Skip to main content
computers
BCS_A_EA_Bl.eps

Faculty of Science and Engineering

MSc in Advanced Computer Science

Postgraduate - Taught MSc

Open for admission in 2023/24

Start in September

Qualification Full time
MSc 1 year

About the course

Computer science has an ever-greater influence on our lives, and the technological breakthroughs of today shape the way we live tomorrow.

Opportunities continue to grow for highly skilled practitioners, and the taught Masters course allows you to make great advancements on your existing skills and knowledge. By the end of the programme you will be equipped to thrive in one of the fastest moving industries in the world.

You will learn specialist computer science techniques and fundamental theories, but you’ll also have the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice by developing applications and working with real software. We cover a range of topics, including real time graphics and computational science, and you can choose from options including artificial intelligence, robotics and visualisation – built upon a solid foundation of good programming skills.

The course begins in September each year and lasts twelve months. There are two trimesters of taught modules, followed by an individual dissertation project during the third trimester. 

Computer Science at Hull aims to create an excellent experience for students, with a supportive student community. We have an international reputation for our research activities, with a strong record of industrial and public grant funding. We are also affiliated with Microsoft’s DreamSpark programme, which allows you to access the latest Microsoft operating systems and development software for home use. Once registered with the University, you can download the software free of charge. 

What you'll study

This MSc programme is designed to support students with various levels of computing and programming practice experience. However, it is particularly suited to those with significant experience of writing code.

There is a focus on the transition to further postgraduate study, with suitable content on professional skills and the importance of ethics for practising computer scientists.

In lectures you’ll benefit from a range of techniques, from interpreting complex ideas through interactive discussions, to live programming or other problem-solving demonstrations.

Our degrees are accredited by the British Computer Society, The Chartered Institute for IT. The MSc programme fully meets the academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional and partial Chartered Engineer status. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Teaching and learning

We place a strong emphasis on practical laboratory sessions. These will significantly develop your core computer science skills, and enhance your employability through exposure to commercial projects.

As teamwork plays a key role in commercial software development and has great value as an employable skill, group work is used in a number of modules.

Assessment

Practical coursework is the main form of assessment, and you will design, build and test software solutions to a variety of problems. Written coursework is used to complement this. The largest assessment is the dissertation.

Trimester 1 - All Optional Modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • C++ Programming and Design

    This module explores how to create efficient, robust, real-time applications in C++ and culminates in the development of a complex graphics-oriented solution.

  • Real-Time Graphics

    Gain essential knowledge and understanding, as well as practical tools of real-time 3D graphics rendering using modern programmable graphics hardware.​

  • Simulation and Artificial Intelligence

    ​Mathematical and physics simulation and artificial intelligence are two key components in games development. You'll gain an understanding of the theory and skills required to develop physically-based simulations and gain an introduction to artificial intelligence. You'll explore the accuracy of your simulations and investigate the application of artificial intelligence methods in video games.​

  • Maintaining Large Software Systems

    This module provides in-depth coverage of the technologies and programming techniques used in maintaining large scale software. The practical portion of the module will be an extensive exercise carried out on a real world production quality code-base.

  • Component-based Architecture

    Develop a deeper understanding and critical analysis of contemporary component-based, managed programming environments, including how they play a key role in creating secure software systems.

  • Real Time Dependable Systems

    The module will explore the nature and challenges of real-time dependable systems in a range of application areas including avionic systems, data transactions, robotics and autonomous vehicles. Approaches to implementing real-time dependable systems will then be considered.

  • Object Oriented Design and Development Using C#

    This module covers the design and implementation of software systems using a modern object oriented language.​

Trimester 2 - All Compulsory Modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Advanced Computational Science

    You’ll study the key concepts and techniques used to model a system, understand its limitations and develop appropriate AI architectures to solve computational problems.

  • Trustworthy Computing

    You will be introduced to a wide variety of concepts relating to the security of software systems at both the language and application levels. 

  • Development Project

    Study the theory and practice needed to develop software, based on realistic contexts and clients’ requirements. You'll learn through an authentic task-based approach to software development, with experience of leadership, cooperation and teamwork.

Trimester 3 - Core Modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Computer Science Dissertation

    You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.

Where you'll study

The location below may not be the exact location of all modules on your timetable. The buildings you'll be taught in can vary each year and depend on the modules you study.

Click to view on Google Maps
Hull Campus

Click to view directions on Google Maps

Fees and funding

  • Home £11,550

UK students can take out a Masters Loan to help with tuition fees and living costs. For 2023 entry, they provide up to £12,167 for full-time and part-time taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Find out more about Postgraduate Loans.

  • International £12,000

Please see the terms and conditions for International fees 2022/23

Graduate PGT Scholarship

The University of Hull is pleased to offer graduates progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate taught study a £1,000 scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees.

Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Graduate PGT Scholarship page.

International Scholarships and Bursaries

For a list of all scholarships and bursaries for international students, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a range of scholarships to help you with your studies.

For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Links to companies like Microsoft, Sony and Electronic Arts ensure our courses stay industry standard, up to date and relevant

Computer Science at Hull was rated joint sixth for student satisfaction in the Guardian University Guide 2017.

Computer science at Hull was rated in the UK's top five for research impact in the latest national assessment.

Entry requirements

A minimum 2:2 Bachelor Honours (or international equivalent) in “Computer Science” or “Software Engineering” with at least 40 credits (or equivalent) of a high-level objected oriented programming language such as Java, C++ or C#.

You will be required to submit a personal statement as a part of your application which sets out the extent of your programming experience, stating languages used and levels of proficiency in each. If you would like to discuss this with a member of academic staff who can help you to assess whether their degree will be sufficient preparation then we will be happy to arrange this. You can email the Postgraduate Admissions Team at pgadmissions@hull.ac.uk.


In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group, if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved. In addition, existing undergraduate students at the University of Hull have a guaranteed ‘Fast Track’ route to any postgraduate programme, subject to meeting the entry criteria (excluding Social Work).

International students

Language requirements

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you must provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other accepted English language proficiency qualifications.

If your English currently does not reach the required standard, you may be interested in our pre-sessional English Language programmes.

Visit your country page to find out more about entry requirements.

Future prospects

The MSc Advanced Computer Science programme is designed to open pathways to postgraduate research, as well as a wide range of careers. The computational science module introduces concepts and ideas which will help prepare you for further study; the industrial placement option, meanwhile, will enable you to practise your skills and knowledge of computer science in situ, giving you a useful insight and advantage when it comes to starting your career.

We have a range of inspirational extra-curricular activities including the Three Thing Game, Imagine Cup Worldwide Software Development Challenge, Really Useful Seminars and Global Game Jam. They are designed to boost your CV and employability, and taking part costs very little.

Our MSc graduates typically gain roles including: applications developer; business systems analyst; computer analyst; computer programmer; computer operations manager; data management analyst; database assistant; developer support engineer; games programmer; information manager; IT design; IT systems manager; IT technician; IT user support; mobile developer; operations director; software designer; software developer; software engineer; solutions developer; systems engineer; technical sales; technical specialist; and web developer.

Top