Elevate your career with the online MSc Computer Science

Centered on the principles of computer science and their practical application, our online master’s course gives you a strong understanding of how computing works and how programming can be used to solve real-world problems. Designed for graduates from both computing and non-computing backgrounds, this MSc takes you from fundamental concepts and programming principles to applying your knowledge across different areas of computer science.

 You’ll develop your programming skills across different languages and approaches, learning not only how to write code but also why different technologies and programming paradigms are suited to different problems. Through experimentation and practical problem-solving, you’ll build knowledge that can be valuable as computing and technology continue to evolve.

Quick course facts

  • Minimum Duration: 2 years, 4 months
  • Start dates: January, May, and September
  • Study Type: 100% online
  • No previous experience with programming? No problem. Whether you want to be a software engineer, developer or a technical analyst, this course will give you all you need to progress.
  • Entry requirements
  • The total cost of this 180-credit course is £12,996*. Fees are paid per unit. (£722 per 10-credit unit, £1,444 per 20 credit unit and two instalments of £2,166 for your 60-credit project). 10% alumni discount available. Learn more on Fees and funding

'Almost everything I learned has been directly applicable in my work. The course gave me the technical foundation I needed to collaborate effectively with programmers and helped me move from an administrative role into project development.'

— Valerie Berger, Computer Science online MSc graduate

Choose Bath's online MSc in Computer Science

Developed and taught by a practicing group of influential computer scientists, our online computer science course will expose you to emerging ideas in AI, human computer interaction, cybersecurity, and programming. Our online MSc is focused on teaching you the general principles of programming.

For example, in your first unit, you will learn the basics of programming using the C language and object-oriented programming using Java. In other online course units, you will be introduced to additional languages (such as Python, Haskell, and SQL). The computer science online course will cover which problems these languages are specifically suited to solving. Learning the principles behind programming equips you to effectively approach new problems in your computer science, cybersecurity, or IT career.

Throughout the computer science online course, our lecturers will give you a deeper understanding of computer systems, working with you to accelerate your mathematical knowledge and your understanding of computational models, theories, and methodologies.

Our online computer science degree will encourage you to apply this knowledge and experiment, preparing you for solving unique challenges with code. You’ll also benefit from real-world insights through our links with major tech corporations such as Imagination Technologies, Electronic Arts, BAE Systems, KPMG, and Nokia.

Bath's distance learning environment allows you to complete the online MSc in Computer Science part-time around your work and personal commitments.

Request More Information

Jess Crees

I’ve got a new job with better benefits because this course has already started to fill in the gaps in my knowledge. Plus studying part-time while working helps you to stand out from other interview candidates and showed my dedication to my career to my previous manager and my new one.

Jess Crees

Computer Science online MSc student

Career impact

Ranked 10th in the UK for Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 20273, we are recognised for our commitment to career progression in this field.

We also head up the Institute of Coding; an initiative made up of universities and corporations dedicated to plugging the digital skills gap. This connection opens the door to contributions from big businesses, giving you unique insights into what skills employers are looking for. 

Studying the University of Bath's Computer Science online master's course can unlock a number of computer science fields of work, including technical analytics, coding, computer science, cybersecurity, and software development. In the first half of 2021, 173,309 tech jobs were advertised monthly on average (1,039,854 total). This represents an increase of 42% relative to 2019.4

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT COMPUTER SCIENCE CAREERS

Why it matters who you learn with.

As you narrow down the possibilities of where to pursue your online computer science degree, consider who you'll learn with. Your cohort can be a strong benefit to the course you select. When your peers come from around the world and share similar professional roles, their experiences enhance your learning and worldview. By learning alongside a diverse cohort, you'll strengthen your computer science skills, cultural knowledge, professional network and can contribute to more areas of business.

Explore the curriculum

Develop your understanding of computer science step by step, starting with programming foundations and computational and mathematical principles. You’ll then build on this knowledge through software engineering and systems, before exploring broader areas of computing through your choice of optional units such as Deep Learning, Cybersecurity, HCI and Robotics.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your learning together in an individual research or developmental project, applying your knowledge and skills to a significant piece of work that contributes to the field of computer science.

Learn more about the course curriculum

Build practical computer science skills

How will I learn?

  • Programming exercises 
  • Experimentation
  • Coding and practical exercises
  • Technical problem-solving
  • Peer discussion
  • Collaborative work, including developing software as part of a small agile team
  • Optional hands-on specialisms
  • Independent research or development project

What will I work with?

  • Programming languages: C, Java, Python, Haskell and SQL
  • Programming paradigms: procedural, object-oriented and functional programming
  • Software development: Agile, Scrum and test-driven development
  • Data: relational databases, cloud, and distributed data
  • Optional units include: Deep learning, cybersecurity, robotics, and HCI
 

Working across different languages and programming paradigms helps you understand the principles behind programming and how different approaches can be applied to different problems. 

What will I actually do?

  • Write, test, and debug programs
  • Solve problems with code
  • Work across different programming paradigms
  • Design and build software
  • Develop software in an agile team
  • Model and work with data
  • Apply AI algorithms
  • Compare computational approaches
  • Implement, test, and evaluate technical solutions
  • Undertake an independent technical project

From programming foundations to problem-solving, you’ll build the knowledge and practical skills to apply computer science across diverse roles. 

Some technologies and activities depend on optional unit choices.

What could I gain from taking this course?

  • Understand how computer science works, including its mathematical, theoretical, and computational foundations
  • Identify and evaluate computer-based systems using appropriate methods and tools throughout the software lifecycle
  • Understand current and future developments in computer science, including their social, legal, and ethical implications
  • Connect theory and practice using information from diverse sources to build your understanding of computer science
  • Solve computational problems considering different models and approaches to find appropriate solutions, applying both practical and theoretical understanding
  • Communicate technical information clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
  • Work effectively with others through collaborative project work to solve complex problems
  • Manage your own learning and development, taking responsibility for your independent study and professional growth
  • Review and provide constructive feedback on your own and others’ work through peer review
  • Complete an individual research project demonstrating originality and the ability to work to a professional standard

Request More Information

I chose the University of Bath because they are part of the Institute of Coding which aims to increase the number of people who can work in technology. It’s important to me to study at a university that understands the real-world impact of technology.

Jess Crees

Computer Science online MSc student

Entry requirements

Qualifications

  • 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.

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). If you completed your degree in the UK within the last 2 years prior to the start of the course, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

Learn more about how to apply

Why choose online?

Our active learning environment will keep you connected to the curriculum all the way through to graduation.

  • Engaging active learning environment
  • Interaction and networking with students and lecturers
  • Digital resources to support your studies and develop your career

FIND OUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO STUDY ONLINE

University of Bath
Online learning

Interactive.
Immersive.
Supportive.

Designed exclusively for online study,
the University of Bath’s Virtual Learning Environment…
takes the learning experience further.

1: Find everything you need quickly and easily

2: Prep your workload and set your weekly agenda
Unit calendar
Upcoming events
Calendar of deadlines

3: Study in bite-sized blocks at a time and place that suits you

4: Tap into a wealth of all-inclusive e-resources

5: Experience academic content in a variety of engaging ways

6: Connect with specialist support when you need it

7: Bring learning to life with video and real-world case studies

8: Enhance your studies with hands-on interactive assignments

9: Collaborate and network with peers and tutors

10: Build your own portfolio and share your best work

Take what you’ve learned and apply it in the real world

Time to further your career? Request information and apply now.

Ben Ralph

Ben Ralph

Director of Teaching (Distance learning)

Dr Ben Ralph is the Director of Teaching (Distance learning) for the Computer Science online MSc, and teaches on both the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science online MSc. As a researcher Ben has mainly studied structural proof theory: in particular the problem of proof identity, using techniques including combinatorial proofs and Deep Inference, and before his PhD at Bath completed a Masters degree in Mathematics and Philosophy at the University of Oxford. Ben has also signed the pledge for sustainable research in theoretical Computer Science.

Explore your options with the University of Bath. If you are interested in studying the equivalent on-campus MSc, you can find out more by visiting our full-time Computer Science MSc course page.

  1. 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. Terms and conditions for tuition fee payments for online courses.
  2. "New Digital Strategy to make UK a global tech superpower," GOV.UK. Retrieved September 7, 2022, from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-digital-strategy-to-make-uk-a-global-tech-superpower
  3. Rankings based on undergraduate data
  4. “Jobs and Skills Report,” Tech Nation. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://technation.io/jobs-and-skills-report-2021/#employer-demand