If you didn’t study computer science at degree level, this MSc combines a wide-ranging introduction to the analysis, design and implementation of computer systems, with a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge research. You'll be immersed in software design, programming, datasets, information systems and web applications and develop all the skills needed to conduct independent research in computer science.
This MSc provides a depth of knowledge in computer science, underpinned by a thorough understanding of key issues at the forefront of current research in this discipline.
You’ll learn how to design and create software, gain experience of modern programming languages, and discover how databases are used in modern information systems, from supermarket checkouts to online banking.
We’ll also equip you with a good understanding of the most significant technologies for developing web applications. These include HTML, Cascading Style Sheets, JavaScript, and PHP.
Further opportunities to specialise and enhance your knowledge are available through a range of optional modules. You could choose to focus on topics including artificial intelligence, biologically inspired optimisation, neural networks, data mining, machine learning, multi-agent systems, e-commerce, online map visualisations, or software safety and dependability.
You’ll have the opportunity to work as part of a small group on a practical project to find a solution to a computer science problem. We’ll also provide a thorough grounding in how to plan and conduct research in preparation for your dissertation.
This MSc is suitable for graduates with a science or engineering background, such as a degree in mathematics or physical sciences, who wish to build upon the IT skills and knowledge gained during undergraduate study. The programme is not suitable for computer science graduates. If you already have a degree in computer science, you may be interested in Advanced Computer Science MSc.
Which postgraduate degree is right for you?
The Department of Computer Science offers master’s programmes for students with undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and other disciplines.
If you have a Computer Science related degree, you could be eligible for the following master’s courses:
Computer Science related degrees may include degree titles such as: Computer Applications, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Applications and Engineering, and Software Engineering. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Any Computer Science related degree should contain a significant amount of computer science related modules to be relevant (as assessed by the Department of Computer Science).
If you don’t have a Computer Science related degree and you are interested in learning more about the field, you may be eligible to study:
Please check individual course pages for detailed entry requirements.
The programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In Semester one, you’ll study four compulsory taught modules.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (COMP516) | 15 |
| PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS (COMP517) | 15 |
| DATABASE AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS (COMP518) | 15 |
| EFFICIENT ALGORITHMS (COMP526) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In Semester two, you’ll study one compulsory taught module and three optional taught modules.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| WEB PROGRAMMING (COMP519) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Your final project, undertaken over the summer, will give you the opportunity to work independently to explore a substantial problem in depth, making practical use of principles, techniques and methodologies you have acquired during the programme.
You’ll create a proposal, deliver a presentation with a Q&A, and submit a final dissertation.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MSC PROJECT (COMP702) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching comprises formal lectures, small group tutorials and practical sessions in computer laboratories. You may also take part in one or more group projects. In addition, you complete an individual project under academic supervision.
Taught modules are assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. The examinations take place at the end of each semester and typically take the form of an in-person written assignment, usually to be completed in a couple of hours. You’ll be assigned coursework across the length of each semester. This typically takes the form of class tests, programming assignments or small projects.
Your dissertation is assessed through a combination of written reports and a presentation of your achievements.
For your final project, you will create a proposal, deliver a presentation with a Q&A, and submit a final dissertation, all of which will be assessed.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
The School of Computer Science and Informatics (with history going back to the 1960s) is a Centre of Excellence for teaching and research. The latest Research Excellence Framework rated 100% of our research outputs as being world-leading or internationally excellent, the highest proportion of any Computer Science school/department in the UK.
Dr Terry Payne talks you through what you can expect studying computer science at the University of Liverpool and shows you some of the facilities and equipment you will be using.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The MSc in Computer Science requires spending a large amount of time programming in different languages and running complex sets of code that demand powerful hardware resources. The computer labs at the University of Liverpool provide me with powerful PCs with every piece of software I require to complete my assignments.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
You’ll graduate ready for a wide range of careers in the IT industry. You may wish to join the many students who seek employment at the interface of the IT domain and the subject matter of your first degree. The programme also provides a strong foundation for potential PhD research.
The University of Liverpool is one of the most targeted universities by top employers, according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research. This means our graduates are in demand for employment and sought after by top employers worldwide.
Qualifying with an Computer Science MSc degree from Liverpool will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to explore a vast range of opportunities across the globe, in leading companies across various industries.
Potential roles you would be well placed to secure on completion of this MSc include:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £14,000
Part-time place, per year - £7,000
Full-time place, per year - £34,000
Part-time place, per year - £17,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
If you've graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, and you've accepted a place on a master's course, you could be entitled to a £10,000 contribution towards your tuition fees. Please note your master's can be in a range of subject areas, and is not restricted to Chemistry. This award is available to one student per academic year who's considered to be from a widening participation background.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a science or engineering related subject, such as Mathematics or Physical Sciences, but should not be in Computer Science. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 95. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit overall and no band below B2 Pass |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 1 April 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions