Online degree MSc Computer Science

To apply, you’ll need to meet the following entry requirements: 

• A UK honours degree at 2:2 or above (or equivalent international qualification) in a subject other than computing. 

If you hold a non-honours degree and 2 years’ professional experience in one or more computing-related roles, you’re still encouraged to apply. We’ll review your academic and professional background on a case-by-case basis. Applicants without a first degree but with more than two years’ relevant professional experience in computing-related roles may be considered.

Thinking of transferring institutions or have you studied before? You can apply to transfer up to 60 credits towards your master's degree. Please note that credits can’t be awarded for the research module of this programme. 

These credits must be relevant, current, and aligned with the subject matter of your chosen MSc Computer Science pathway. 

• Review our recognition of prior learning process.

• Speak to our Enrolment Team.

• Submit a recognition of prior learning form alongside your application.

Overseas qualifications may be accepted and will be subject to evidence of equivalency normally verified through ECCTIS (UK ENIC). 

If English isn't your first language, you’ll be asked to provide proof of your English language proficiency in one of the following forms. Alternatively, you may be accepted if you have previously studied in English at an appropriate level and attended a recognised institution.

IELTS

• Evidence of a score of IELTS Level 6.0 or above with no element below 5.5. 

TOEFL iBT®

• Evidence of a score of 79 overall (with 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 21 in writing). 

Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE)

• Evidence of a score of ISE II with distinction in each skill.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency or Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English

• Evidence of a score of 170 overall, with 160 in each component. 

On this online Computer Science MSc programme, you’ll study a series of carefully designed modules. With flexible monthly starts, you’ll join the next available module and study alongside a cohort of computer science master's students learning the same subject at the same time.

• Software Engineering

  Design, build, and evaluate software systems that solve real-world problems. Learn how to apply software development life cycles, testing methods, and agile practices, and explore how effective engineering decisions underpin quality, security, and maintainability.

• Modern Database Systems

  Gain the technical knowledge to design, implement, and manage modern databases using industry standard Tools such as MariaDB and MongoDB. You’ll work with relational and non-relational models, optimise queries, and understand how data storage choices impact performance, scalability, and security.

• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  Understand the core ideas behind AI and machine learning – and how they’re strategically applied to common business problems. You’ll experiment with tools to solve realistic problems, interpret results, and weigh up the commercial and ethical impact of using AI. 

• Information Systems Development

  Analyse business needs and create software systems that meet them, using HTML, CSS and JavaScript programming languages. This module blends computer science theory with practical design, giving you the skills to develop secure, user-centred systems in complex organisational environments.

• Computer Networks

  Understand how computer systems communicate. Explore network design, protocols, and performance management, then apply your skills in practical settings to configure and troubleshoot networks for efficiency and resilience.

• Cloud Computing

  Learn to design and deploy solutions using cloud platforms. You’ll explore virtualisation, containerisation, cloud security, and cost optimisation, preparing you to work with cloud-native architectures across industries.

• Project Management and the Computing Professional

  Develop the leadership skills to manage technology projects successfully. Cover risk management, resource planning, and stakeholder communication, and learn to guide teams to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget.

• Fundamentals of Cyber Security Practice

  Gain practical experience in identifying vulnerabilities and defending systems. From encryption and access control to incident response, you’ll learn how to protect computer systems and data against evolving cyber threats.

• Large Language Models and Prompt Engineering

  Step into one of computing’s fastest-moving fields. Understand how large language models work, apply prompt engineering techniques, and explore their potential across data science, automation, and problem-solving tasks.

• Research Development

  Build the research skills you need for your final project. You’ll refine your research methods, review relevant literature, and prepare a robust proposal for a topic that reflects your career goals or research interests.

• Research Project

  Conduct your own research in an area that inspires you – from operating systems and data structures to machine learning, cyber security, or computer architecture. This final research project is where you bring together your technical expertise, analysis, and innovation to address a real world problem.

Across your MSc, you’ll complete a mix of assessments designed to stretch your thinking, strengthen your communication skills, and bring your learning to life. Each module (except your final research modules) includes three assignments – helping you build confidence, test ideas and apply theory in more than one way. 

Here’s a snapshot of the main types of assessments you’ll complete across your core modules. Want to know what assessments you’ll sit for each module, or just need more detail? Request more info and our team would love to talk it through with you.

• Technical report: produce a detailed, well-structured analysis of a technical problem, solution, or system, often with screenshots, code snippets, or configuration evidence. 

• Design or implementation project: plan, build, and document a working prototype, model, or system using industry-standard tools and practices. 

• Case study analysis: evaluate a real or simulated scenario, identify challenges, and propose solutions grounded in computing principles and current best practice. 

• Discussion board contribution: engage in structured, tutor-led online debates, demonstrating critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

• Portfolio: compile artefacts such as code, diagrams, system models, and explanatory notes to showcase your technical and professional skills. 

• Ethics or strategy briefing paper: advise an organisation, client, or committee on a complex technology issue, balancing technical, ethical, and commercial perspectives. 

• Presentation or video demonstration: explain your project or technical findings in a recorded or live presentation, sometimes paired with a live or narrated system demo. 

• Research dissertation: complete an in-depth research project that tackles a significant computing challenge, presenting your findings, methodology, and technical recommendations in a formal dissertation. 

With an MSc Computer Science degree, you can work as a software developer, IT project manager, cloud architect, or in specialist roles in machine learning, data science, and cyber security. This postgraduate qualification gives you technical knowledge in areas like software engineering, data mining, and programming, opening pathways to high-demand tech careers or further postgraduate study.

An MSc Computer Science programme boosts your career prospects by giving you skills in software engineering, cloud computing, and machine learning that are in high demand worldwide. Graduates are prepared for technical, management, and research roles in the UK and internationally.

This Computer Science MSc programme is designed for future postgraduate students who want to transition into tech or professionals seeking to advance into roles in software engineering, data science, machine learning, or cyber security. The course builds from your existing knowledge, introducing key concepts in computing before progressing to advanced topics and practical applications.

We typically ask for a first undergraduate degree, 2:2 at honours level. However, we will consider students with a non-honours undergraduate degree. You can find further information about our entry requirements above.

You don’t need a specific computer science or software engineering undergraduate degree to apply for our postgraduate programmes in computer science. This course introduces you to key concepts in computing – such as programming, data structures, and mathematics – as well as providing specialised modules like artificial intelligence, cyber security, and cloud computing. Strong problem-solving skills and motivation are important.

To get the best learning experience, you’ll need a reliable computer, internet, and audio setup. We recommend a laptop or desktop with at least an Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 500GB storage (Windows is our primary environment, though you can use Mac or Linux). A stable internet connection (5Mbps download, 2Mbps upload), webcam, and microphone are essential, and we strongly suggest using headphones for online sessions. 

For smoother study, extra resources like a second monitor, noise-cancelling headphones, 16GB+ RAM, SSD storage, and an external hard drive are recommended. Walbrook provides access to the required software, though some programmes may ask you to set up a VPN. Our technical support is Windows-based, but you’re welcome to work on Linux or macOS if you prefer. 

You’ll complete a mix of written assignments, technical reports, and group projects designed to give you practical experience in solving real world problems. Modules like software engineering and cloud computing include project-based tasks, while research modules prepare you for successful completion of your final project. Further details can be found in the programme details section of this page.

Yes – this computer science online master’s is open to international students. If you’re from outside a majority English speaking country, you’ll need to meet our English language requirements with a recognised English language qualification such as IELTS, or an international equivalent. We provide support throughout your studies, 100% online, wherever you’re based.

Your MBA is delivered through an online study platform, where you’ll study either one or two modules at a time depending on your study mode. Full-time students take two modules in parallel (with a short gap between start dates), while part-time students complete one module at a time.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Weekly learning units to guide your progress

• Readings and case studies

• Videos and narrated presentations (mini-lectures)

• Online discussion forums

• Quizzes and tasks to check your understanding

You’ll have the freedom to plan your study time around work and life – but within a guided schedule that helps you stay focused, connected, and on track to succeed.