Computer Science

Entry requirements

You should have a first or second-class honours undergraduate degree or international equivalent.

To apply for this course, you may have an undergraduate degree in any subject, but you must demonstrate evidence of relevant quantitative skills (especially algebra and calculus) either through your degree study or by alternative means.

Register for our upcoming webinar: Computer Science and AI: Discover our Online Masters Courses

Join Dr Ben Ralph, Dr Bhagyashree Patil and Dr Hongping Cai, Directors of Studies for Computer Science (online) MSc and Artificial Intelligence (online) MSc. They'll discuss the 100% online masters courses, and share examples of the fascinating topics students explored during their dissertation modules this year.

Webinar date & time: 2nd July 2026 at 12pm BST. Learn more >

Months of entry

January, May, September

Course content

Join one of the fastest growing industries in the UK, with an online MSc in Computer Science, from the University of Bath. University of Bath recognises the importance of developing elite computer science professionals, and this course offers you the chance to upgrade your know-how and switch up your career, no matter if you want to be a software developer or a technical analyst.

World-leading academics

University of Bath provides working professionals, or those with no previous experience, with trailblazing, practice-based teaching, aimed to inspire and prepare you for a career in computer science. Throughout studying the online computer science degree you’ll be taught by inspirational research academics, whose work leads the way in AI, Human Computer Interaction and cybersecurity. It’s because of this that many of the on-campus graduates have secured positions with huge companies such as Electronic Arts, Nokia and KPMG.

• Top 10 in Computer Science by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025*
• Top 10 in computer science and information systems The Guardian University Guide 2025*

In this course, you will learn and understand the core theories and practices in computer science, developing a solid base of knowledge. You will understand core Computer Science theories and practices and be able to think critically, actively contributing towards the body of knowledge in the industry and pushing the boundaries with code.

“I can recommend this program to anyone who would like to expand their knowledge in computer science. The online structure allows the students to keep their industry specific domain knowledge while learning about computer science. Also, unlike some other online programs that require attendance to live lectures in a specific time zone, this program allows professionals from all around the world to take the classes regardless of their time zone and geographical location”

Ece Nur Sahin - University of Bath, Computer Science online MSc student

Pioneering industry insights

The University of Bath heads up the Institute of Coding, an initiative made up of universities and corporations committed to plugging the digital skills gap. This initiative helps develop skills where they’re most needed in order to create the next generation of digital specialists.

The Institute’s vision is to enhance the education and employability of every learner and ensure that employers and individuals can access the skills they need to compete in the global digital economy. This initiative means that the University of Bath is ideally placed to help you develop the skills that employers need the most, in order to advance your career goals.

Curriculum details

Compulsory units:

• Principles of programming (10 credits)
• Software engineering 1 (10 credits)
• Foundations of computation (10 credits)
• Software engineering 2 (10 credits)
• Databases and cloud (10 credits)
• Functional programming (10 credits)
• Foundations of Artificial intelligence (10 credits)
• Research project preparation (10 credits)
• Independent research project (60 credits)

Select 2 optional units:

• Cybersecurity (10 credits)
• Entrepreneurship (10 credits)
• Artificial Intelligence as a Social and Political Practice (10 credits)

Select 2 optional units:

• Theory of human computer interaction (10 credits)
• Deep learning (10 credits)
• Robotics (10 credits)

Interactive online learning

The course is delivered remotely and entirely online. Learning material is made available to students via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Assessments are conducted online, also through the VLE. Students study one unit at a time, and learning support is provided.

What do our graduates do next?

After studying our master’s in computer science, potential graduate opportunities include:

• Games developer
• Information systems manager
• IT consultant
• Multimedia programmer
• Network engineer
• Systems developer

Where do our graduates go on to work?

Graduates from the Department of Computer Science have gone on to work for companies such as:

• Nokia
• BAE Systems
• Electronic Arts
• KPMG
• Web Usability
• Imagination Technologies

Study Details:

MSc 2 years and 3 months online

Intake dates: January, May and September

*Rankings based on undergraduate data.

Information for international students

If your first language is not English you will need IELTS with a grade of at least 6.5 overall and no less than 6.0 in any of the four parts (listening, reading, writing and speaking).

Fees and funding

Cost per 10 credits £722** (10% alumni discount). Fees are paid per unit. The MSc totals 180 credits.

** Valid up to and including September 2026 intake. Tuition fees are liable to increase each January. You should budget for an increase of up to a maximum of 8% each year.