The MSc in Advanced Computer Science is designed to help you develop specialised expertise across a broad range of topics, building on our rich legacy of computing innovation and interdisciplinary research. With a strong emphasis on combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, lectures and seminars are complemented by hands-on exercises to deepen your understanding.
Teaching is structured around four themes, each comprising two course units. You’ll have the flexibility to tailor your studies by selecting any four themes from a diverse set of options, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data engineering, software engineering, and cyber security.
A highlight of the course is the Master’s Project, where you’ll undertake a substantial technical challenge in an area that interests you. You’ll choose from a portfolio of specialised projects, allowing you to apply and expand on techniques learned throughout the course.
Computational thinking underpins our approach to solving complex problems across disciplines - from engineering and physical sciences to business and society. As a graduate, you’ll be equipped with advanced technical skills and a deep understanding of emerging technologies, preparing you to thrive in both industry and research environments.
This course is designed for students with a solid foundation in computer science. Applicants should typically hold a strong academic record in computer science or a closely related field, and demonstrate proficiency in at least one object-oriented programming language, gained through academic study or professional experience.
Whether you're aiming for a career in industry or considering further research, this course offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise in modern computer science.
Course duration 12 months (full-time)
Total self-study time Approx. 30 hrs/week (taught units) in semester 1 and 2 | 40 hrs/week (Master’s project) in the summer
Teaching time Approx. 12 hours per week (inc. pre-recorded and live lectures, and practical classes)
WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
The MSc in Advanced Computer Science is an excellent way to develop specialised knowledge in modern computer science. It suits both those seeking a practical career in industry and those keen to pursue industrial or academic research opportunities.
As a postgraduate of this course, you will enter the world of work with sought-after advanced technical skills and an enviable knowledge of emerging technologies and techniques. We prepare students to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape and make a lasting impact on society.
WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?
Our graduates have progressed into a wide range of industries, including IT, consulting, telecommunications, and banking and finance. They have gone on to roles such as:
- IT Analyst
- System Network Engineer
- IT Department Manager
- Senior Escalation / Technical Support Engineer
- Technical Documentation Consultant
- Consultant (Contract)
- Team Leader
…and many more across the global tech sector.
OUR STUDENTS' MSc PROJECTS
The MSc project is one of the most exciting parts of a master’s degree — you are paired with an expert supervisor and get a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, solve real-world problems, and bring your ideas to life. It’s where everything you’ve learned comes together, showcasing your skills, creativity, and potential to stand out in your field. Here are some projects that our MSc graduates have worked on:
🔎 NeuroLingo: Brain Encoding and Decoding of Language
The project leveraged neuroimaging data and machine learning models to identify the neural patterns associated with language comprehension and production.
🔎 Information is Beautiful: Visualising Network Data In this project, students developed a novel interactive visualisation of graph data, including graph links, low-dimensional embeddings, and clusters.
🔎 Operating System Development: Contributing to the Unikraft Unikernel Unikernels are minimal, single-purpose virtual machines with applications in cloud- and edge-deployed services, serverless computing, high-performance computing, and more. This project involved the identification and development of a new feature for Unikraft, the most active open-source unikernel project.
Dr Sarah Clinch Senior Lecturer
ACADEMIC'S VOICE
This course delivers a state-of-the-art understanding across a wide range of topics, allowing you to explore the intricate details of the aspects of computer science that most interest you. This is the perfect course for developing yourself into a standout software developer, data engineer, or other industry-ready graduate, or to lay the groundwork for a PhD.
ALUMNI'S VOICE
I began my career at eBay Shanghai as a Junior Software Engineer after completing my MSc in Advanced Computer Science at The University of Manchester in early 2022. Since then, I’ve progressed to a Senior Software Engineer, and in 2025, I transferred to the U.S. to continue my work at eBay. I currently work on eBay’s infrastructure job scheduling system - a critical platform that supports global e-commerce operations across multiple departments. Most recently, I became a contributor to Apache Airflow, a widely adopted open-source workflow orchestration tool. The University of Manchester provided a strong foundation in computer science and helped sharpen my problem-solving skills, both of which have been instrumental in overcoming technical challenges and advancing my career in a global tech environment.
Huanjie Guo
Advanced Computer Science, Class of 2021 Current role: Senior Software Engineer, eBay, Austin, United States
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