Advanced Computer Science
MSc or PGDip or PGCert
Start dates: September 2024 / September 2025
Full time: MSc - 1 year (12 months); PG Dip - 6 months; PG Cert - 3 months
Part time: MSc - 2 years (24 months); PG Dip - 18 months (12 months study time); PG Cert - 6 months
Location: Headington
Department(s): School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
Overview
Creative. Innovative. Dynamic. Computer science is an exciting field that influences and inspires almost every aspect of modern life. On our MSc Advanced Computer Science, you’ll study highly sought-after areas of computing at an advanced level, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your career.
You’ll study advanced aspects of distributed computing, networking, cyber security and machine learning through coursework-based assessments. You’ll also develop in-demand agile methodology skills and take on different scrum team roles as you learn how to solve problems and build software for real clients.
Whether you’re a recent computing graduate or you have extensive computing experience, you’ll become part of a diverse and welcoming international postgraduate community.

Why Oxford Brookes University?
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Industry connections
You can build connections by attending expert talks, working on real client projects, and meeting advisory board members from BMW and Sophos.
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Practical focus
Turn theory into CV-friendly practice through case studies and coursework-based assessment.
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Research groups
We have active research groups in areas from cybersecurity and augmented reality to visual and ethical AI. They offer exciting opportunities for postgraduate students.
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Robotics and AI
Seize opportunities to participate in our robot dog research or join the winning Formula One autonomous vehicle team.
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Brand new facilities
All Computing courses are moving from Wheatley Campus to brand new, custom designed buildings at our main Headington site. These buildings are expected to open in September 2024, but as with any large-scale building project those timescales could change. You'll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and equipment including a VR cave, digital, computing and robotics labs, as well as social learning spaces, teaching rooms and cafe space.
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Accreditation(s)
The British Computer Society
Course details
Study modules
The modules listed below are for the master's award. For the PGDip and PGCert awards your module choices may be different. Please contact us for more details.
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Research
We have a vibrant and growing research community with a wide range of activities:
- model-driven system design
- empirical software engineering
- web technologies
- cloud computing and big data
- digital forensics
- computer vision.
Staff and students collaborate on projects supported by the EPSRC, the EU, the DTI, and several major UK companies. Our course design is informed by state-of-the-art research undertaken in the school.
Students on this course can be involved with research in the following research groups:
Careers
Our MSc Advanced Computer Science opens the door to specialised roles across various industries. Many of our alumni now hold job titles like:
- software developer
- project manager
- data analyst
- product engineer
- IT manager.
Across the course, we offer regular guest talks so you can discover more of the paths available to you and build connections to launch your career. Staff and students also collaborate on projects supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the European Union (EU), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and several major UK companies, where you may be able to meet potential employers.
We’ll encourage you to get involved in our research. It enhances your employability and can launch your academic career towards a research PhD or another specialised master’s. Our current research areas currently include:
- model-driven system design
- empirical software engineering
- web technologies
- cloud computing and big data
- digital forensics
- computer vision.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
To join this course you'll need a 2:2 UK bachelor's degree in a computer-related subject. Those without a computing degree, but have worked in the computing industry can also be considered. If you have no experience or a degree in a computing related discipline then you should consider our MSc in Computing Science.
For entry onto the Postgraduate Certificate Research Project you should be able to provide evidence of experience in research and study methods at an appropriate level.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with 6.0 in all components.
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
International qualifications and equivalences
How to apply
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.
The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.
How and when to pay
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
- For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
- For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.
Optional costs
Additional costs | Amount (£) |
---|---|
It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required. Please note that a lot of the coursework is now submitted online. |
From £30 |
You may choose to purchase books to support your studies. Many books on our reading lists are available via the Library, or can be purchased secondhand. | £20-60 per book |
Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills) |
£94-265 per week |
Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs) |
£122-180 per week |
Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography. Gowns are not compulsory but typically students do hire robes, starting at £41. |
Typically £0-200 |
Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes. BrookesBus travel is subsidised for full-time undergraduate students that are on a course with a fee of £9,250 or more, or living in an Oxford Brookes hall of residence. There is an administration fee for the production of a BrookesKey. |
From £10 |
Funding your studies
Financial support and scholarships
Featured funding opportunities available for this course.
All financial support and scholarships
Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been
published on the website. For more information, please visit our
changes to programmes page.