Master of Science in Computer Science
MSc CS
2 Years / BlendedAll UCU Study Centres (programme offered 70% online)Intakes: May & September
Overview
The Master of Science in Computer Science is a modular programme that comprehensively covers advanced topics in computer science and prepares students for advanced research in Computer Science and innovative application of computer science techniques to solve society problems.
Entry Requirements
- Bachelors degree in a STEM field (STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
Registration & Mode of Delivery
- Registration: All UCU Study Centres (programme offered 70% online).
- Mode of delivery: Blended (70% online).
A) MSc Computer Science Entry Requirements
- Applications may be submitted by students who attained at least a second-class lower Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines from a recognised higher institution.
- Students with a degree in any other discipline other than STEM disciplines, who have completed a postgraduate diploma in Data Science and Analytics, Computer Science, or Engineering with at least a second-class upper.
B) Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science Admission Requirements
- To qualify for admission, a candidate must fulfil the general UCU entry requirements for a Postgraduate Diploma, and in addition be a holder of either:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Information Technology/Systems, Computer/Software Engineering or Engineering or any other computing-related area; or other STEM-related degree from a recognised higher institution of learning with a strong background in computer programming and mathematics.
- Any other degree with evidence of having passed acceptable modules in mathematics, statistics, or computer programming.
- The minimum class of a bachelor’s degree is second class and above (or its equivalent) from a recognised University in a programme relevant to the programme applied for.
MSc Computer Science (Plans and Configurations)
- The MSCS programme is offered in two configurations (plans):
- Plan A: Master of Science in Computer Science by Research (extended, self-guided research project leading to a thesis; emphasis on independent research over taught instruction).
- Publication requirement for Plan A students: may be required to contribute to the Computer Science body of knowledge via either a journal paper accepted for publication in a reputable journal, or two conference publications in a related discipline.
- Plan B: Master of Science in Computer Science by Coursework and Project Report (at least 75% taught modules plus a short project/internship and project report).
Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (PGDCS)
- The PGD in Computer Science is a one-year programme (First-year milestone), embedded within MSc of Computer Science Programme.
- PGDCS is achieved upon successful completion of cross-cutting modules (15 credits), core modules (25 credits), and a Postgraduate Diploma project (5 credits).
- Within two years of completion, a PGDCS holder may apply to upgrade to MSc Computer Science by accumulating twenty-five (25) additional credits as guided by the Department of Computing and Technology.
- To upgrade to MSCS (Plan A), a PGDCS holder will undertake at least one year of independent research and MUST satisfy all requirements for MSCS Plan A; students may apply for exemption from relevant modules already passed during PGDCS.
Competencies to Obtain
Advanced software and systems design thinkingResearch methods, academic writing, and publication readinessApplied AI/data systems exposure for modern CS practiceSecurity, scalability, and performance considerations
Career Prospects
- Advanced software engineering roles
- Research and academia pathways
- Technical leadership and innovation roles