The MSc Computer Science is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

• multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
• discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
• live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
• a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
• support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

• our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
• you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
• you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
• there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
• you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

• directed learning (40%) – this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
• self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
• assessment (30%) – time spent preparing ad completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment. 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

Study duration 

Our MSc Computer Science has an indicative study duration of 2 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards.  

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS).  

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

There’s a global shortage of computer science professionals, which drives a huge demand for computing graduates. This course is designed to help you enter the computing field – and after completing your studies, you’ll be prepared to become a software developer, software engineer, web developer, requirements analyst, network analyst, information systems administrator or project manager.

Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees and a BCS-accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

• 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
• 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
• Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
• 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to take a short aptitude test which is designed to test your ability to handle the intellectual and practical demands of the course. Please note that we will consider your performance in the aptitude test as part of your overall application, so if you don’t pass the test you may still be accepted onto the course. Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue your studies.

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our MSc Computer Science, as a minimum you must have an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification.

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our MSc Computer Science, you must have at least three years’ relevant work experience.

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee:  

£12,167 UK / £12,428 International (2023-24) Δ
£12,471 UK / £13,049 International (2024-25) Δ

• Designated for postgraduate student loans in England. 
• Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
• Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
• Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries.
• Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you’re a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 
• 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 
• 10% anniversary scholarship available when you apply before 31 July 2024.
• 20% impact scholarship available for our April 2024 intake.

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our MSc Computer Science are experts in the field of computing.