Computer Science, MSc

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

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Prism

Course Overview

The MSc in Computer Science is a conversion course, suitable if you have limited knowledge of the subject. It offers a pathway towards deeper learning. 

Our £32.5m Computational Foundry lies at the heart of this degree. 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 Visualisation Suite.

Through a combination of practical and theory-based learning, you will develop a firm understanding of subjects from software concepts and software engineering principles to big data, web application development, and network security.

This understanding, together with a substantial project module, puts you in a strong position when it comes to more advanced study or employment.

Did you know?

Computer Science at Swansea University is widely acknowledged as a leading UK department, with impressive rankings reflecting teaching and research excellence.

  • Top 150 in the World Computer Science and Engineering (Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024), Top 201-250 in the world (THE World University Rankings 2025)
  • 201-250 in the World for Computer Science and Information Systems (QS World University Rankings 2025)
  • 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 Computer Science Experience

You will undertake a series of compulsory and optional 15-credit modules in the first part of the course, while a 60-credit project module will occupy most of the second stage.

The new Computational Foundry on our Bay Campus is central to your experience at Swansea. It is already the nucleus of a vibrant community for world-class research leaders in computer science.

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 reflected in the hardware you will be working with every day.

Laboratories are continually upgraded to ensure equipment is never more than three years old, and rarely more than two. Three fully networked laboratories are currently in use.

Computer Science Employment Opportunities

Completing this MSc will significantly improve your computer science career prospects. Our graduates often progress to rewarding employment in the field of computer science with a respected employer. Below are recent examples of graduate 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 six 20-credit modules introducing subjects like object-oriented programming, software concepts and efficiency, software engineering principles, databases, web applications, cyber security, and research methods.

The second part of the programme is where you get to do some independent learning. You’ll be working on a 60-credit research project.