Advanced Computer Science, MSc

Open Days

Key Course Details

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees
Jan 2025	£ 10,150
Sep 2025 or Jan 2026	£ 10,650

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 5,350

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 3,550

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees
Jan 2025	£ 21,950
Sep 2025 or Jan 2026	£ 23,050

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 11,550

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 7,650

Advanced Computer Science, MSc

100% world-leading and internationally excellent ratings for research impact

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Course Overview

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science gives you the depth of skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field, whether through further study, research or a rewarding career in computer science.

Our £32.5m Computational Foundry lies at the heart of this course. Sophisticated teaching and research equipment include a Vision and Biometric Lab, a Maker Lab, a Theory Lab, a Cyber Security/Networking Lab, a User Lab and a Visualisation Suite.

Ideal if you are a Computer Science graduate or if you have relevant experience from a different first degree, this MSc provides a fresh level of detail with specialist modules.

You will choose modules from a diverse range of computer science subjects. These include artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies and operation systems, big data, and network security.

Broad learning in year one is followed by a substantial project module in year two, putting you in a strong position when it comes to seeking employment.

Did you know?

The Department of Computer Science at Swansea University is widely acknowledged as a leading UK department with rankings that reflect teaching and research excellence.

Top 198 in the World for Computer Science and Information Systems (QS World University Rankings 2024)
100% world-leading and internationally excellent ratings for research impact - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
90% of our research is world-leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

You will be taught by inspiring computer science experts such as Professor Matt Jones, widely recognised as a leader in the empowerment of rural digital communities in the UK and across the developing world.

Your Advanced Computer Science Experience

You have the freedom to shape your own first part of study with a series of 15-credit modules, while a 60-credit project module will define the second part.

Over the course of this degree you will be taught by staff from internationally renowned research groups. Their knowledge of constant developments in computer science helps to keep your learning fresh and relevant to the wider industry.

Our commitment to keeping up with the technological curve is also reflected in the hardware you will be working with every day.

Our laboratories are continually upgraded to ensure equipment is never more than three years old, and rarely more than two. Currently in use are three fully networked laboratories. One runs Windows, another runs Linux, and a third project laboratory contains specialised equipment.

These laboratories support software including the programming languages Java, C# and the .net framework, C, C++, Haskell and Prolog. Integrated programme development environments include Visual Studio and Netbeans - the widely-used Microsoft Office package, web access tools and many special purpose software tools.

Advanced Computer Science Employment Opportunities

Completing this MSc will considerably enhance your computer science career prospects. Our graduates often progress to rewarding employment in the field of computer science with a well respected employer. Below are a number of recent destinations.

Software engineer, Motorola Solutions
Change coordinator, CGI Group
Software developer/engineer, NS Technology
Workflow developer, Irwin Mitchell
IT developer, Crimson Consultants
Programmer, Evil Twin Artworks
Web developer & web support, VSI Thinking
Software developer, Wireless Innovations
Associate business application analyst, CDC Software
Software developer, OpenBet Technologies
Technical support consultant, Alterian
Programming, Rock It
Software developer, BMJ Group

Modules

The first part of this MSc contains a single compulsory module on computer science project research methods and a series of 15-credit modules to choose from. A wide range of subjects include blockchain, cryptocurrencies and smart contracts, big data, visual analytics and web application development.

The second part contains a 15-credit compulsory module on project research methods and a 60-credit project module.

The modules in the table below are for students who started their course in January 2024. For January 2025 modules, please see MSc Advanced Computer Science - January 2025.

MSc 1 Year Full-time - September

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Computer Science Project Research Methods	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM10

Optional Modules

Semester 1 Options

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Graduates from our BSc programmes in Computer Science at Swansea University are usually not allowed to take modules of which they have already taken the level 3 version. The department aims to offer sufficient modules to allow a balanced choice of optional modules. In case of queries regarding the required modules for your scheme, please contact the course coordinator for the respective scheme.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Information Security Management	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM08
Critical Systems	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM13
IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM18
Big Data and Machine Learning	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM45
Embedded Systems Security	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM68
Optimisation	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM72
Modelling and Verification Techniques	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM85
Operating Systems and Architectures	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM98

AND

Semester 2 Options

Choose Exactly 45 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM29
Big Data and Data Mining	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM35
Data Visualisation	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM37
Human Computer Interaction	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM39
Computer Vision and Deep Learning	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM77	CSCM45 (TB1) is a pre-requisite for CSCM77

Year 2 (Level 7D)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
MSc Project (Module data currently unavailable)			CS-M20

MSc 1 Year Full-time - January

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 180 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Computer Science Project Research Methods	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM10J
MSc Project	September-June (TB1+2)	60	CS-M20

Optional Modules

MSc Advanced Computer Science (January) - Spring Optional Modules

Choose Maximum Of 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose a maximum of 4 modules in the Spring semester. Optional modules have capacity limits so may not be available at time of enrolment.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM29
Big Data and Data Mining	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM35
Data Visualisation	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM37
Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM38
Human Computer Interaction	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM39
Software Testing	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM64
Embedded System Design	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM68B	Embedded System Design runs in both semesters. You cannot take both versions.
Logic in Computer Science	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM75
Hardware and Devices	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM79

AND

CSCM18J/CSCM45J/CSCM48B

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You may choose to make no selection in this section. Please note that CSCM18J, CSCM45J and CSCM48B also run in the Autumn semester. You cannot select both versions.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM18J
Big Data and Machine Learning	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM45J
Web Application Development	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM48B

AND

MSc Advanced Computer Science (January) - Autumn Optional Modules

Choose Maximum Of 45 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose a maximum of 3 modules in the Autumn Semester (due to dissertation work). Optional modules have capacity limits so may not be available at time of enrolment.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Information Security Management	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM08
Critical Systems	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM13
Embedded Systems Security	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM68	Embedded System Design runs in both semesters. You cannot take both versions.
Optimisation	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM72
Modelling and Verification Techniques	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM85
Operating Systems and Architectures	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM98

AND

CSCM18/CSCM45/CSCM48

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You may choose to make no selection in this section. CSCM18, CSCM45 and CSCM48 run in both semesters. You cannot select both versions.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM18
Big Data and Machine Learning	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM45
Web Application Development	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM48

MSc 2 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Year 1, Autumn Semester

Choose Exactly 30 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Information Security Management	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM08
Critical Systems	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM13
Big Data and Machine Learning	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM45
Modelling and Verification Techniques	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM85

AND

Year 1, Spring Semester

Choose Exactly 30 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM29
Big Data and Data Mining	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM35
Computer Vision and Deep Learning	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM77	CSCM45 (TB1) is a pre-requisite for CSCM77

Year 2 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Computer Science Project Research Methods	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM10
MSc Project	September-June (TB1+2)	60	CS-M20

Optional Modules

Year 2, Autumn Semester

Choose Exactly 30 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM18
Embedded Systems Security	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM68
Optimisation	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM72
Operating Systems and Architectures	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM98

AND

Year 2, Spring Semester

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select one module.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Data Visualisation	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM37
Human Computer Interaction	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM39

MSc 3 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Year 1, Autumn Semester

Choose Exactly 30 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Information Security Management	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM08
Critical Systems	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM13
Big Data and Machine Learning	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM45
Modelling and Verification Techniques	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM85

AND

Year 1, Spring Semester

Choose Exactly 30 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM29
Big Data and Data Mining	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM35
Computer Vision and Deep Learning	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM77	CSCM45 (TB1) is a pre-requisite for CSCM77

Year 2 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Computer Science Project Research Methods	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM10

Optional Modules

Year 2, Autumn Semester

Choose Exactly 30 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM18
Embedded Systems Security	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM68
Optimisation	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM72
Operating Systems and Architectures	September-January (TB1)	15	CSCM98

AND

Year 2, Spring Semester

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Data Visualisation	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM37
Human Computer Interaction	January-June (TB2)	15	CSCM39

Year 3 (Level 7D)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
MSc Project (Module data currently unavailable)			CS-M20

Entry Requirements

A 2:2 honours degree (or above) in Computer Science or other relevant discipline.
IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English test.

How You're Taught

On the course you will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, coursework and a Dissertation.

Welsh Provision

Some provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. The Programme Director can outline to you what is available in Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Meet Your Lecturers

You will join our Computer Science community, bring taught by world-leading lecturers who are all passionate about their research working towards the United Nations Sustainable Goals to shape the world for the better. Our research areas include Crypto currencies, data security, cyberterrorism and Future interaction technologies.

See all our Computer Science staff

Tuition Fees

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2024	£ 10,150	£ 21,950
January 2025	£ 10,150	£ 21,950
September 2025	£ 10,650	£ 23,050
January 2026	£ 10,650	£ 23,050

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2024	£ 5,100	£ 11,000
September 2025	£ 5,350	£ 11,550

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2024	£ 3,400	£ 7,300
September 2025	£ 3,550	£ 7,650

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

To find out about scholarships, loans and other funding opportunities, please visit our Postgraduate Scholarships page

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Software engineer, Motorola Solutions
Change coordinator, Logica
Software developer/engineer, NS Technology
Workflow developer, Irwin Mitchell
IT developer, Crimson Consultants
Programmer, Evil Twin Artworks
Web developer & web support, VSI Thinking
Software developer, Wireless Innovations
Associate business application analyst, CDC Software
Software developer, OpenBet Technologies
Technical support consultant, Alterian
Programming, Rock It
Software developer, BMJ Group

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Our lecturers operate an ‘open door’ policy so you can chat with them about any concerns you may be having. These do not have to be just course related; our academic staff are there to help you with anything at all during your time in Swansea.

Each course has a student rep. They are there to make sure that every student voice is heard. Their role is to listen and feedback on your opinions, attend regular meetings and make sure that the people who can make changes listen to the people who really matter - you!

We offer both a Personal Tutor and peer mentoring. Our Peer mentoring scheme is in place to help new students settle into university life here at Swansea. You will get a chance to talk to your mentor who can tell you about their experiences as a student and also chat about student life. The peer mentoring scheme is a great way to meet students and widen your friendship circle while at Swansea.

You can also get help with personal issues from our wide range of student support such as CampusLife, Inclusive Student Support Services and The Centre for Academic Success.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.

Apply

Discover your University

Take a Virtual Tour

Postgraduate Prospectus

Welsh Medium Study

Chat with a Current Student