100% online MSc Computer Science
Credits:
180
180
Two years, part-time
£9,480
£9,480
World-class Russell Group member
Ranked in UK Top 20 for Computer Science (Complete University Guide 2025)
100% online - study from anywhere
Start within weeks
Pay-per-module
Total programme cost: £9,480
Next start: 13 January 2025
Be in demand. Be in computer science.
This 100% online MSc Computer Science programme is aimed at working professionals and graduates from other disciplines who are seeking to move into a career in computer science. You will develop skills in computational thinking and an academic understanding of key computing concepts and techniques and their application to real world problems.
This programme is designed to develop your theoretical and foundational understanding of Computer Science. As a Masters level student you will read and learn about programming techniques, computer and network infrastructure and protocols, data analysis and security risks. You will explore a range of computing concepts such as object oriented programming, TCP/IP, classification and regression, and cryptography.
Practical components and assessments are designed to enable you to further explore these concepts from a theory lead perspective and develop a better understanding of their application in real world challenges and scenarios.
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Course Content Section:
The programme’s eight-week modules provide an introduction to and experience of computational thinking and problem solving across software, hardware, data, artificial intelligence, and security. The research methods and research proposal modules develop your critical evaluation, academic research and writing skills providing a sound basis for your individual research project.
Software
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- Software Engineering
- Advanced Programming
Hardware
- Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
- Computer and Mobile Networks
Data
- Big Data Analytics
Artificial Intelligence
- AI and Machine Learning
Security
- Cyber Security Threats
Research project development
The modules research proposal and independent research project should focus on ideas and areas of interest within the scope of Computer Science
- Research Methods
- Research Proposal
- Independent Research Project
Learning Outcomes
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you’ll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
Computational thinking
Apply computational thinking to complex problems, using skills
in analysis, design and implementation of computing systems, drawing on the
foundations of computer science and the current research literature.
Evaluation and Synthesis
Analyse a complex problem from a written description, derive requirements and specifications from an understanding of problems, and create and/or justify designs to satisfy given requirements, applying knowledge of software analysis and design.
Software and hardware
Build computer-based systems of varying levels of complexity to serve the needs of users, making effective use of the variety of physical implementations on which that software may be running, and applying the theory and practice of programming and software engineering.
Application
Critically evaluate and effectively apply software systems and tools, underpinned by a knowledge of how those systems work
Independence
Scope, plan, manage and execute an individual research project of significant size, demonstrating critical engagement with the discipline.
Communication
Communicate complex computational problems and their solutions in written format to technical and non technical professional colleagues, in a clear and organised manner
Professionalism
Operate as responsible Computer Science professionals, by maintaining awareness of key legal and ethical issues and risk management.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught by a dedicated team of academic tutors with expertise in online delivery as well as a range of topics including cyber security, machine learning, networks, and software engineering. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
Teaching format
The programme consists of 150 credits of taught modules and a 30 credit research project. Each 15-credit module is taught and assessed over eight weeks and represents 150 hours of work. All taught modules are asynchronous and structured for independent learning to fit around the other demands on your time. The research project consists of a real-world application of your choice and takes place over 16 weeks (300 hours’ work). You’ll study one module at a time and the modules run consecutively. Over the year there are two short breaks, in August and December.
You’ll begin with a solid grounding in computational thinking and the theoretical underpinnings of computer science, and apply them through basic programming techniques in the introductory module Algorithms and Data Structures. You’ll then move through the other taught modules, which are delivered in rotation. You’ll be assigned a Student Success Coordinator who will provide you with your schedule of modules and will also contact you prior to the start of each module to explain what happens next.
All modules are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Within each module, you will participate in weekly activities which could include reading chapters from academic textbooks and journal articles, watching short educational videos, including micro- lectures, and taking part in discussion boards. You’ll study alongside a diverse cohort, students resident in different countries and bringing different backgrounds and experiences.
Assessment and feedback
To pass each module you will be required to submit at least one piece of summative assessment. You may also be expected to undertake formative assessments, which won’t contribute to your final mark but will help you develop the skills and understanding needed to do well in your summative work. Summative assessments will include individual written reports, academic essays, programming assignments and open book timed exams. All assessments take place online and to strict deadlines. You will receive written feedback for each piece of assessed work to support your development and learning.
Evidenced based technical report
Design and develop a solution to a problem, and provide a written report (structure often provided) discussing your decision process, highlighting benefits and limitations of the techniques or approach used. Drawing on the academic literature and examples from the development (sample code, design work, research) to support discussion.
Open book examinations
Timed examinations with a 48 hour window for completion with access to course notes and completed exercise. These are comprised of, multiple choice questions, short and long answer questions, producing diagrams that are uploaded to the examination point. These examinations require preparation, organising notes, and references sources and require application of understanding to unfamiliar scenarios and problems.
Academic discussions
Given specific case studies or references present a discussion and concluding argument to a set of questions, or statements. Requiring the research, synthesis, and evaluation of the concepts presented in the reference material, presented as a discussion supporting distinct or required points and conclusions.
Why York?
- Member of the elite Russell Group of major research-intensive universities
- Over 20,000 students and 4,000 staff from 150 countries
- Ranked joint 10th in the UK for research quality (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
- 17th overall in the Complete University Guide 2025
- University of the Year shortlisted (Times Higher Education Awards 2023)
- Top 150 in Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2024
- University of the Year shortlisted (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
- Top 100 for 'International Outlook' (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024)
What our graduates say
“York’s MSc Computer Science programme has a good structure with clear expectations set and I found the staff very supportive. Its flexibility is extremely helpful to working professionals as its always difficult to maintain a constant pace throughout the programme when you are in full-time work. I would definitely recommend studying an online MSc Computer Science degree with York. It’s a great programme for people who want to expand their knowledge and horizons but who don’t have the scope to do so on campus.”
“What made York’s online MSc Computer Science stand out from the rest was that it allowed me to study in my own time around my other commitments. I would recommend the online MSc Computer Science with York as it has great online lectures and I gained important research and writing skills.”
“The thing that made York’s online Computer Science programme stand out from the rest was the course itself – There were a lot of cutting-edge fields like Machine Learning and Data Analytics, not to mention the new AI specialisms. Being able to take study breaks when work became more demanding was a huge plus. What I enjoyed most about studying online with York was the online community of learning and intelligence that springs up from motivated, intelligent individuals”
Entry requirements for home and international students
- 2:2 (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in any subject
- Or Masters degree (or equivalent) in any subject
- If you earned your degree outside the UK, check that it is equivalent to a 2:2. Our country-specific pages can help you to find out more
English language requirements
If English isn’t your first language you may need to provide evidence of your ability, such as:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5, with 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL IBT (internet-based and special home edition): 87, with 21 in each component
- Trinity ISE: Level 3 with Merit in each component
- PTE Academic: 61, with a minimum of 61 in Writing and no less than 55 in all other components
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): 176, with 169 in each component
- GCSE: B / 6 or above
- Duolingo: 120, with 105 in each component
- LanguageCert B2 Communicator: High Pass with 33/50 in each component
- LanguageCert Academic: 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component
- KITE: 459-494, with 426-458 in all other components
- Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
- Oxford ELLT: 7 with a minimum of 6 in each component
- You will need to have completed the test within two and a half years of the start date of your programme. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
You will not need to provide evidence of your English language abilities:
- If you’re from a specified majority English-speaking country
- If you’ve completed a degree in English in a specified country within seven years of your intended start date
Modules
Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
This module provides techniques for using algorithms and associated data structures. It also covers computational thinking and the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of computer science, covering: programming; control structures; methods; inheritance; arrays and mechanics of running and testing; and complexity and implementation of algorithms in programs.
Advanced Programming (15 credits)
This module details advanced programming concepts such as file manipulation, event-driven programming, multi-threaded programming, programming for data analysis and the use of packages and documentation. It also covers the social context of computing: social impact of computers and the internet; professionalism; codes of ethics and responsible conduct; copyrights, intellectual property; and software piracy.
Computer Architecture and Operating Systems (15 credits)
The module covers the concepts of modern computer architecture and system software. After an overview of computer architecture, it then delves into how computer systems execute programs, store information, and communicate. You will also learn the principles, design and implementation of system software such as operating systems.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (15 credits)
This module explores the field of artificial intelligence along with the principal ideas and techniques in three core topic areas: problem solving, knowledge representation and machine learning. The implications of AI for business and society are also covered.
Computer and Mobile Networks (15 credits)
A sound understanding of internet architecture, protocols and technologies and their real-world applications forms the core of this module. Discussions around networks and the internet, network architecture, communication protocols and their design principles, wireless and mobile networks, network security issues and networking standards feature. The module also covers related social, privacy and copyright issues.
Software Engineering (15 credits)
This module focuses on designing and building software systems. You will look at principles and patterns of software design, where to apply them, and how they inform design choices. You will learn techniques for ensuring systems you build behave correctly. We demonstrate how the application of these principles makes it possible to evolve systems effectively and rigorously.
Big Data Analytics (15 credits)
This module provides data science skills in data analytics, including the preparation of data, data handling, formulating precise questions and using tools from statistics and data mining to address them.
Cyber Security Threats (15 credits)
Teaching the fundamentals of cyber security and understanding of typical threats. You will become familiar with a range of technologies and regulations that can reduce risk, increase protection and remain compliant.
Research Methods (15 credits)
This module provides you with a range of approaches to research and individual research projects. Formulate research questions appropriate to an area of interest, and evaluate the relationship between question, methodology and method.
Research Proposal (15 credits)
This is an extended research proposal for your final Individual Research Project. The module is created to ensure you are prepared for the IRP in sufficient depth before undertaking final studies. Designed to give you the flexibility of developing a proposal, it explores a work-based problem or one that is driven by your own findings.
Individual Research Project (30 credits)
The 30-credit Individual Research Project (IRP) builds on your Research Project Proposal, defining and developing a plan for research within a particular field of your choice. The IRP is the implementation and write-up of these results. A self-study module, you’ll draw on skills acquired throughout the degree, including self-management, deadlines and subject knowledge.