The online MSc Computer Science can elevate your career

Centred on the industrial application of computing, our online MSc Computer Science degree will give you a sound foundation in practical and theoretical computation, no matter what your current skillset. This emphasis on the fundamental principles of computing, in real-life settings, will give you the skills to fit into a technical role, even if you do not have prior programming experience. Being offered as a part-time online Computer Science master's means you can complete the programme while working. 

Quick course facts

  • Minimum Duration: 2 years, 3 months
  • Start dates: January, May, and September
  • Study Type: 100% online
  • Entry requirements
  • Cost per 10 credits £722.1 Fees are paid per unit. The total cost of this 180 credit course is £12,9961 (£722 per 10 credit unit and two instalments of £2,166 for your 60 credit dissertation).  10% alumni discount available. Learn more on Fees and funding

Over eighty per cent of all jobs advertised in the UK now require digital skills, however, employers say the lack of available talent is the single biggest factor holding back growth.2 Gaining relevant digital skills and competence in the technical sphere opens up a range of exciting professional opportunities for you.

'Studying an MSc in Computer Science is giving me both a holistic view of the field and a detailed view of what I enjoy the most. This is not only useful from a technical perspective, but also helps me to better decide on the particular areas that I would want to specialise.'

— Mohammad Dasseh, Computer Science online MSc student

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 while working.

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 8th in the UK for Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 20253, 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. The IofC has recently won an award for its diversity and inclusion CTRL Your Future campaign, involving events, panel talks, workshops, and short films. It has been recognised for its success in reaching a more diverse group of learners.

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

In a world short of skilled computer scientists, the units in our Master’s in Computer Science course will equip you with the skills to succeed in this ever-growing sector.

From learning how to develop computer software in our principles of programming unit through to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, our compelling course units will provide you with the real-world skills required for a technically challenging career. Because the computer science degree is built for those working full-time, you can immediately apply these new skills on the job.

Our online Computer Science course finishes with a project. You will produce a unique piece of research using techniques learned throughout the year. Then, you can reference your project when you tell potential employers about the value of your online MSc in Computer Science.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COURSE CURRICULUM

Learning outcomes

  • Understand core theories and practices of computer science without needing a digital background
  • Explore exciting new opportunities in AI, human computer interaction and cybersecurity
  • Acquire key theories and mathematical principles to support your understanding of emerging techniques
  • Develop primary research and critical evaluation skills to form your own solutions
  • Contribute towards the body of knowledge of particular technical and industrial fields
  • Think creatively and critically and push the boundaries with code

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 strong second-class bachelor’s honours 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
  • We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree

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

Lead Director of Studies

Dr Ben Ralph is the Lead Director of Studies 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 2025 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