MSc Computer Science (Conversion)
- MSc
Overview
Computing underpins almost every sector of modern society. The MSc in Computer Science is designed to enable you to transition into computing from a non-computer science background, giving you the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed as a computer scientist.
We assume no prior knowledge of programming or computer science. We would, however, strongly encourage prospective students to try a basic online course in programming (in any language) before applying so they can confirm they have the appetite and aptitude for this subject area.
You will start from first principles and progress through to core topics that define the discipline. By the end of the programme, you will have developed the technical depth, problem-solving skills and professional application expected of a computer science graduate.
This programme is particularly well suited to graduates who want to:
- retrain as a professional computer scientist
- combine computing with their original discipline, or
- prepare for a technical role in industry or further academic study.
Programme content
The programme introduces core areas of computer science, including computer architecture, software design, and algorithms. It develops theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are widely sought by employers, preparing graduates for a range of computing careers.
Teaching combines lectures with practical lab sessions, where you apply concepts through hands-on programming and system building. Assessment is predominantly coursework-based, reflecting the applied nature of computer science and industry expectations.
A substantial summer project allows you to bring everything together in a significant piece of independent work. You will define, design and implement a computing solution, developing skills in project planning and technical communication. Projects may align with real-world problems, industry interests or research-informed themes.
You will be taught by academic staff whose research feeds into their teaching and who are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, helping you achieve your full potential in a fast-changing field.
Our students come from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Recent cohorts have included graduates from fine art, drama and other creative disciplines, alongside students from STEM subjects with little or no formal programming experience. This diversity is a strength of the programme which benefits all our students. Graduates from non-technical backgrounds often go on to graduate within the top of the cohort, bringing distinctive perspectives and problem-solving approaches to computer science.
Programme structure
The programme is split into two teaching blocks and a summer project that involves researching, planning and implementing a major piece of work with a significant scientific, technical or software development component.
The main programming languages taught on the course are C and Java. There is a strong emphasis on individual and group projects for putting into practice what you learn about software engineering, web technologies, databases, computer architecture and research skills. The programme content also includes a focus on algorithms and problem solving, helping you think computationally and efficiently.
By the conclusion of the first teaching block, you will have a solid foundation in imperative programming and computer architecture. You will also have begun to acquire complementary technical skills through the software tools unit. By the end of the second teaching block, you will be able to apply industry-style tools and techniques for software development and web applications in a teamworking context.
Over the summer you will implement and evaluate your project, and you will submit a dissertation describing your work in September.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content of our MSc in Computer Science (Conversion).
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any subject that is not related to Computer Science.
Applicants with a degree in Computer Science or a related subject (including Computer Engineering, Intelligent Science and Technology, Actuarial Science or Software Engineering) are unsuitable for this conversion programme and cannot be considered.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications. If you have the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £19,200 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £37,300 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
This programme is designed to enable you to stand out in the computing job market or enhance your employment opportunities within your existing field.
Graduates have progressed into roles such as:
- software developer or software engineer
- programmer or systems developer
- technology or digital consultant.
However, students also move into a broad range of related careers, reflecting the flexibility of the degree. These include roles such as data engineer, DevOps engineer, and information security specialist, as well as technology and management consulting, business and operations roles, and financial or investment analysis.
A smaller number of graduates pursue more specialised or interdisciplinary paths, including embedded systems, environmental analysis, legal technology and teaching or research-related roles.
This diversity highlights the fact that the programme prepares graduates not only for core technical positions, but also for applying computing skills across a wide range of sectors and domains.
Employers value the combination of core computer science skills and broader perspectives that graduates bring.
The programme also provides strong preparation for further research, and some graduates go on to PhD study in computer science or related areas.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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