Overview

The MSc Computing and Technology programme is designed specifically to enable you to update, extend and deepen your knowledge in computing and IT and wider digital leadership and technology subjects, in order to enhance and accelerate your career opportunities. By completing the MSc in Computing and Technology you will be able to demonstrate capabilities in the areas of the Computing and Digital Technology subject discipline.

This Masters programme has been designed in consultation with partners from the industry to ensure you learn up-to-date computing knowledge required by employers across the industry. Graduates from the programme will be equipped to work in a variety of careers in the IT industry or to progress to academic or research-orientated careers.

Key facts

  • Enhance your knowledge in the application of programming language, big data and software life cycle modelling
  • Learn how to develop an innovation strategy whilst assessing associated risks and innovation capabilities in an organisation
  • Develop your business intelligence and leadership capabilities
  • The Advanced Practice includes an Internship, Group Consultancy Project or Research Project, enhancing your employability with all-important work experience
  • Upon graduating, opt to further develop your skills and employability with Professional Pathways programmes through one of the UK’s leading IT and project management training providers, QA

What will I study?

The central theme of the programme is to develop you as digital leader, and in support of this throughout the programme you will engage in a range of modules designed to develop your competences in areas such as Digital Leadership, Information Governance and Cyber Security, Innovation in Business & Technology, Software Engineering and Database Analytics.

As you progress through the programme you will develop as a well-rounded and outward-looking professional capable of taking responsibility for, and effective leadership of, computing and technology projects and people, capable of making good decisions and improving the performance of yourself, your people, your areas of responsibility and your organisation.

The programme recognises that as a computing professional you are required to develop competencies in a range of specific computing techniques alongside softer skills in areas such as leadership, communication, problem solving and commercial reasoning. By successfully completing your programme you will have not only have demonstrated mastery of these skills but alongside the development of your personal practice your ability to impact personal and organisational performance. It is the combination of these factors that will advance your personal development and enhance your career opportunities.

The programme will cover the following languages:

  • Web Technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript
  • Object-Oriented Programming languages such as Java
  • Database and Data Analytics- SQL, MySQL, and data analytics software (e.g. Tableau, etc.)

How will I be taught and assessed?

  • Teaching is delivered through mix of lectures, workshops, labs, seminars and tutorials 10-12 hours per week
  • You’re expected to engage in independent study, around 30-32 hours per week
  • Assessment includes coursework, critical report writing, practical exercises, individual, group and research project work.
  • Taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry experience to demonstrate how theories translate into real-life situations.
  • Technology-enhanced learning is embedded throughout the course to guide your preparation for seminars and independent research
  • Benefit from weekly academic support sessions designed to build your ability and confidence as an academic learner
  • You will be assigned a guidance tutor at induction who you will meet with regularly during your studies

Careers and further study

This Masters programme has been designed to ensure that graduates from the programme will be equipped to work in a variety of careers in the IT industry or to progress to academic or research-orientated careers. The qualification is designed to accelerate your skills and competence in a range of job roles, including roles in leadership and management in IT, Software Engineer, Database Developer, Data Analyst, Information Security professional, Business Analyst, to name but a few.

Upon successfully completing your course, you may undertake further professional development and training through Professional Pathways programmes. These are offered to our graduates for free, from our partner, QA. Find out more about Professional Pathways and your eligibility.

Advanced Practice stage

The Advanced Practice version of this course offers you a valuable opportunity to secure a 12-15 week internship, Group Consultancy Project or complete a Research Project, giving you experience of the workplace environment or live computing issues, and an excellent way to put your learning into practice.

This stage of the programme will take place between your second and final semester, and is a semester long (15 weeks) in duration.

The full duration of your programme will depend on your start date:

  • September start dates: your programme will last up to 21 months. You will have a summer break after Semester 2, and commence your Advanced Practice stage in September.
  • January start dates: your programme will run for 24 months. You will commence your Advanced Practice stage in the following January. Please note there are two summer breaks included in this programme for those starting in January.
  • May start dates: your programme will run for 16-18 months. There is no summer break included in this programme for those starting in May. Your Advanced Practice stage will commence in January.

The programmes are structured as below:

Sept-Jan Jan-May May-Sept Sept-Jan Jan-May May-Sept Sept-Jan
September starts Semester 1 Semester 2 Summer break Advanced Practice stage Final semester
January starts Semester 1 Summer break Semester 2 Advanced Practice stage Summer break Final semester
May starts Semester 1 Semester 2 Advanced Practice stage Final semester

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  • 1 year MSc
  • Advanced Practice

Academic requirements

  • Minimum 2:2 (second class) honours degree from a UK university, or equivalent in any subject

English language requirements

  • IELTS 6.5 (or above) with no single element below 5.5 or equivalent.

If you don’t meet the academic requirements

Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but who do have substantial experience of working in a business organisation and/or possess a relevant professional qualification will also be considered. If you are unsure if you meet the entry criteria, please contact us and our team will be able to advise you.

International entry equivalencies

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please visit our entry requirements page for country-specific qualifications.

Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.

Masters Foundation programme

Alternatively, you may also be eligible for one of our Pre-Masters courses. These are pathway programmes designed specifically for students who require additional support to meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.

Pre-Sessional English and Study Skills

If you have IELTS 5.5 – 6.0, you may be eligible to join our Pre-Sessional English before starting this programme. This programme will help you develop language skills in a content-based approach to learning involving critical thinking, questioning, discussion, reflection and analysis.

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All modules on this course are core and 20 credits unless otherwise stated.

In this module, you will learn about the information governance and cyber security principles that underpin the management of an organisation’s information assets. You will critically analyse the key concepts, theories, standards and frameworks of information governance and security, including risk management.

It will enable you to evaluate an organisation’s current approach to information governance and cyber security. You will have the expertise to advise on the design and implementation of an appropriate strategy for managing an organisation’s information (ensuring all assets meet legal, regulatory, organisational and/or societal needs for information governance and cybersecurity).

In this module, you will develop new knowledge and skills in leadership in a digital context. You will conduct a self-analysis of your own leadership and team management competencies and identify strengthens and areas of improvement.

Leadership and team management capabilities are essential for your career development. They enable you to become competent at the visioning, development and deployment of technological strategies and responses to challenges and opportunities in complex operating environments.

In this module, you will develop new knowledge and skills in Software Engineering, apply them, and critically analyse the implementation and recommend potential future improvements. Such knowledge and skills are particularly beneficial for a career in roles where you are required to architect, develop and deliver complex software systems from agreed specifications by employing industry-standard conventions and tools.

In this module, you will develop new knowledge and skills in data analytics, apply them in your own context, critically analyse the implementation and recommend potential future improvements. Such knowledge and skills are particularly beneficial for a career in areas such as business analytics, business intelligence, data analytics and data science.

In this module, you will develop new knowledge and skills in Managing Technology Innovation, apply them and critically analyse how innovation in its various forms affect business competitiveness and recommend potential future improvements. This module prepares technologists and specialists to be innovators within their own organisation, enabling them to contribute or lead future internal transformation or entrepreneurial initiatives.

This module is designed to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to complete a postgraduate research project which is relevant to Computing and Technology and career or future aspirations. As such, in the early part of your studies, you will work closely with careers and professional development specialists to consider your career or future learning opportunities post completion of your degree. You will subsequently develop a career plan and reflective log considering how your learning from the programme can accelerate the achievement of this plan.

The aim of this module is to support your study, language and communication skills for academic purposes in the study in your chosen discipline. The module is designed to enable you to become an independent learner. The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan which outlines the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading. Interactive seminars will be tailored to address some of the specific issues that you meet within your discipline. Directed learning will require a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the e-learning platform. You will be expected to identify those skills which you need within your programme, and to develop these independently through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading and reflection.

The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake a substantial academic research project at Masters level and present the results from this work in both written and oral forms. Your project itself will be a major piece of independent and original research centred at the forefront of your programme discipline within the wider sphere of the computer science and digital technologies field.

You will experience the full life cycle of a research project from initial conception and development of a research proposal, through a critical review of the literature, planning, design, implementation and analysis of your main research project, to final evaluation, reflection and dissemination. You will be expected to consider and address the professional, ethical, legal and social issues related to this academic research project. You will also be expected to apply your expertise, project management and practical skills within your particular domain of computer science and digital technologies and demonstrate critical and innovative thinking and problem-solving within a research environment.

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The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

Tuition fees 2024/25

  • UK/Home: £10,460
  • International students: £19,750

Tuition fee 2025/26

  • UK/Home students: £11,000
  • International students: £20,950

Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

The modules you will study do not require you to purchase additional textbooks although we recommend you allow an additional £200-250 for the duration of your studies should you choose to purchase any additional reading materials.

Information for international students

Northumbria University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.

Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.

  • Contact time in class – typically in lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • Access to facilities, including computers, on-campus Wi-Fi, printers, vending machines, quiet study spaces
  • The support of our Careers & Employment Service who help you to become more employable, secure placements and run workshops
  • Academic support – our ACE Team run multiple sessions on academic writing, presenting, exam techniques throughout the semester, as well as 1-2-1 appointments and drop-in sessions
  • Student support services such as our Ask4Help Service. Find out more about the services available to you on our Student Support page
  • Access to online resources, including 24/ 7 Library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

Scholarships and bursaries for international students

Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying the MSc Computing and Technology programme.

All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.

London Cost of Living Bursary

Eligible international students will receive an automatic bursary for £1,334, covering one month’s living costs in London*, applied at the Conditional Offer as a fee discount. This bursary is effective for intakes in January 2025 and May 2025. This offer excludes Pre-sessional English, standalone Graduate Certificate programmes and sponsored applicants.

If you receive this bursary, you may still be eligible for additional bursaries and scholarships, these will be confirmed at the Unconditional Offer stage. Full maintenance costs still need to be evidenced when applying for your visa.

This bursary is only available for international students from specific countries. Please visit our Scholarships page for more information.

*As defined by UKVI

Scholarships and bursaries

Payment plans for self-funded students

If you need support to spread the cost of your tuition, you may be eligible for our payment plan.

Payment plans

Government Loan for Masters study

If you are a UK or Home student, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,000+ from the UK Government. Click here to find out more about the loan and whether you are eligible to receive it.

Postgraduate Loan

How to find out more

Enquire now to find out more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.

Enquire now

How to apply

Once you’re ready to apply, you can apply online to study the 1 year MSc Computing and Technology. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.

Please note: For 2025 applications you will be redirected to the Northumbria website to select which intake you would like to apply for.

Apply for 2025
Apply for the 1 year MSc
Apply for Pre-Masters + 1 year MSc

 

We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your programme. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.

You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.

Information For Disabled Applicants

At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.

 

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  • 1 year MSc
  • Advanced Practice

1 year MSc

Level of study:

Postgraduate

2024/25 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £10,460
International Fee: £19,750

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent in any subject

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5, with no single element below than 5.5, or equivalent

Mode of study:

Full-time classroom

Duration:

1 year (up to 2 years with advanced practice)

Assessment methods:

Coursework

Scholarship or bursaries:

Available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, May, September

Advanced Practice

Level of study:

Postgraduate

2024/25 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £13,460
International Fee: £22,750

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5, with no single element below 5.5 or equivalent

Mode of study:

Advanced practice

Duration:

16 - 24 months

Assessment methods:

Coursework

Scholarship or bursaries:

Not available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, May, September

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