Computer Science

Course overview

Study in-person at Aston University London in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Developed to deliver interdisciplinary learning and flexibility, this course enables you to tailor your studies to suit your own requirements and interests.

Our MSc Computer Science programme is designed to equip graduates from various academic fields with fundamental computing skills. Geared towards non-computing discipline graduates, you will be moulded into proficient software developers.

Focusing on hands-on learning, this programme will help you leverage your existing expertise to develop practical computer applications. With a commitment to producing job-ready professionals, our curriculum emphasises disciplined software development methodologies and effective teamwork in software projects.

On this programme you will learn, collaborate and flourish through project-based learning with students in other digital technology subject areas. This approach of learning mimics the real-life working world, where your career prospects will be enriched by working alongside people with different skill sets, viewpoints and approaches. You will be able to tailor your learning throughout the four years and select your specialisms based on your own interests.

The location of your learning offers unparalleled opportunities for networking and industry connections, thanks to its prime position in the heart of the capital.

Why Computer Science at Aston University London?

Top 10 in the UK

Ranked 8th in the UK for 'graduate prospects - on-track' (Computer Science; Complete University Guide, 2025)

Bridging industry needs

A course specially designed to address industry skill gaps

Opportunity for non-computing graduates

Opportunity for non-computing graduates to pursue a career in computing

Course description

MSc Computer Science (London)

Enhance your skills and career prospects with this transformative programme, designed for those looking to develop their computing proficiency.

What we will provide
We provide world-class teaching, comprehensive support to all our students, opportunities to engage with industry and societies as well as all the tools and knowledge you will need to thrive on this programme.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

Aston University London is a gateway to a multitude of industry connections and networking opportunities, set against the backdrop of a city known for its international diversity and cultural richness.

What you will provide
For this course we are looking for dedicated graduates who work well within teams as well as in isolation, it is imperative that you can collaborate and learn how to work with others effectively. You should have a willingness to engage with problem solving and an inquisitive mind. You must be able to think outside of the box and autonomously, applying the skills you have learnt to take on challenges. This subject area is constantly evolving with latest technologies and trends, so it is key to keep up to date.

What skills we teach
Through a team project you will develop your teamwork and collaboration skills, your presentation skills will be enhanced with verbal and written presentation reports. You will be taught analytical skills based around a problem-solving challenge; these are key professional attributes to take with you into your future career. You will be shown a range of tools, which are constantly evolving, and taught how to best utilise these tools when working on a project.

Career prospects
Previous graduates have gone on to a wide range of successful careers after completing this programme, some of the roles include software developer, information security, web application development at reputable companies such as RedHat, REPL group and NatWest. Of course, some have chosen to extend their studies and research by continuing to PhD opportunities.

By studying in London you will have prime location to open up numerous employment and career opportunities, thanks to the city's extensive industry connections and vibrant professional network.

How you will learn

At Aston University London, every programme on your chosen pathway will begin with a common landing module to introduce key fundamental concepts required by the rest of the pathway and to introduce you to the learning and teaching style of our innovative London courses. You will be taught by a combination of academic and industry experts, and supported by our success coaches who will be with you every step of your journey to ensure you have the best possible chance of success in your degree. Our block teaching model means you will be able to plan your time around two days on campus each week, with the opportunity to spend more flexible time working on your individual and group projects. You will study at most two modules at a time, allowing you to focus in-depth on your chosen specialism and continually work on projects.

What you will learn

This programme aims to immerse students into the vibrant landscape of digital innovation, fostering collaborative learning across different disciplines. You will explore core aspects of digital technologies, honing skills such as mathematical operations in Python. Key modules include Software Engineering, Software Project Management and Data Structures and Algorithms, offering a comprehensive foundation to your studies.

Additionally, students participate in an interdisciplinary collaborative project such as power skills where we will develop your abilities and experience in communication, teamwork, time management, project management, sustainability and digital systems, ensuring you are well-equipped for the ever-evolving tech landscape.

In the dissertation phase, you will complete an independent industry project, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods.

You will also benefit greatly from the location of your studies, with around one-third of all international students in the UK residing in London, Aston University London provides a dynamic, multicultural learning environment that enhances both personal and professional growth.

Course objectives

Provide a programme of study that meets the needs of local, national and international candidates, enabling them to learn by the exchange of experience as well as formal academic study.
Provide students with opportunities to enhance their employability by developing lifelong learning and personal development skills, leading to graduates who are equipped for and aspire to senior positions.
Cause students to reflect upon and develop their own positions in relation to corporate responsibility, sustainability and ethics.
Develop understanding of the global business environment (including shifting competitive advantages) that influence business decisions and operations.
Enable students to develop a systematic understanding of modern computer science technologies and the associated professional skills needed to support sound analysis, design and delivery of AI technology solutions in practice.
Provide practical experience of a substantial computer science development project from the initial analysis of a problem, through design and planning, implementation, testing, evaluation, and documentation.
Enable students to select and implement appropriate digital technologies for practical and business-oriented scenarios.
Develop inquiry, applied research and problem-solving skills to enable lifelong learning and professional development.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Module Title	Credits
Fundamentals of Digital Technology	15
Software Engineering	15
Software Project Management	15
Data Structures and Algorithms	15
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Project	30
Database Systems	15
Strategic Management	15
Total	120

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Module Title	Credits
Industry Research with an Entrepreneurial Mindset	15
Independent Industry Project	45
Total	60

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Promote social responsibility, sustainability, accountability and ethical practice in business practice.
Critically evaluate a range of complex situations, which may include finance, accounting, organisational behaviour, strategy, IT security, analytics, artificial intelligence, taking account of the inter-relationships of these topics and their interactions with other areas of business, industry and the external environment.
Demonstrate a range of transferable skills that are necessary for a successful career in business and enhance their employability. These may include: IT and computing skills, presentation and report writing skills, communication and team
working (collaboration) skills, self-confidence, reflective practice, problem solving, leadership, decision making skills and ability to assimilate into multicultural and cross-cultural work teams.
Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent research with an applied business focus.
Apply the fundamental mathematical concepts underpinning modern digital technologies to tackle real-world challenges through the implementation of bespoke computer code and off-the-shelf software packages.
Demonstrate critical awareness of a range of issues in professional software development (e.g. commercial, economic, security, legal, social, ethical & professional) and act autonomously within the legal, social and ethical context.
Plan, manage, conduct and report on a programme of work which covers multiple software lifecycle stages and critically evaluate the process, the deliverables and their value to the stakeholders.
Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing software development tasks at a professional level.

Integrate and apply concepts, techniques, principles and/or theory to specify, design, construct and/or critically evaluate computer-based systems.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

A Bachelors Degree in a non-Computing subject, with at least grade 2:2 (or equivalent) and GCSE Mathematics Grade B or equivalent.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

See international student information below for international equivalent information.

International students
Extensive work experience

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Our requirements are:

IELTS 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 or equivalent

How to apply

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.

Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our team:

Email: contact@london.aston.ac.uk

Call: +44 (0)20 4536 4601

Read our guide to applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£11,150

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£21,500

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Fees and funding

Scholarships

At Aston University London we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

To find out if you are eligible for scholarships and discounts, please contact us now.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a mixture of methods to allow a comprehensive, well-rounded review on how your learning is progressing. Your assessments will include coursework, presentations, individual and group projects, and practical assignments. Our programmes at Aston University London have no exam assessments.

Career prospects

Alumni of this programme have achieved diverse career successes, securing roles like software developer, information security specialist, and web application developer at renowned organisations such as RedHat and NatWest. Many graduates have opted to further their academic journey, pursuing PhD opportunities to delve deeper into research and advanced studies. The programme's versatile curriculum and practical approach prepare individuals for various professional paths.

Beyond the classroom, our Careers and Placement team are committed to your career success. Benefit from career development services, workshops, and placement opportunities that empower you to navigate the competitive job market and secure positions in top-tier companies. Being in London will open you to more opportunities for employment and future careers due to its extensive industry connections and vibrant professional network.

Our graduates achieve amazing things all over the world – whether it’s setting up their own businesses, landing jobs with high profile organisations, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Group of Aston University graduates in graduation attire

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Find your course