Turn your passion into a career with our Computer Science MSc. Designed for non-computing graduates who want to gain the in-demand skills needed to launch into a fast-moving digital world.

Our Computer Science MSc is a computer science conversion course. It's suitable for those who have little or no experience in computing.

Through a structured and intensive introduction to core computing concepts, you'll build the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to transition your career and break into the tech industry.

You'll explore:

the fundamentals of computing science
database design
network technologies
programming
cyber security
human-computer interaction
artificial intelligence (AI)

With digital skills in high demand across nearly every sector, this course opens the door to roles in:

software development
data analysis
cybersecurity
AI and more

Whether you're looking to switch careers, future-proof your skill set, or combine your existing expertise with computing, you’ll be ready for the next step in your future.

Our research expertise feeds into our teaching. This means that you learn at the cutting edge of the discipline. We incorporate new techniques and knowledge into your learning and have an active research community.

This Computer Science MSc can also be taken as Continuing Professional Development (CPD). For example, ICT teachers who are switching to the new computer science curriculum will find this course highly relevant.

We are a hub of digital innovation. You'll benefit from our:

leadership of the National Edge AI Hub, next-generation innovations via edge computing
recognition as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security, supported by the National Cyber Security Centre and the EPSRC
direct link with the UK's National Innovation Centre for Data
partnership with The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and AI

How to apply

Quality and ranking

Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
Top 145 for Engineering and Technology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Top 25 in the UK and Top 200 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025
42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
Global Top 145 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
Joint 64th in the world and 22nd in the UK for sustainability – QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026
Top 170 for Computing Science and Information Systems - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Top 5 city for affordability in the UK – QS Best Student Cities 2026
World Top 50 and UK Top 5 student city – QS Best Student Cities 2026
89th in the world - TIME Magazine: World’s Top Universities 2026

Professional accreditation and recognition

British Computer Society (BCS)

The course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). The BCS is the chartered institute for IT. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS on graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the UK Government’s guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states. This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact.

What really stands out to me about the MSc Computer Science at Newcastle is how practical and supportive the programme is. The lecturers are approachable and genuinely passionate about helping students succeed, and the coursework is closely connected to real-world applications.

Next: Course details

What you'll learn

The taught part of the course follows three main threads:

Programming: Introduces the Java programming language.
Computer networks and architecture: Covers the basic structure of computers and computer networks.
Software engineering: Considers the design and implementation problems of large computing systems produced by a team of designers and programmers.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Computer Science MSc modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Professional skills and Portfolio	10
Software Development Advanced Techniques	10
Cybersecurity	10
Advanced Programming	10
Database Systems	10
Web Technologies	10
Software Engineering and Team Project	20
Computer Networks	10
Human Computer Interaction	10
Programming and Data Structures	20
Project and Dissertation for MSc Computer Science	60

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

The course is delivered by the School of Computing. The first nine months of the course are devoted to taught modules (120 credits), which are examined by written papers.

Your final three months are devoted to a dissertation project (60 credits).

You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:

lectures
seminars
practical labs
workshop sessions
group work

You’ll be encouraged to deepen your understanding through guided independent reading and study.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

Computer assessment
Design or creative project
Dissertation
Professional skills assessments
PC examination
Practical lab report
Portfolio
Problem-solving exercises
Report
Reflective log

Wellbeing advisor support

The School of Computing has a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor who understands the needs of our students.

They can be a confidential listening ear and provide guidance on a range of wellbeing issues.

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

academic staff
personal tutors and research supervisors
our University Student Services Team
student representatives
peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

module handbooks
course materials
groups
course announcements and notifications
written feedback

Our academic staff have international reputations for their contributions to the field and some have extensive experience as practitioners in industry.

Search our academic staff in the School of Computing.

Philip Robinson Library (Student Texts Collection)

Your development

Practical skills

You’ll become confident in:

using programming techniques to write and debug code
designing and developing software applications, from concept to implementation
understanding and applying algorithms and data structures to solve computing problems efficiently
applying software engineering principles in team-based projects

Professional skills

You'll gain transferable skills that are valuable across a wide range of careers, including:

communication
teamwork
creative and critical thinking
time and resource management
using digital tools
adaptability

Course information: Disclaimers, policies and changes

Previous: Overview Next: Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Academic entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in any subject except those related to computer science.

Graduates of subjects related to computer science should apply for the Advanced Computer Science MSc. This is because of the potential overlap between your first degree and the modules on this course.

We will consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications provided you have relevant experience.

Qualifications from outside the UK

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English Language requirements

Select your qualification IELTSPearsonsDuolingo English TestTOEFLOtherPre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeksPre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

Previous: Course details Next: Careers

Your future

What are the job opportunities after completing an MSc in Computer Science?

Our graduates have an excellent record of finding employment. Recent examples include:

Associate Technical Architect at Accenture
IT Practitioner - Devops at The Met Office
Software Developer at China Communications Construction
Project Manager at DXC Technology
Software Developer at IBM UK
Premier Field Engineer at Microsoft
Software Developer at Procter & Gamble
Graduate Developer at Scott Logic

Further study

This course provides a route into PhD level study, offering well-rounded knowledge in both theoretical and applied aspects of Computer Science. As a graduate, you'll be prepared to pursue advanced research opportunities and contribute to the academic community through doctoral programmes.

Postgraduate research degrees in computer science.

Industry links

The School of Computing and the academics which teach on this programme have industry and research connections with companies such as:

Dyson
Sage
First Group
Waterstons
Accenture

Our links with industry ensure our course content stays relevant to current trends and technologies. This creates valuable opportunities for students, including:

guest lectures from professionals
industry-led projects
internships
potential job pathways

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.\ \ You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.\ \ We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

We have an advanced technology centre in Newcastle, so having local students is something that is important to us. At Newcastle University in particular, the students are keen to get themselves out there and I've been really impressed by the calibre.

Previous: Entry requirements Next: Facilities

Facilities

You'll have access to the latest tools in:

security analysis
cloud development
machine learning
system development

Urban Sciences Building

The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:

academia
the public sector
communities
business and industry

Explore the Urban Sciences Building

Learn more about the Newcastle Helix

Postgraduate student facilities

As a Master's student, you'll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.

Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:

The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.

Find out more about our wellbeing and computing facilities

Previous: Careers Next: Fees & funding

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Qualification: MSc Full time
Home students Full time: 12 months	Tuition fees (per year) £14,500
International students Full time: 12 months	Tuition fees (per year) £32,300

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

matriculation
registration
tuition (or supervision)
library access
examination
re-examination
graduation

Find out more about:

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

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Previous: Facilities Next: How to apply

How to apply

Before you start

Start Dates

The course starts in September.

Closing Dates

There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit

All International students

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship. The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. This deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register. You may also be subject to academic and English language qualification verification, confirmation of funds and credibility interviews.

International students who received an offer before 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a £1,500 deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

International students Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan who received an offer after 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.

All International students (excluding those from the markets above) who received an offer after 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.

Programme codes

Qualification: MSc Full time
Full time: 12 months	Programme Code: 5055F

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

\ Apply Online

Previous: Fees & funding Next: Get in touch

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Admissions Secretary\ Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 2736\ Email: computing.admissions@ncl.ac.uk\ School of Computing\ ncl.ac.uk/computing

General enquiries

For more general enquiries, you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Application enquiries

If you've got a question about your application, send us an enquiry via the application portal you applied through.

If you haven't applied yet, you can send your questions via our enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Live chat

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Chat to our students

Choosing a university is a big decision. If you've got questions about a particular course, student life or the city of Newcastle, why not chat to our friendly students or graduates!

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

Get involved with the School of Computing.

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PAGE MENU

Computer Science MSc

Overview

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

What you'll learn

Modules

How you'll learn

Your development

Practical skills

Professional skills

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Your future

What are the job opportunities after completing an MSc in Computer Science?

Further study

Industry links

Our Careers Service

Facilities

Urban Sciences Building

Postgraduate student facilities

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Scholarships

What you're paying for

Search for funding and scholarships

How to apply

Before you start

Programme codes

Using the application portal

Open days and events

Overseas events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

General enquiries

Application enquiries

Live chat

Chat to our students

Keep updated

Social media