Computer Science MSc (PGCert PGDip)

International requirements and visas

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visas and immigration advice

Course structure

The taught element of the course is delivered during the first two semesters. As an MSc student, you will study five core modules and choose two option modules enabling you to specialise in areas of the course that interest you most. The third semester focuses on your major project. Full-time students who start the course in September also have the option of a placement or research year. 

Syllabus

Modules

Core modules

• Programming and Data Structures

  This module introduces the basic concepts and data structures required to write programs in an industry standard, high-level language and uses an object-oriented approach to developing and testing a software system. Areas covered include data types and expressions; control structures; input and output; functions; problem-solving techniques; and software development tools.

• Applied Artificial Intelligence

  In this module you will develop a critical understanding of the basic concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) and use real-world examples to explore AI principles, ethical issues, implementation techniques and technologies.

• Computer Systems Security

  This module provides you with a grounding in cyber security and privacy together with the skills and mechanisms required to create and evaluate secure information systems. It will give you a theoretical and practical understanding of techniques used to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities and improve computer defence. It also provides knowledge of hacking techniques and countermeasures.

• New Horizons in Computer Science

  In New Horizons in Computer Science, you will research current trends and future innovations in computing technologies with a focus on academic research methods and creating a literature review. You will have the opportunity to present your findings to other postgraduate students and the wider faculty.

• Final Project

  In the Final project you will demonstrate your ability to work at masters level as a computer science software developer. You will design and produce a software product that provides a solution to a chosen problem. As well as developing an original software-based artefact, you will critically reflect on and engage with the themes of computer science.

Options*

• MSc UXD Industrial Placement

  This module gives you the opportunity to undertake a minimum of 24 weeks (48 weeks for international students) work experience in an MSc UXD role. You will be able to put into practice the UX design skills and knowledge your acquired in taught modules, reflect upon these in a business context and develop teamwork and leadership skills. Successful completion of this placement module could improve your employability.

• Research

  The module enables you to engage in an in-depth piece of independent research in a subject within the expertise of the course team but outside the range of material covered by the course and independent of the Major Project subject. During the module, you will critically analyse, interpret and evaluate complex information, concepts and/or theories and to understand the wider context in which the area of research is located.

• Web Development

  This module will introduce you to standards-based web technologies and teach you how to apply best practice in front-end web design and development. Topics will cover internet fundamentals; core concepts, techniques and skills; web design; and DOM scripting.

• Data Management

  Databases form the underlying framework of information systems in businesses and organisations, and this module will equip you with an understanding of contemporary database management systems. It also provides you with a methodology for database design and development, as well as skills in searching, reporting and analysing the data.

• Interface and Information Design

  This module will develop your user-centred design and evaluation skills and enable you to produce work at a commercially acceptable level of design quality. You will advance your ability in interaction design and evaluation by gaining deeper knowledge and skills around information, navigation and interface design.

• The Business and the Information System

  This module will teach you how to critically evaluate the role of information systems within the wider enterprise, assess the issues and problems a business analyst may face in this environment and propose solutions to address these. Areas studied include enterprise frameworks; business strategy and alignment to information systems; business processes; and information systems in the value chain.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

To further increase your employability and international experience, we offer full-time students starting in September the opportunity to take a placement year. This means that your course will take two years, but you’ll be graduating with work experience. 

The year on placement in a role related to your course will allow you to put all that you have learned on your masters into practice, enhancing your career opportunities and giving you practical experience in your area of expertise.

The placement is assessed formatively throughout the year, giving you the chance to reflect on your experience and helping to build your CV.

Work placements are optional, and you’ll arrange your placement with support from our dedicated Placements and Employability team.

We offer a two-year international study visa route to support applications for this course.

Meet the team

Dr Goran Soldar, course leader 

Dr Goran Soldar has more than 25 years of teaching experience in HE. For the last 20 years he has been with the University of Brighton where he has been involved in teaching and course leadership at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

He is course leader of Computer Science BSc(Hons) and Computer Science MSc. Goran’s main interests are in programming languages, mainly Java and database systems.

He teaches programming and data structures at postgraduate level and enterprise application development on the undergraduate programme, using the latest Jakarta EE technologies and tools for developing, building and deploying software on Linux and Windows platforms. Goran’s research interests are in developing frameworks for distributed systems and big data processing.

As a course leader, Goran provides academic and personal support to students. His office door is always open to students wishing to discuss any academic or personal issue, or just wanting an informal chat.

Other teaching staff

• Michalis Pavlidis
• Nikolaos Polatidis
• Marcus Winter
• Karl Cox
• Sanaz Fallahkhair
• Jennie Harding 
• Andrew Blake 

Course fees

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international postgraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Local area

Maps

Support and wellbeing

Sport at Brighton