Computing MSc

Students working on computers
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Computing

Deepen your understanding and knowledge of computer science to prepare for a career in the computing industry.

Deepen your understanding and knowledge of computer science to prepare for a career in the computing industry

Explore major programming languages and paradigms alongside management techniques

Join in the development of a large software project and build your problem solving skills

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MSc

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    September 2025

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £23,400 Home

    • £43,800 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

Minimum entry standard

  • First-class degree in any subject outside computing or computer science

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Undertake intensive training in computer science and acquire the core computing skills needed for a career in the computer industry.

Suitable for graduates of disciplines other than computing, this one-year programme is tailored towards those looking to add computing qualifications to their portfolio. It's also suitable if you're looking to retrain in IT or prepare for further PhD study.

This course will help you acquire practical skills in basic and specialised topics in computing. You'll also explore the major paradigms of programming – declarative, imperative and object oriented.

A major focus of your studies will be developing a large software project. You'll also apply your course knowledge on an extended individual project.

This work will help improve your competency in group cooperation, literature search, technical presentation and report writing.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take all of these core modules:

Core modules

You must choose five elective modules: either zero or one from Group A; either zero or one from Group B; and either three or four from Group C.

Group A

Group B

Group C

Demonstrate independence and originality on a substantial and individual project culminating in a dissertation and oral presentation.

Over the final 5 months of your degree you will put into practice some of the techniques that you have learned throughout the course.

The idea for your project may be a proposal from a member of staff, or your own, or a combination of the two.

 

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Taught
  • Independent study

  • 20% Taught
  • 80% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Practical work
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project work
  • A person studying independently
    Independent reading
  • Lab work
  • Individual research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Assessed coursework
  • Examinations (practical and written)
  • Individual project

  • 20% Assessed coursework
  • 36% Examinations (practical and written)
  • 44% Individual project

Assessment methods

  • A person completing a written exam
    Written exams
  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Papers from a written report
    Reports
  • Person making a presentation
    Presentations and demonstrations
  • Written assignments
  • Lab work
  • Dissertation
  • Oral presentations

Entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£23,400

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£43,800

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Computer screen with cog

Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for a computing career.

Chemistry research on computer screen

Consider this course if you're pursuing a career in industry, or if you're interested in a research career in academia or industry.

Computer monitor showing data

With an Imperial Computing degree, you'll be able to explore a variety of career opportunities.

Robotic arm

Graduates are sought after in roles such as application/web development, networking, AI, media, finance, robotics, and computer games.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other potential career paths include chip design, cyber security, data management, bio-medical systems and transport

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications