Upgrade your career potential

With 75% of company executives experiencing challenges in digital recruitment (2017–2018) in the UK,1 there is high demand for digital skills and expertise. Gaining relevant digital skills and competence in the technical sphere opens up a range of exciting professional opportunities.

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.

'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

Quick course facts

  • Duration: 2 years, 3 months
  • Start dates: January, May and September. In order to ensure we continue to deliver world class learning experiences, the number of places available on the Computer Science MSc is limited for our next intake.
  • Entry requirements
  • Fees and funding

Choose Bath online

Developed and taught by a practicing group of influential computer scientists, studying this course will expose you to emerging ideas in AI, human computer interaction, cybersecurity and programming. Our online MSc is focused on teaching you the principles of programming in general. For example, in your first unit, you will learn the basics of programming using the C language and object-oriented programming using Java. You will subsequently be introduced to other languages (such as Python, Haskell and SQL), and the course will cover which problems these languages are specifically suited to solving. Learning the principles behind programming equips you with a skillset which enables you to effectively approach various new problems.

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

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 3rd for employability in computer science by the Complete University Guide 20212, 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 business, 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 reaching a more diverse group of learners.

Studying Bath University’s Computer Science online can unlock a number of technically related professions including technical analytics and software development. With over 500,000 people needed in the UK to fill skilled positions in computer science by 2022, the career opportunities are extensive.3

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

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

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.

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.  

Our online Computer Science course finishes with a project. You will produce a unique piece of research using techniques learned throughout the year.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COURSE CURRICULUM

Awards and rankings

Our awards and rankings are testament to our commitment to teaching and research excellence.

Top 10

Top 10 for course satisfaction for computer science and information systems in The Guardian University Guide 20222

Top 10

7th for student experience for computer science in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 20222

Top 10

10th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 20222

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

Dr Christina Keating

Course Director

Dr Keating is our online Computer Science director as well as a lecturer at the Department of Computer Science at the University of Bath. Passionate about Human–Computer Interaction, Christina is committed to exploring the cognitive abilities of technology users, dual task paradigms and notification design. Recent research explored the impact of the process of idea generation and the modelling of performance of creative tasks on the design of ‘ideation’ support systems.

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. Ignite digital skills gap infographic: https://www.ignite.digital/uk-digital-skills-gap-infographic/
  2. Rankings based on undergraduate data
  3. Institute of Coding: https://instituteofcoding.org/