
relation with applicants, registered
students, their advisers or any other
persons. For the most up-to-date
information, please visit our website.
Published by University of London.
Copyright © University of London,
June 2021.

london.ac.uk/msc-computer-science 11
For further information on the range of programmes we offer, please
visit our website (london.ac.uk) or contact us at:
The Student Advice Centre
University of London
Senate House, Malet Street
London WC1E 7HU View the
United Kingdom Computer
Telephone enquires: +44 (0)20 7862 8360 Science
web page
Online enquiries: sid.london.ac.uk

This material is available in alternative formats upon request.

Please contact: special.arrangements@london.ac.uk

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